At the crossroads of Europe's most connected cities, Amsterdam's startup ecosystem offers a fertile ground for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their ideas into reality. Amsterdam has evolved as a hub for entrepreneurial activity, attracting both local talent and foreign entrepreneurs looking to carve out a position in the ever-changing world of business. With a rich tapestry of resources ranging from world-class colleges producing top-tier talent to a helpful network of investors and mentors, the city creates an excellent environment for startups to thrive.
The presence of a strong ecosystem of business incubators and accelerators is one of the primary drivers of startup success in Amsterdam. With that said, in this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Amsterdam's startup incubators and accelerators. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation', 'launch', or 'growth' stages, so whichever stage you're in, you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN AMSTERDAM
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Amsterdam
Full list of ideation-stage startup incubators in Amsterdam:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AI, Female-specific
The Female Switch program is an innovative educational role-playing game designed to skill up future female tech leaders and empower them to create innovative and resilient tech startups. This program offers a practical approach through gamification, providing a personalized educational track made especially for women, co-building opportunities within a community, interaction, and feedback. Participants not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, such as using digital tools to create a website for their startup, all within the game. By joining the program, aspiring female entrepreneurs have the opportunity to build and market their first startup, learn new skills, and meet like-minded entrepreneurial women while playing the browser-based startup simulator. The program's unique approach, focus on empowering women in tech, and practical guidance make it an invaluable resource for women looking to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey in Amsterdam.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Cultural & Creative
The Art-up Incubator program is a pioneering initiative that supports innovation within cultural organizations by providing workshops, training, coaching, and collaboration opportunities to cultural entrepreneurs. This program seeks to identify development and growth opportunities within the cultural sector and assist startups with specialist expertise. By participating in the program, cultural entrepreneurs gain access to a broad network of peers and experts, thereby fostering fresh and innovative thinking within the sector and society at large.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Demonstrator Lab program serves as an academic pre-incubator environment that fosters an entrepreneurial culture by providing a learning-by-doing entrepreneurship laboratory open to students and staff members. Its primary objective is to assist in turning innovative ideas into tangible products or services, encouraging research-driven innovation, and providing a platform for honing entrepreneurial concepts at no cost. The program offers active involvement in the research community, access to a wide range of facilities in research and product development, and comprehensive support spanning from idea formation to prototype development.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The DNNL Launchpad program is a transformative initiative designed to accelerate the growth of startups by providing a 12-week pre-accelerator program aimed at equipping founders with essential entrepreneurial skills. By offering tailored support, live expert days, financial clinics, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities, the program aims to unlock the full potential in founders and empower them to create businesses ready for scale. With a focus on fostering diversity and inclusion, DNNL Launchpad provides a unique and tailor-made program to accelerate the growth of startups from all backgrounds, ultimately aiming to impact thousands and bring about positive change.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic, Female-specific
The New Female Leaders Accelerator program is an innovative initiative designed to empower aspiring female leaders by providing a comprehensive six-month blended learning program. This program aims to equip women with cutting-edge business knowledge and a resilient mindset, facilitating career transitions and professional acceleration in a supportive and inclusive environment. The program offers a range of workshops, including team building, agility and change management, and negotiation, to enhance participants' leadership skills and foster a sense of belonging and psychological safety within the team. By offering sparring partners, tools for career transitions, and access to a unique modular program that fits into busy schedules, the New Female Leaders Accelerator program seeks to drive the success of female professionals and facilitate their journey towards leadership roles, making it an invaluable resource for aspiring female leaders in Amsterdam.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Social Impact
The PGE Incubator program is a pioneering 10-week initiative designed for social entrepreneurs aiming to apply Post Growth Entrepreneurship to their startups. It provides a supportive environment for startups in their early stages, focusing on teaching founders how to bootstrap their businesses from customer revenue without relying on investors, thus promoting non-extractive and not-for-profit business models. The program offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to build businesses that use entity forms like foundations and Steward Ownership, promoting cross-subsidizing charity with businesses and offering an alternative for founders who want to bring their activist, artistic, and spiritual business ideas to life without conforming to traditional commercial startup models. With a deep focus on creating more success stories and role models in post-growth entrepreneurship, the PGE Incubator aims to bridge the gap between Post Growth Economic theory and actual entrepreneurship by providing a supportive community, resources, and a handbook for building post-growth businesses, ultimately contributing to the development of a robust post-growth entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: UrbanTech
