Northern Netherlands partners with startups to tackle societal challenges
  • Partnerships

Northern Netherlands partners with startups to tackle societal challenges

Registration for the third edition of Startup in Residence Northern Netherlands has started. This means that young companies can once again work together with public institutions and organizations on innovative solutions to various societal challenges. For example, in the field of nitrogen emissions, charging infrastructure or local food production and consumption. Entrepreneurs can apply for the program until March 1.

Startup in Residence offers startups the opportunity to actively collaborate for six months with the municipalities of Groningen and Westerkwartier, Groningen-Assen Region, Groningen Seaports, NHL Stenden, Campus Groningen, Biblionet Drenthe and the provinces of Fryslân, Drenthe and Groningen. During the program, entrepreneurs receive support and guidance from professional coaches to further develop their idea and prototype into a good product. The final solutions can also be purchased by the parties at the end of the program.

Northern cooperation

Founded in Groningen began in 2018 with the Startup in Residence Groningen program and expanded it in 2021 with Founded in Friesland to a Northern Netherlands edition. And with results: in 2021 and 2022, thirteen startups entered into the collaboration and the joint program led to multiple buy-ins. Plenty of reason to continue the scaled-up program.

"After successful previous participation in Startup in Residence, we are participating again this year with two cases. We think it's important to give young, innovative organizations a chance. This is good for the entire economy of the Northern Netherlands. I am curious which beautiful, innovative solutions we will soon be offered," said Friso Douwstra, deputy for Economic Affairs at the province of Fryslân.

Northern Netherlands partners with startups to tackle societal challenges

Twelve challenges

In total, the collaborating organizations have defined 12 "challenges" for which startups can apply. For example, the current transitions bring many challenges. For example, in the transition to circular agriculture, the municipality of Groningen notices that too little locally produced food is still consumed regionally. Or how do you prevent the nuisance of plant growth on Frisian waterways? And with the transition in mobility, the province of Drenthe is looking for a solution for the efficient charging of vehicles in the city of Assen.

"Startups are important for the development of the Northern Netherlands. They are important innovators of our economy. Putting issues we have as a province to this group creates a win-win situation. Startups get their first customer and we get an innovative solution to a social issue," shared Henk Brink, deputy with the province of Drenthe.

A comprehensive listing of all challenges is on Startup in Residence website. On Feb. 1, there will be an information session where the challenge owners will provide additional explanation and answer questions. Startups can apply until March 1. Selected startups will begin the program in May.

Partner Overview

Startup in Residence Northern Netherlands is an initiative of Founded in Groningen and Founded in Friesland, in cooperation with the municipalities of Groningen and Westerkwartier, Groningen-Assen Region, Groningen Seaports, NHL Stenden, Campus Groningen, Biblionet Drenthe and the provinces of Fryslân, Drenthe and Groningen. The collaboration program began as an initiative in Amsterdam to get startups and governments to work together in an innovative and equal way.