Do you have what it takes to be the next Dutch Tech Innovator?
The KPMG Global Tech Innovator is an annual competition to find and celebrate the most innovative tech companies around the globe that have the potential to leave a lasting and positive impact on the world. Kicking off with national competitions in 24 countries, the winners from each country will go on to compete in the global final which will take place in Lisbon later this year.
On 19 June 2024, we’re hosting the national competition for the Netherlands to find the next Dutch Tech Innovator. Think you have what it takes?
If you are a fast-growing startup or scaleup with a promising product or service and international ambitions, we invite you to pitch to our jury and compete to become the Dutch Tech Innovator. This is an opportunity to showcase your company and be recognized as one of the Netherlands' most exciting rising stars. Find out more about the application criteria below.
What’s in it for you?
6 companies will be selected to pitch in the Dutch competition on 19 June. If you’re selected as a finalist, you’ll get:
- Recognition and exposure as one of the rising stars of the Netherlands
- A free ticket for TNW Conference 2024
- 4 hours of free consulting from the KPMG Emerging Giants team
As the winner of the Dutch competition, you’ll also get:
- A spot in the global final, where you’ll compete against 23 other country winners during the Web Summit in Lisbon
- Tickets for the Web Summit, plus your hotel and travel expenses covered by KPMG
- Access to the KPMG International network, including mentor hours during the week in Lisbon
- Media opportunities during the final via our partner Globalive Media
Join the competition
Event details
Date: 19 June 2024
Time: 16:45-19:00 (CET)
Location: Atelier de Vijzel in Amsterdam
Competition Details
Applicants are typically tech entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the start-up phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction, and have the potential to scale up globally.
To be eligible for the competition, you must:
- Be a registered company in The Netherlands
- Have been actively operating for 5 years or less (in the current form)
- Generate revenue between US $1 million and $15 million; or have raised at least US $500,000 in equity
- Be either a pure technology or a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business
- Not be majority owned by a large corporate
- Conduct all pitches in English
- Available to pitch at our event on 19 June in Amsterdam
- If selected as the Dutch finalist, be available to pitch at the global final at Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal in mid-November 2024
What are we looking for?
The pitches will be judged by a panel of industry experts who will listen to the pitch, and ask some follow up questions. All applications will be scored based on six, equally-weighted criteria:
- Disruption and innovation
- Market potential
- Customer adoption
- Market traction and marketing
- Long-term potential
- Pitch quality
The decision of the panel is final.
- 15ᵗʰ April 2024 – Applications open
- 26th May 2024 – Applications close
- 5th June 2024 – Selected participants announced
- 19th June 2024 – Dutch finals
- 11th-14th November 2024 – Global final in Lisbon
After submitting your application, you’ll hear from our team to find out whether you have a spot in the Dutch finals.
Which countries are participating in the Global Tech Innovator 2024?
At the global final, 24 tech entrepreneurs from around the world will take the stage. These will be the winners of their respective national countries, representing:
Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya (East of Africa), Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, the UK, and the US.
Q: What information do I need to provide in my application?
A: If you’d like to apply, here’s what we’ll need:
- Company details (name, address, company registration number, contact details)
- CEO, founder and management team details
- A brief description of the company, business model, any media coverage and proprietary technology (maximum of 200 words)
- Details on funding raised to date, 2023 revenue figures and projections for 2024
- A high-resolution image of your company logo
Q: What is the pitching format?
A: Each company will have 2 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A with the judging panel. Supporting slides are allowed, and must be delivered in Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF file format. A detailed pack outlining requirements will be shared with shortlisted businesses before the event.
Q: How and when will the winners be notified?
A: The Dutch winner will be announced on the day of the event after the jury has deliberated. The Global Tech Innovator winner will be announced on stage (in person and virtually) in November 2024.
Q: What are the costs involved in participation?
A: There is no cost involved for entering into the competition, although all costs related to attendance at Dutch finals must be covered by the participants themselves. KPMG will cover the cost of standard class flights/travel, and accommodation for finalist who is invited to present in Lisbon in November.
Q: Is there any publicity involved?
A: KPMG will be promoting the competition in the run up and after the event. By entering the competition, you agree that your company name and logo may be promoted in relation to the competition.
If you are a winner of the competition, you agree that KPMG may use your name, image and company branding to announce the winner of the competition and for any other reasonable and related promotional and marketing purposes.
Q: Will I receive feedback on my application?
A: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. Due to the volume of entries received, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to each unsuccessful applicant. We value the time and effort put into each submission and thank you for your participation.
Q: Who do I get in touch with for further information?
A: For any further information please email sayers.izzy@kpmg.nl.
Meet our 2023 Winner
Eindhoven-based laser tech company inPhocal won the top spot in the Dutch competition in 2023, going on to compete in the global final, represented by CEO Robert van Tankeren.
“The week in Lisbon exceeded all expectations. The competition served not only as a platform to showcase our innovative solutions but also as a hub for networking and collaboration with brilliant minds worldwide.
KPMG's exceptional professionalism and support added tremendous value, contributing to an unforgettable experience. I enthusiastically encourage companies to participate in next year's competition. It's not just about showcasing innovation; it's about becoming part of an international ecosystem that nurtures growth, collaboration, and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas. The Global Tech Innovator competition offers a unique chance to propel your startup onto the global stage, fostering lasting connections in a dynamic and supportive environment.”
Robert van Tankeren
Watch Robert's pitch in the 2023 competition
Get an impression of the global competition final in Lisbon