The AMS Startup Booster program is an early-stage incubator designed to nurture and develop urban-tech startups focused on addressing metropolitan challenges and enhancing city life. Lasting for three months, the program provides more than 20 workshops and masterclasses, along with mentoring and coaching from industry experts to transform startup ideas into validated business models. With a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as market segmentation, customer discovery, and MVP design, the program also offers lifelong access to online entrepreneurship and pitching courses, office space, and makerspace, all cost and equity-free. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where teams showcase their business ideas and prototypes to a broad audience of experts, investors, and entrepreneurs, competing for a range of prizes including guidance on feasibility experiments, funding opportunities, and office space.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AI, Female-specific
Women in AI (WAI) is a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the AI field by supporting female-led or co-led startups utilizing AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science solutions. The program seeks to encourage more women to venture into the realm of AI and provides a well-paced platform for participants to network, refine their ideas, and gain entrepreneurial insights. With a mix of offline and online events, the platform offers education, mentoring, and guidance in developing viable business models while promoting ethical leadership and social impact. Furthermore, the program aims to eliminate potential biases in AI by advocating for diverse teams in algorithm, product, and business development. Through networking opportunities, strategic support, and mentorship, the program equips participants to accelerate their AI startups, and also provides access to a network of like-minded individuals, strategic guidance, and opportunities to pitch and present ideas to industry experts and investors. Ultimately, the Women in AI program serves as a catalyst for empowering female entrepreneurs in the AI field and fostering a more inclusive and impactful AI ecosystem in Amsterdam.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: BioTechnology, Sustainability
Open Kitchen Labs is a shared and fully facilitated lab space for startups in sustainability and biotechnology, located at Amsterdam Science Park. It offers a fully functional lab equipped with general laboratory glassware, bio-safety cabinets, and facilitated access to University infrastructure, providing startups with high-tech labs at startup prices. Additionally, the program provides daily assistance from the Lab manager, support with ordering lab supplies, and waste management services, as well as access to shared working spaces and community events for networking. With a strategic focus on research in sustainability and circularity, Open Kitchen Labs aims to provide startups with the necessary laboratory facilities, support, and networking opportunities to advance their research and business endeavors in Amsterdam.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Public Sector
The Startup in Residence program is a collaborative initiative led by the City of Amsterdam aimed at fostering innovation and cooperation among local entities and government organizations to enhance the city's sustainability. This program provides a platform for young, sustainable businesses, startups, scale-ups, SMEs, and social entrepreneurs to refine, pilot, and innovate their projects alongside partner companies. Over a six-month period, participants receive mentor-led training to enhance their business development skills and establish long-term partnerships. The program supports various startups addressing sustainability challenges, such as plastic pollution, circular procurement, waste management, city logistics, and sludge processing, by providing a conducive environment for refining their ideas and gaining expert advice within the city. Additionally, it offers opportunities for networking, collaboration, and access to the city's resources and expertise, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions and a greener future for Amsterdam.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder, Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Science & Technology
The Ace Incubator is aimed at nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs in the science and high-tech sectors, supporting them in transforming innovative ideas into successful companies. The 10-week program provides intensive mentoring, goal-setting, and networking events, connecting startups to experienced mentors, relevant service providers, and potential investors. Tailored for MSc students, graduates, researchers, and academics, the program equips participants with the knowledge and access to networks essential for running a successful company. With a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, the program does not take equity, instead requiring a modest percentage of revenue only if a certain revenue threshold is met. Furthermore, the program offers continued support for two years post-completion and facilitates access to a vibrant community of passionate founders from over 130 portfolio companies, making it an invaluable platform for ambitious science and high-tech entrepreneurs in Amsterdam.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Software
