ACCELERATE IN THE NETHERLANDS PROGRAM
#PROTEIN EDITION
Meet the Dutch alternative protein ecosystem in just one day! Join our online matchmaking event and program.
ACCELERATE IN THE NETHERLANDS PROGRAM
#PROTEIN EDITION
Meet the Dutch alternative protein ecosystem in just one day! Join our online matchmaking event and program.
Are you a startup, scale-up, or SME with next-generation alternative protein solutions for the food industry? Do you want to grow faster? Then sign up for the ‘Accelerate in the Netherlands Program' #Protein Edition!
DEADLINE EXPIRED
Why accelerate in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a frontrunner in the protein transition and offers the ideal ecosystem for foreign companies to test, develop, and scale their innovative alternative protein solutions. By participating in our program you get the chance to connect with key experts in the Dutch market, funding opportunities, industrial and support facilities and leading food companies. This program is organized by the Invest in Holland network.
TOP 10 MARKET LEADERS
Production or R&D facilities of the top 10 global agrifood players are located in the Netherlands.
#1 AGRIFOOD UNIVERSITY
We accommodate Wageningen University and Research, the world’s No. 1 agrifood university.
€€€ LEADING INVESTOR
The Dutch ecosystem, supported by our government, is the leading investor in Agrifood.
2ND IN GLOBAL EXPORT
The Netherlands ranks second in agrifood exports, driven by advanced farming and food tech.
ACCELERATE IN THE NETHERLANDS PROGRAM
#PROTEIN EDITION
4 March 2025
ONLINE MATCHMAKING EVENT
*100 selected participants
8 & 9 APRIL 2025 AMSTERDAM
LIVE EVENT & FOLLOW-UP MEETINGS
*20 selected participants
APRIL - DECEMBER 2025
EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT PROGRAM BY INVEST IN HOLLAND
*10 selected participants
4 March
Online matchmaking event
To kick off the program, 100 foreign companies will be invited to participate in the online matchmaking event. A unique opportunity to meet all the experts in the protein transition in The Netherlands in just one day. We've lined up Dutch representatives from four areas of expertise that are eager to get to know and help your company.
Read more about our areas of expertise below to determine which experts you would prefer to meet!
Dutch Market and Ecosystem Experts
Our representatives have an overview of the entire Dutch protein ecosystem and play a central and connecting role within it. Based on your pitch deck (company, innovative solution, needs), they can quickly assess the opportunities available for your company in the Netherlands. Want to uncover tailored opportunities in the vibrant Dutch alternative protein landscape? Sign up for for an exclusive 1:1 session!
Including: Invest in Holland (and their partners)
Dutch Funding & Incentive Experts
Do you want to know more about the funding landscape in the Netherlands (€100K up to €50M)? Our experts will guide you through the funding landscape, providing personalized insights to identify the perfect funding opportunity for your company's unique needs. They have substantial knowledge of the Netherlands' funding landscape, including strategic subsidies, flexible loans, and game-changing investments. Sign up for an online 1:1 session to explore your Dutch growth potential.
Including: DSM-Firmenich, Pymwymic, ROM InWest, ...
Dutch R&D Facilities and Scale-up Experts
The experts in this area are representatives of the Netherlands' best R&D and scale-up facilities within the protein ecosystem. Are you curious about the facilities available to support your research, development, and scaling efforts? Sign for an exclusive 1:1 session learn more about the various resources at your disposal, including pilot plants, well-equipped laboratories, and collaborative innovation hubs.
Including: Wageningen Campus, Planet B.io, Nizo, Schouten ...
Dutch Leading Food Companies
The Netherlands leads the global alternative protein revolution, attracting industry titans and innovative scale-ups to its thriving food ecosystem. Explore collaborations with top food companies from the Netherlands by signing up for a 1:1 session at our online matchmaking event. Gain invaluable insights from industry leaders and forge strategic relationships that could catapult your company's growth and innovation in the alternative protein sector.
