Utrecht, with its vibrant blend of talent, resources, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs, has become a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The city’s startup ecosystem, bolstered by esteemed incubators and accelerators, has proven to be a fertile ground for early-stage companies in diverse sectors such as health, education, gaming, and biotech.
The Kamer van Koophandel (KvK), the Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, recently listed some of the most innovative Utrecht-based firms in its Innovation Top 100 programme.
This year’s Innovation Top 100 programme will spotlight companies excelling in five crucial categories: Labour Market and Society, Circular Economy, Energy Transition, Health and Care, and Food, Water, and Infrastructure. From each category, the top three companies will be honoured, resulting in a total of 15 winners.
The winners will be announced on Saturday, 16 November, at the KVK Innovation Top 100 Event in Rotterdam Ahoy. Until then, let’s get to know the 13 Utrecht-based companies competing for this year’s honours.
Axual
Founded in 2015 by Jeroen van Disseldorp, Axual has emerged as a leader in real-time event streaming solutions, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Axual’s collaboration with Digital4Grids gave rise to Kafka4Power, a cutting-edge platform designed to optimise grid operations through real-time data management.
Axual’s suite of products also includes its core Axual Platform for Apache Kafka, a tool designed to simplify and enhance real-time data streaming for businesses across various sectors.
Axual’s continued success, bolstered by funding from Holland Capital, ensures it remains a key player in transforming the energy sector through innovative data solutions.
Bright Green Corporation
Bright Green Corporation, founded in 2019 by Lynn Stockwell and Groovy Singh, is a key player in the production of plant-based drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including legal cannabis products.
The company focuses on researching and producing Schedule I and II drugs, offering cannabis extracts for medical use. Bright Green aims to lead the way in legal cannabis production, serving as an ethical and sustainable alternative in the growing pharmaceutical industry.
Publicly traded under the ticker BGXX, Bright Green’s valuation has positioned it for future growth. With an ambitious plan to raise $500 million through an EB-5 program, the company is set to expand its operations, furthering its mission to bring plant-based medicines to the mainstream pharmaceutical market.
Cây Circular Kitchens
Founded in 2022 by Rik Mulder and Len Blom, Cây Circular Kitchens is revolutionising the kitchen design industry with its modular, sustainable solutions. The company prioritises the circular economy by using reusable, high-quality materials in its kitchen systems. By eliminating the need for glue and screws, each component of a Cây kitchen is easily disassembled and repurposed.
Their Modular Kitchen Systems, which won the Best Sustainable Starter at the Duurzaam Wonen Awards 2023, are made from strong birch plywood and sheet materials composed of at least 95 percent recycled content. Cây’s kitchens are designed to last for generations, combining functionality with a timeless aesthetic, ensuring that sustainability and style go hand-in-hand.
Deepler
Deepler, founded in 2020 by Stijn van der Vat, is an innovative platform focused on improving employee retention and performance through data-driven insights. By providing organisations with modular tools to analyse workplace satisfaction and optimise workloads, Deepler aims to create a more engaged and productive workforce.
Its key products—Deepler Insights, Deepler Connect, and Deepler Engage—allow businesses to enhance customer interactions, improve operational efficiency, and make better-informed decisions based on data.
Currently in its expansion phase, Deepler is targeting additional European markets, including Germany.
DuurzameBouwkeet
Founded by Brian Rodriguez and Rutger de Keijzer in 2022, DuurzameBouwkeet offers eco-friendly construction solutions with a focus on minimising the environmental impact of building sites.
DuurzameBouwkeet’s sustainable building facilities and portable construction units are designed to support environmentally conscious projects in the construction industry.
The startup’s construction cabin promises lower energy consumption, zero carbon emissions, and minimum noise. Construction companies can use the construction cabin at any place, whether in an area connected to the main power grid or not.
E-Lions H2
Founded in 2017 by Léon Jansen, E-Lions H2 is at the forefront of hydrogen energy technology, developing systems that harness hydrogen for clean energy applications. Its flagship products, E-LIONS ROCK FCEV and E-LIONS CREATOR FCEV, represent hydrogen fuel cell solutions that power converted VW vehicles.
By promoting the adoption of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, E-Lions H2 is contributing to the global shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
Eddy Grid
Founded in 2023 by Sam Rohn, Renno Welberg, Emma Wolthuizen, Maxim Sprey, and Jasper Cramwinckel, Eddy Grid focuses on optimising grid operations and energy efficiency through innovative software solutions.
By raising €1.5 million in a pre-seed round led by prominent investors, Eddy Grid is well-positioned to address grid congestion and improve energy distribution in the Netherlands.
HackShield
Founded in 2023 by Tim Murck and Emily Jacometti, HackShield is on a mission to educate the youth about online safety and cybersecurity. The company trains young people, which it refers to as “Cyber Agents,” to recognise and defend against online dangers.
Through its interactive platform, HackShield offers gamified experiences where children can engage in activities and solve puzzles while learning essential cybersecurity concepts.
Even though it is currently unfunded, HackShield is paving the way for a more secure future by empowering young minds to navigate the online world responsibly.
Jixbee
Founded in 2022 by Gijs Lubberdink, Jixbee is revolutionising the way employees access their earned wages. The company offers an on-demand payroll solution that enables workers to access up to 50% of their gross earnings before traditional payroll dates.
By enhancing financial well-being and flexibility, Jixbee aims to improve productivity and retention rates within companies. Its primary product is an app that seamlessly integrates with existing payroll systems, allowing for real-time wage access without requiring employer intervention.
Jixbee is currently unfunded.
Kendro-Stijl
Founded in 2017 by Ineke Marsman and Anton Tolboom, Kendro-Stijl specialises in crafting custom furniture and interior design solutions that prioritise high-quality craftsmanship and personalised designs.
Their popular Bib ‘Stand Up Chair’ assists people with mobility challenges by promoting independence through its ergonomic design. By focusing on tailored solutions for diverse needs, Kendro-Stijl is making a significant impact in the furniture industry. Funding information is currently unavailable.
SNX
Founded in 2022 by Semira van Hees, SNX is dedicated to transforming public perceptions around snacking by creating healthier alternatives. The company’s mission is to shift habits from unhealthy snacks to more responsible, health-conscious choices.
SNX produces a range of popular items, including burgers, croquettes, and bitterballen, but with significantly reduced sugar, salt, fat, and carbohydrates.
In addition to promoting better eating habits among consumers, SnackFracture is also committed to sustainable production by shortening its chain. It works with regional partners to strengthen the local economy.
Sustainer
Founded in 2014 by Gert van Vugt, Jacintha Baas, Sol van Kempen, and Wolf Bierens, Sustainer is at the forefront of sustainable construction, developing modular housing solutions with minimal environmental impact. The company focuses on circular construction practices and aims to create carbon-neutral homes.
Sustainer Homes employs innovative technology and clever design to significantly reduce CO2 emissions during the construction process. Their modular wooden homes and buildings exemplify energy efficiency and sustainability, making them a model for the future of housing.
Sustainer Homes raised €596,000 through equity crowdfunding in February 2018.
Verne Health
Founded in 2023 by Jelle Heisen, Verne Health is addressing critical issues in the healthcare sector, such as chronic staff shortages and inefficient data management. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Verne Health aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of care through user-centric solutions.
Its flagship product—a new electronic patient data (EPD) platform—includes an AI-driven chatbot named Verne that automates routine tasks, enabling healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.
The Verne App further facilitates patient engagement and data management, streamlining administrative tasks and improving communication. Funding details for Verne Health are currently unavailable.
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