NEXT Startup Ventures is an accelerator and early stage investor dedicated to empowering software-driven startups that aim to solve real-world problems. The program supports committed teams through a hands-on approach, providing structure through battle-tested frameworks and tools of rapid experimentation and accounting for progress. By emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship and trusting the instincts of the founders, NEXT Startup Ventures pushes startups to validate their business models before seeking additional funding. The program offers expertise and expert support when needed, empowering entrepreneurs to make a positive impact on the world. . Overall, the program's objective is to assist startups in moving forward faster, capturing their learnings, and acting on them, ultimately empowering them to build successful and impactful businesses.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder, Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Founder Institute offers a structured and intensive four-month accelerator program designed to condense two years of work into a rigorous curriculum. It combines growth sprints, weekly feedback sessions, and aggressive milestones to help idea-stage and pre-seed founders reach the necessary milestones for investment and sustained growth. The program provides constant feedback and advice from experts, access to a global network of advisors, and opportunities for expanding the startup's network. Graduates of the program gain access to the Founder Institute Venture Network, connecting them with a diverse pool of investors actively funding pre-seed and seed-stage startups. The program's emphasis on active engagement with the market, valuable pitching sessions, and essential insights and tools for building a sustainable business model makes it a compelling platform for aspiring entrepreneurs in Amsterdam.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Amsterdam
Full list of launch stage startup incubators and accelerators in Amsterdam:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Forward Inc is an Amsterdam-based organization dedicated to enabling newcomers, particularly those with a refugee background, to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. The program offers a comprehensive four-month curriculum, jointly developed with the Amsterdam Centre for Entrepreneurship, to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in developing their business ideas, becoming pitch-ready, implementing marketing strategies, and scaling their businesses. The program provides access to a network of experts, investors, students, and coaches from various industries, serving as a bridge between business and societal cultures. Additionally, Forward Inc has a strong focus on empowering individuals to see their disadvantages as advantages, acknowledging and utilizing their strengths to compete in the work environment in the Netherlands. It has successfully supported numerous refugee-owned businesses, facilitating skills training leading to employment and raising over 1.7 million EUR in startup capital, highlighting its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: BioTechnology
Biotech Booster is a national initiative aimed at accelerating and improving the commercialization of biotechnology findings from academia and industry. Funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund, the program provides mentorship, financial support, and networking opportunities to guide founders from the idea stage to developing an investable/commercial proposition. It focuses on identifying promising developments at an early stage by supporting knowledge institutions with Business and Impact Developers, along with providing financing from an extremely early stage of product development. The program is structured into three levels, each aimed at different stages of project development, with the ultimate goal of fostering successful business ventures in the biotechnology sector. Additionally, the Biotech Booster program is divided into thematic clusters covering various fields of biotechnology, allowing for a wide range of biotech innovations to be supported and developed.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Fashion
Fashion for Good, based in Amsterdam, is a global initiative that aims to transform the fashion industry into a force for good through sustainable innovation and collaboration. The organization offers a range of resources, including expert research, reports, and tools to educate individuals and businesses on sustainable fashion innovations and technologies. Through its coworking space, Fashion for Good provides networking opportunities and a vibrant community for like-minded individuals and organizations working towards sustainable fashion. The program also offers funding, expertise, and three distinct programs for startups and businesses: the Accelerator, Scaling, and Good Fashion Fund. These programs aim to support and scale innovations and technologies within the apparel supply chain, providing startups with the necessary resources and expertise to grow and succeed in the sustainable fashion sector.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: No
Focus: Food & Beverage
Kitchen Republic is a unique platform in Amsterdam-West that serves as an incubator for startup and growing food concepts, offering valuable support and resources to food entrepreneurs. The program aims to smartly and efficiently organize artisanal food companies, providing them with the right contacts, industry updates, and accessible work, production, and meeting space. Kitchen Republic's mission is to showcase that food and beverage production can be tastier and more mindful, demonstrating this through a network of young food companies conducting business with boldness and cleverness. Moreover, the program extends its support through the provision of accessible workspaces, production facilities, and a collaborative community, empowering food startups to thrive and grow. Kitchen Republic also facilitates networking opportunities and hosts events to keep participants informed about the latest in the food industry.