Including: LIVEKINDLY Collective, Getinge, Kramers Seafood, ...
8 & 9 April, Amsterdam
LIVE EVENT AND FOLLOW-UP MEETINGS
After the online matchmaking event, a select group of 20 foreign companies will be invited for the amazing Plant FWD conference, to connect with industry leaders, investors, facility partners and peers -> read more
May - December 2025
EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Up to 10 companies will be chosen for this exclusive program by Invest in Holland. You can expect: tailored, high-level support, access to leading Dutch corporates and expert guidance to navigate the process of establishing your business in the Netherlands -> read more
8 & 9 April, Amsterdam
LIVE EVENT AND FOLLOW-UP MEETINGS
After the online matchmaking event, a select group of 20 foreign companies will be invited for the amazing Plant FWD conference, to connect with industry leaders, investors, facility partners and peers -> read more
May - December 2025
EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Up to 10 companies will be chosen for this exclusive program by Invest in Holland. You can expect: tailored, high-level support, access to leading Dutch corporates and expert guidance to navigate the process of establishing your business in the Netherlands -> read more
A word from our partners:
"Many international organizations have settled in the Netherlands to accelerate the Protein Transition. We are eager to share with others why it's the ideal place and encourage them to follow their example."
~ Minke Burgers, Program Manager
"AXON aims to provide clarity on the regulatory pathways for innovative food products, thereby hopefully contributing to attracting further food innovation for the EU and the Netherlands in particular"
~ Karin Verzijden, Lawyer
"The Protein Brewery is very much looking forward to partcipating in and contributing to the Accelerate in the Netherlands program. We are keen to meet new players in the innovative protein space"
~ Jan Hendrik van Gilst, CFO
Questions? Find your answers here!
How can I participate?
- More information about the process and the program can be found here
- You can also sign up and register directly via this sign up form
- Make sure to register before the deadline on January 28th 2025, 5:00PM CET
Who can participate?
The Accelerate in Holland Protein Edition call is meant for foreign startups, scale-ups and SMEs (10+ FTE) that are ready for the first or next step in international expansion.
Are there participation costs involved?
- The participation in the online matchmaking event is completely free of charge, including registration and attendance.
- If your company is selected for the follow-up live event in Amsterdam, you will receive complimentary tickets valued at €529 (an a discount for a co-founder), but you will need to cover your own travel and accommodation expenses.
- The subsequent individual support program is also offered at no cost, though once again, any expenses related to travel, accommodation, or establishing a presence in the Netherlands will be your responsibility.
How likely am I to be invited to the Online Matchmaking Event?
The final invitations depend on the quality and quantity of the submissions. A maximum of 100 companies can participate in the online matchmaking event. In similar events, 60 to 80% of the registered companies are invited to participate. So seize your opportunity!
What does the process look like after I upload a pitch document?
After you have uploaded your pitch document you will receive a confirmation of receipt by email. If you have not received this, please contact us at info@starthubs.co as soon as possible and before the deadline of this call
After the deadline (January 28th 2025 at 17.00 GMT+1), representatives and experts from the Accelerate in Holland program will evaluate the submissions and assess whether they are able to help you. In that case, they will likely invite you to the matchmaking event to get acquainted.
On February 18th 2025 it will be announced who will be invited to the Online Matchmaking Event, which will take place on March 4th 2025 (mark that day in your agenda!).
If I submit a pitch, what happens to that information?
After submitting a pitch, you will receive a confirmation email stating it was successfully received. The information is securely stored in Starthubs' review system.
Be aware that your pitch will be reviewed by representatives and experts form the partner organisations of this call and may be shared with others/colleagues. So keep IP sensitive unique (technical) details out of your pitch, keep it a secret that you can share later.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Ask them via the Q&A module on the sign up page. Still have questions? Reach out to our Program Manager Maaike van Lynden: info@nfia.nl.