By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
PreferencesDenyAccept
Privacy Preference Center
When you visit websites, they may store or retrieve data in your browser. This storage is often necessary for the basic functionality of the website. The storage may be used for marketing, analytics, and personalization of the site, such as storing your preferences. Privacy is important to us, so you have the option of disabling certain types of storage that may not be necessary for the basic functioning of the website. Blocking categories may impact your experience on the website.
Reject all cookiesAllow all cookies
Manage Consent Preferences by Category
Essential
Always Active
These items are required to enable basic website functionality.
Marketing
These items are used to deliver advertising that is more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Advertising networks usually place them with the website operator’s permission.
Personalization
These items allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language, or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. For example, a website may provide you with local weather reports or traffic news by storing data about your current location.
Analytics
These items help the website operator understand how its website performs, how visitors interact with the site, and whether there may be technical issues. This storage type usually doesn’t collect information that identifies a visitor.
Save preferences
Program
No items found.
Speakers
No items found.
Speeddates
No items found.
Partners
No items found.
About
No items found.
Updates
No items found.
Tickets
View full video
Rotterdam
Van Nelle Fabriek
21.05.2026
Tickets
Tickets

Connecting startups, capital and opportunities

Upstream is where early-stage startups find capital and opportunities. Founders and investors are invited to join us to spark growth through funding opportunities, strategic partnerships and peer-learning. At the upcoming edition, Upstream brings in some special focus on three industry tracks being, Port & Maritime, Health, and Climate & Energy, while continuing to welcome innovations from all sectors. Whether you’re raising, investing, or looking to connect with peers, this community-driven festival is your gateway to meaningful connections. Save the date: May 21, 2026.

PRE-REGISTER NOW

Impact report 2025

Discover the key insights and outcomes of Upstream 2025, held from May 21-22 in Rotterdam. This comprehensive report highlights the event's significant contributions to sustainable economic growth and innovation. Featuring detailed metrics on attendance, diversity, and economic impact, the report provides a thorough analysis of how Upstream 2025 connected entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the world. Download now to explore the full impact and success of this transformative event.
Download full Impact report

This was Upstream 2025

3000+

attendees

You connected with over 3000 change makers who drive the transition to a digital, carbon neutral, circular and inclusive economy. Want to be one of them? Sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date

Community

driven

You joined a variety of side events that took place over several days and include partner-created sessions on three key topics: access to capital, markets and talent.

28

speakers

We hosted 28 inspirational talks by leading experts, founders and artists.

Speakers

Check out the speakers of previous Upstream Festivals.

View more speakers
André Kuipers
Astronaut
Clare Jones
CEO Polarsteps
Constantijn van Oranje Nassau
Special Envoy Techleap
Evelien Bunnik-Remmelts
Co-founder Whoppah
Duncan Stutterheim
Co-founder ID&T
Elise de Reus
Co-Founder Cradle
Diederik Gommers
Professor Intensive Care Medicine Erasmus MC
Hannah Prins
Climate activist Extinction Rebellion
Want to get notified when speakers for 2026 are announced? Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know.
View more speakers

Why attend?

Founders

  • Connect with other founders
  • Meet investors
  • Grow and scale your business

Investors

  • Find new deals
  • Meet (co-)investors
  • Showcase your expertise

Change Makers

  • Meet curated startups
  • Learn from other innovators
  • Highlight your impact

Program

Our founder-focused program consists of carefully chosen speakers, active workshops, speed dating and engineered serendipity. And you can enjoy the best of what our Dutch ecosystem has to offer at official side events. Upstream provides the space to thrive and build companies that change the world for the better.

PRe-Register for Upstream 2026

Updates

View all updates
October 15, 2025

Transforming Carbon Footprint: Insights from Marta Sjögren's Fireside Chat at Upstream Festival

In a recent fireside chat at Upstream Festival, Marta Sjögren, co-founder and co-CEO of Paebbl, shared her unique insights on sustainability and the innovative solutions her company is developing to combat climate change.

Read more
October 1, 2025

Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025

The GSER 2025, now in its 13th year, provides a comprehensive analysis of global startup ecosystems, drawing insights from 5 million startups across 350+ ecosystems and over a decade of research.

Read more
September 17, 2025

South Holland: A startup powerhouse

The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Index 2025 confirms what founders and investors already know: South Holland is one of the most powerful startup regions in the Netherlands.

Read more
View all updates

View gallery

Catch a glimpse of previous Upstream Festival editions or check out all the photos of previous editions.

2025

View photos

2024

View photos

2023

View photos

2022

View photos

2021

View photos

Partners

Meet our partners of 2025 driving Upstream forward. Want to join forces with us and become a partner in 2026?
Become a partner 2026
Main Partners
Program Partners