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Impact Hub Amsterdam is a dynamic platform dedicated to fostering impact, innovation, and entrepreneurship to future-proof startups, SMEs, and corporations. The organization offers a range of services to support businesses in innovating their models and accelerating the development of successful, impactful products and services. These services include innovation sourcing, accelerator programs, and the opportunity to build tailor-made entrepreneurship programs. Impact Hub Amsterdam aims to support businesses at crucial stages, from starting and growing to scaling, thereby increasing their impact in the Netherlands and beyond. Additionally, the platform emphasizes collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the transition to a new economy through various insights, trends, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Startupbootcamp is a renowned global network of industry-focused accelerators designed to empower ambitious founders and startups by providing them with invaluable access to an extensive international network of relevant partners, investors, and mentors. The program, spanning 20+ countries and over 150 programs including Amsterdam, aims to ensure startups thrive by offering direct support, expert guidance, and specialized resources tailored for global scaling and expansion. The program provides founders with hands-on support, expansive international network access, and specialized guidance to navigate common pitfalls, setting their ventures on the fast track to success. With a strong focus on industry-specific accelerators and a proven track record of empowering startups, Startupbootcamp is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of startups and ensuring their unprecedented growth and success.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: MusicTech
Music Tech Accelerator is a specialized initiative aimed at nurturing pre-revenue music tech startups by providing them with comprehensive coaching, assistance in securing investments, developing products, and scaling their businesses. This accelerator is designed to empower music technology startups with the necessary resources and expertise to thrive in the industry. Through this program, startup teams with solid ideas benefit from invaluable support, including mentorship, access to potential clients, and guidance in product development.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Spirit of Enterprise is a unique 12-week, part-time program designed to develop the best founding teams to bring their ideas to market. The program offers personal and team development, simulating real-world environments to test and form founding teams, and guarantees pre-seed funding at the end of the journey. It fosters an environment where individuals learn to be brave, think differently, and question viewpoints, supported by leading entrepreneurs and business experts. The program is accessible to everyone, regardless of professional background, age, gender, or socio-economic status, and aims to support participants in developing the skills, knowledge, and strengths needed to be part of a successful founding team. The initiative also encourages networking and collaboration, facilitating community events and gatherings to connect individuals who aspire to start impactful businesses.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Johan Cruijff ArenA has established an extensive program focused on social responsibility, sustainability, and innovation, aiming to contribute to equal opportunities and a pleasant living environment for all. The program emphasizes its commitment to creating a sustainable and innovative environment, offering unique opportunities for startups and partners to develop and test innovations in areas such as safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Additionally, the arena actively supports work and training initiatives, such as the 1,000 job plan, tech training for young people, and facilitating opportunities for students to gain practical experience. The Johan Cruijff ArenA program stands as a beacon for startups and partners looking to contribute to a sustainable, smart, and inclusive future, making it an invaluable platform for startups in Amsterdam.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Smart Cities, FinTech, InsurTech, Digital Identity
Plug and Play Amsterdam serves as an open innovation platform, connecting startups with global corporations to foster innovation worldwide. By offering tailored services adapted to the needs of corporate partners, the program facilitates efficient solutions to business challenges. Additionally, it provides startups with first-hand access to the ecosystem, enabling them to connect with corporate partners, gain visibility, and access numerous innovation-focused events. Through pilot-oriented acceleration programs, the platform aims to offer startups increased visibility and opportunities for collaboration with corporations. Notably, all services for startups are provided free of charge, without taking equity or charging fees, ensuring an inclusive and accessible environment for all startups to participate in activities and benefit from the extensive resources and opportunities provided by Plug and Play.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The AWS Startup Loft Accelerator is a 10-week virtual program that offers startups tailored technical and business expertise, mentoring, and a supportive community of innovative entrepreneurs. With a strong focus on AI and cloud-based solutions, the program provides startups with two training tracks, access to a pool of 60 mentors, and a rich library of tailored content. Additionally, startups have the opportunity to join the AWS Activate program, receiving up to $25,000 in AWS service credits and a one-year free AWS Business Support subscription. The program also facilitates connections with a network of over 100 venture capitalists, offering introductions to specific companies.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Techstars is a highly sought-after 3-month accelerator aimed at providing early-stage companies with invaluable mentorship, a robust network of investors, corporate partners, and alumni, as well as access to substantial funding opportunities. The program's primary goal is to help entrepreneurs succeed by offering access to financial, human, and intellectual capital, along with lifetime access to the extensive Techstars worldwide network. Additionally, participating startups benefit from over $400k worth of cash equivalent hosting, accounting, legal support, and other perks, while also gaining exposure at Demo Day, where they can showcase their progress to a wide array of potential investors. With a proven track record of building successful companies worldwide, the Techstars program in Amsterdam is dedicated to providing startups with the resources and support needed to accelerate their growth and secure significant funding post-program.
