Meet the 10 Dutch startups crowned winners of the Academic Startup Competition 2025

Ten startups were announced as winners of the Academic Startup Competition (ASC 2025) during the final event at Eindhoven University of Technology. The event, attended by around 150 people, marked the conclusion of the programme’s fifth edition.

The event brought together stakeholders from government, academia, investment, and industry to discuss the role of academic startups in addressing societal and technological challenges. The final event featured contributions from several sectors.

Speakers included Constantijn van Oranje (Techleap), Erwin Nijsse (Ministry of Economic Affairs), and Margrethe Jonkman (VU Amsterdam). Irene Rompa moderated a panel discussion with Caspar van den Berg (UNL), Hamed Sadeghian (Nearfield Instruments), and Mirjam van Praag (AWTI).

Startups advancing in ASC 2025

The selected startups were chosen after presenting their pitches. They include ATA Mute BV, Carapace Biopolymers, CIWI, FlowBeams, IMChip, MimeCure, MycoFarming, QT Sense, VirXcel, and YSVOGEL.

These startups were recognised for their ability to translate academic research into practical solutions in fields such as health, sustainability, energy, agriculture, and deep tech.

Out of over 80 submissions, 40 startups were selected for a six-month programme that included coaching, pitch training, and expert sessions.

The top 10 also joined an international programme in the US, with visits to Salt Lake City, San Diego, and Silicon Valley, organised in partnership with ScaleNL.

A national programme for Dutch academic startups

The Academic Startup Competition (ASC) is a national initiative that helps startups from Dutch universities, university medical centres, and research institutes apply scientific knowledge in practical ways. 

The programme runs in four stages, selecting teams based on their plans, team structure, and potential outcomes. Participants receive training, guidance, and opportunities to connect with international networks.

ASC began in 2018 through a joint effort by Techleap, the Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), the Dutch Federation of University Medical Centers (NFU), and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK). Partners such as ScaleNL, TNO, Biotech Booster, and Preneurz Amsterdam support its goals. 

Over 150 startups have taken part in earlier rounds, including IamFluidics, Foamplant, and Lipocoat.

Meet the selected startups!

IMChip

IMChip, based in Groningen, creates neuromorphic chips designed for real-time decision-making with low energy use. The chips are based on brain processes and offer an alternative to conventional AI hardware. The technology is aimed at use in robotics, healthcare, and embedded systems where energy use and speed are key factors.

CIWI

CIWI, based in Delft, has developed a device that produces water treatment chemicals on-site. This approach removes the need for chemical transport and reduces up to 99 per cent of CO2 emissions. The solution supports more self-sufficient and lower-emission operation of water treatment facilities.

ATA Mute BV

ATA Mute BV, based in Eindhoven, creates patented solutions to reduce noise and vibrations in technical and industrial systems, including HVAC and aviation. The company aims to cut CO2, NOx, and noise emissions, supporting cleaner and quieter surroundings in both living and working spaces.

VirXcel BV

VirXcel BV, operating in Amsterdam and Utrecht, is developing a nasal spray that uses macrocyclic peptides to block a broad range of respiratory viruses. The company is working on a new type of antiviral treatment designed to support the prevention of future outbreaks.

MycoFarming

MycoFarming, based in Amsterdam, addresses nitrogen pollution through mycofiltration, a process using mushroom mycelium to break down harmful compounds in water. This method offers an alternative to mechanical systems and supports reduced CO2 emissions in agricultural practices.

Carapace Biopolymers

Carapace Biopolymers BV, based in Delft, creates bio-based coatings for seeds and fertilisers that break down naturally. These coatings aim to reduce microplastic pollution and improve soil conditions. The technology helps farmers increase yields while lowering reliance on fossil-based materials.

MimeCure

MimeCure, based in Groningen, is working on MC002, a treatment that aims to regenerate lung tissue in patients with COPD. The therapy uses a fragment of the protein Mimecan to address the underlying cause of the disease, offering an alternative to managing symptoms.

FlowBeams

FlowBeams BV, based in Enschede, is creating a handheld device that uses laser technology to deliver medicines and cosmetics without needles. This approach aims to reduce needle-related concerns, enhance safety, and cut medical waste linked to conventional injections.

YSVOGEL Medical

YSVOGEL Medical (formerly Kingfisher, Rotterdam) has created a mechanical tool that assists cardiologists in placing stents with precision, including in complex artery areas. The device aims to lower the risks of complications, reduce the need for further surgeries, and cut healthcare costs.

QT Sense

QTsense, based in Groningen, applies quantum sensing in diamonds to conduct MRI scans at the nanoscale. Its first product is available for academic use, with clinical trials underway for applications in sepsis diagnosis and fertility analysis.