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December 3, 2025

Pre-Register for the NL Startup Competition 2026

At Upstream Festival, we’re not just about bringing together bold thinkers and changemakers — we’re about creating real opportunities for growth. That’s why we’re proud to host the NL Startup Competition.

The NL Startup Competition is a country-wide platform for high-potential startups in three critical sectors: Port & Maritime, Energy & Climate, and Health.

Startups can apply to compete in one of those tracks, and through a structured program – including workshops, pitch training, and mentorship – selected teams get to prepare for a live finale. The grand finale takes place at Upstream Festival, making it an integrated part of our broader mission: to build community, channel capital, and shine a spotlight on innovation. The Competition is more than just prize money. Finalists gain access to mentorship, exposure to investors and ecosystem experts, and a stage to pitch in front of a highly curated audience. Past winners have gone on to international opportunities. For instance, after winning in 2025, ExCulture was selected for the global Entrepreneurship World Cup Top 100.

At Upstream Festival, we aim to be more than an event – we’re building a launchpad. The NL Startup Competition is a tangible expression of that. By hosting this competition, we bring real impact, not just inspiration. It’s an engine for entrepreneurship, a spotlight for under-the-radar innovation, and a bridge between early-stage founders and the broader innovation ecosystem. It also perfectly aligns with our industry tracks: Port & Maritime, Energy & Climate, and Health.

You can pre-register here.

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