Growth Stage Startup Accelerators in Amsterdam
Full list of growth stage startup accelerators in Amsterdam:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: eCommerce
Econnections is an impactful accelerator program in Amsterdam focused on accelerating sustainability in the ecommerce sector. The initiative is dedicated to generating 500 million sustainable online purchases by 2026, aiming to reduce the ecological footprint of the ecommerce industry. The program empowers scaleups by providing tailored support to address urgent business challenges and facilitates connections with an ecosystem of experts, innovators, and potential customers. Econnections is designed to help scaleups professionalize their organizations and scale faster in just 5 months, offering them the opportunity to be matched with ecommerce partners for initiating pilot projects. The program's focus areas include reducing packaging material, promoting efficient deliveries, and facilitating easy repair, recycling, and resale for extended product lifecycle.
Who is it for: Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Martech, Commerce, Tech, Ad Tech
Collider Accelerator is a dynamic initiative focused on supercharging later-stage startups in martech, commerce tech, and ad tech. With a strong emphasis on professionalizing, internationalizing, and preparing startups for their first significant VC round, the program offers a tailored "Crack Team" to work directly with startups, providing expertise in strategy, customer validation, sales, marketing, and operations. Additionally, the program invests in startups to accelerate their growth and facilitates connections with a network of angel investors, brands, experts, and other startups.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Business Accelerator program in Amsterdam, known as the "Scaleup Bootcamp," is designed to provide startups with the essential tools and strategies to achieve exponential growth and scalable success. Led by seasoned industry experts, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as commercial readiness, investor acceleration, and establishing a thriving business. With a focus on fostering a growth-oriented mindset and delivering practical insights for marketing, organization, continuous innovation, and financing, the program equips participants with the necessary skills to elevate their businesses. It also provides access to a network of mentors, partners, and potential investors, culminating in the Impact Day event where founders can pitch and present their startups to a tailored audience. The program aims to de-risk startups and enhance their investor readiness while offering support throughout the business lifecycle, ultimately empowering participants to realize their full potential and achieve substantial growth.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The ScaleUp Company is a vital initiative within the city's extensive ecosystem that aims to provide startups and scale-ups with the necessary support to flourish and contribute to societal and economic growth. This program is dedicated to fostering the growth of businesses by facilitating access to an array of resources, including government funding, mentoring, and valuable networks. By leveraging the extensive ecosystem of startups, incubators, accelerators, and corporates, the program aims to provide startups with the necessary tools and connections to thrive. Furthermore, Amsterdam's commitment to creating a fertile ground for innovative, sustainable, and inclusive solutions for societal and urban challenges underscores the program's dedication to driving impactful, profitable businesses. The ScaleUp Company program acts as a catalyst for startups and scale-ups, offering a conducive environment for growth and innovation in the vibrant city of Amsterdam.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's startup scene provides an appealing combination of opportunity, variety, and assistance for budding entrepreneurs. Whether you're drawn to the city's lively culture, want access to a plethora of resources, or want to connect with a flourishing network of innovators, joining a startup incubator or accelerator in Amsterdam might be the catalyst that drives your startup to new heights.