ASC is an annual program aimed at accelerating the most promising academic ventures from Dutch universities, research institutes, and applied science institutions. It seeks to fast-track the growth of ambitious founders by refining their focus and opening new opportunities.
ASC 24/25 consists of four rounds. The first three are themed elimination rounds where startups receive expert support, feedback, and networking opportunities tailored to each round’s focus. Startups that make it to the fourth round are the ultimate winners of ASC and will embark on an intensive ecosystem immersion trip to the USA.
- Round 1: Impact Potential – Startups will engage with experts to evaluate their scientific innovation and the strength of their Impact Potential.
- Round 2: Team Power- Startups will assess their team’s experience, expertise, and network, and address any gaps they need to fill.
- Round 3: Execution Ability – This round focuses on strategy, business planning, and market access, with startups developing actionable plans.
- Round 4: USA Expoloration Trip – The top 10 startups will travel to the USA to experience the entrepreneurial mindset and expand their networks.
Startups can only enter the application process if they are recommended by one of our partner institutes. Each institute will receive a nomination sheet to put forward their top 5 most impactful academic startups that would benefit the most from the program.
After the nomination process we will approach these startups to invite them to apply for this year’s edition.
Startups can only apply to the program if they are recommended by one of our partner institutes. Each institute is provided with a nomination sheet to submit their top 5 most impactful academic startups that would gain the most from participating in the program.
Following the nomination process, we will reach out to these startups and invite them to apply for this year’s edition.
Are you eager to sign up and your startup meets the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to contact these institutes directly to secure a nomination!
To find out how to get in touch with them, click the GET NOMINATED button and locate your affiliated institution nearby.
For the ASC we have seven main selection criteria.
- You are a registered commercial or impact startup originated from scientific knowledge connected to Dutch Universities, University Medical Centers or Research Institutes.
- Your startup is either within 6 months before incorporation or within 3 years after incorporation and has secured initial funding.
- Based on a new technology, a scientific discovery, a complex engineering process or a new disruptive systemic process with potential for global impact.
- Addressing an industrial, societal or environmental unmet need or creating a new market within the 5 defined domains.
- Consisting of a team of at least 2 members, including at least one full-time founder
- Not a subsidiary or spin-off of an existing company.
- Your startup has not won the Academic Startup Competition Award in previous editions.
If you have any questions about the programme or candidate requirements, feel free to contact natasja@techleap.nl for more information.
By submitting your application you confirm your availability for:
17 JANUARY: Kick-off & Start round 1
10 FEBRUARY: Pitchday round 1 & Start round 2 (when selected)
6 MARCH: Pitchday round 2 & Start round 3 (when selected)
2 APRIL: Pitchday round 3
16+17 APRIL: Preparations USA Trip (when selected)
17-24 MAY: USA Exploration Trip
5 JUNE: Closing Event
ASC is a highly competitive program designed to fast-track the most promising academic ventures. Its goal is to accelerate the growth of ambitious founders by providing clear direction on where to focus and unlocking previously inaccessible opportunities.
Each round begins with an inspiring event where startups delve into a new topic, guided by seasoned founders, scientists, industry experts, and investors. Following this, teams collaborate within their clusters to tackle critical challenges in intellectual property, execution ability, and team dynamics, supported by expert advisory lines.
The top 10 teams are rewarded with an eye-opening discovery trip to the USA, where they connect with Silicon Valley’s leading entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders through ScaleNL.
In the Academic Startup Competition, our primary focus is on startups offering solutions within one of five key impact areas.
- Transition in Healthcare & Wellbeing
- Transition in Agriculture Food and Water
- Building New, Clean & Sustainable Industries
- Energy transition
- Towards an Equal, Diverse, Inclusive & Secure Society
However, the competition itself will not concentrate on any specific domain. We will provide support on topics relevant to all founders, regardless of your focus area.
In general Dutch Universities, Dutch University Medical Centres, or other established research institutes. You cannot be a spin-off of an established commercial company.
Once a company has won (meaning has gotten through the selection process and entered the actual support program) of a prior Academic Startup competition award, they will not be allowed to compete in future competitions using the same company. Were you excluded in previous years during the selection period or did you win but founded a new startup? Then you may participate in future competitions.
Click here to find the Terms & Conditions for this Academic Startup Competition.