Digital festival Upstream offers new economy frontrunners the opportunity to connect, learn and grow

Up!Rotterdam launches global digital festival Upstream, from September 21st-27th, to spark collaboration and growth among the frontrunners of the next economy. The festival brings together thought leaders, change-makers and creative disruptors working at the forefront of digital, carbon-neutral, circular and inclusive societies, uniting more than 30 public and private partners to co-create a diverse programme with one thing in common: to transition to the Next Economy.

Initiated by 30 co-creators in the South-Holland region, the festival showcases innovations and proven new economy solutions from the Rotterdam metropolitan area and beyond, inviting entrepreneurs, investors, founders, students, policy-makers and bold corporates to share, connect, and create meaningful innovations for sustainable growth.

For start-ups, there are opportunities to access an international ecosystem of talent, funding, access to new markets and exposure, as well as ‘competitions’ to pitch their best ideas and win support from corporate partners.

For founders, there are coaching and mentoring sessions, and for all attendees there are more than 30 all-immersive programmes including keynotes and talk shows on topics as diverse as the wellbeing economy, accelerating innovation and circular economy.

Speakers include Katherine Trebeck, creator of the Oxfam Humankind Index and a global thought leader on the wellbeing economy, Tim Houter, Founder of Hardt Hyperloop, a CO2 neutral travel solution set to replace short-haul flights, Jalila Essaïdi, Dutch artist and creator of the world’s first ‘bulletproof skin,’ and Ryan Gellert, EMEA General Manager of activist brand Patagonia.

“Now, more than ever before, we need to bring together the knowledge and experience of leaders working on proven and tangible solutions to drive a more sustainable and inclusive future. Everyone is working in their own silos, but imagine what impact we can have if lessons, networks, and experience are shared; this is our goal with Upstream,” says Lars Crama, Chief Ambassador of Upstream.

The festival will kick off a networking platform that continues access to events from co-creator partners throughout the year. Register here for the festival.