The 100 most innovative SME companies in the Netherlands have been announced

The 100 most innovative SME companies in the Netherlands have been announced

The province of South Holland is most strongly represented this year in the KVK Innovation Top 100, an annual overview of the most innovative Dutch SMEs, The Chamber of Commerce (KVK) announced last month.

The province of South Holland has 29 companies on the list, topping the rankings. North Holland comes in second with 15 companies, followed by North Brabant and Utrecht with 13.

The 100 companies were selected from 270 submissions , assessed by panels of innovation experts based on criteria such as impact, originality, revenue potential, and social significance. Entrepreneurs could register in one of five categories:

  • Circular economy
  • Energy transition
  • Labor market and society
  • Agriculture, water and infrastructure
  • Health and nutrition

Exciting announcement on the winners in November

During the KVK Business Days on November 14th and 15th at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, the expert jury will announce the category winners on November 14th. The winner will also be revealed, taking over the title from Concord Neonatal , last year’s winner with their groundbreaking Concord Birth Flow.

In addition to the five category prizes and the overall winner, this year there will also be five Innovation Promise Awards for young companies and startups with promising concepts that have just or not yet reached the market.

Twenty years of innovation power in images

The KVK Innovation Top 100 is celebrating its 20th anniversary . While the first editions primarily showcased industrial innovations, the 2025 focus shifts to social relevance and transitions. From sustainable energy and circular building materials to medical technology and AI-driven platforms, SMEs demonstrate that innovation often begins with small businesses driven by entrepreneurs.

Public votes

The Dutch public will once again influence the final outcome. Voting is now closed for one of the 100 finalists is open until October 20th at www.kvkinnovatietop100.nl . The jury will weigh in for 80% of the decision, and the public for 20%.

About the KVK Innovation Top 100

The award was launched in 2006 to showcase the innovative power of SMEs. Since then, the list has become a leading overview of innovative entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.

ImpactFest The Hague (30 October 2025)

ImpactFest The Hague (30 October 2025)

ImpactFest is The Hague’s flagship gathering for changemakers, innovators, investors, NGOs, and policymakers—people committed to creating positive impact.

On 30 October 2025, the event returns to Fokker Terminal for the 10th edition under the theme “Under Pressure – Brace for Impact”. Expect a full schedule of talks, networking, interactive sessions, and collaborative experiences focused on solutions in energy, food, climate, social innovation, and more.

This is where ideas meet action in a dynamic, inclusive environment.

More information and tickets:

https://www.impactfest.nl

We are Changemakers Walk & Talk (12 September 2025)

We are Changemakers Walk & Talk (12 September 2025)

Join us for a new Walk & Talk series, designed for anyone seeking deeper conversations around impact, entrepreneurship, wellbeing, and resilience.

Each month, we gather for a short introduction followed by a mindful walk through nature. Expect fresh air, thoughtful exchanges, and a chance to recharge.

​Whether you’re a founder, intrapreneur, freelancer, or simply interested in impact-driven living, this series offers a space to slow down and reconnect, with yourself and others.

​This edition will focus on Wellbeing as a Strategy – Supporting ourselves in meaningful ways with Nuthan Manohar.


We start at Paviljoen Malieveld, Koekamplaan 6, The Hague. From here, we walk through the Haagse Bos. ​Each walk is limited to 20 participants to ensure space for meaningful conversation.

Come as you are. Leave with fresh energy, new ideas, and meaningful connections.

With love and compassion
​Impact People, Women Entrepreneurs Connect & We Are Changemakers

Sign up here:

https://luma.com/lz64tjp7?tk=FwbgB0

We Make The Hague (11-21 September 2025)

We Make The Hague (11-21 September 2025)

10 days of ongoing expo, 11 events and 45+ local creatives showcased.

Join us September 11–21 for We Make The Hague, a celebration of the city through the eyes of local creatives. From photographers and filmmakers to illustrators and designers, the expo brings together visual stories inspired by life in The Hague. We’ve put together a packed programme of events to explore, connect, and create together, including: official opening night, poetry & spoken word open mic, coworking, sketching meetup, creative workshops, makers market, Made in The Hague Dialogue, book club & wine, dinner between the art and more.

Stop by one of the events, connect with the community, and support the creative talent that makes this city so special. Let’s make The Hague together.

🗓 Exposition: September 11–21
📍 Location: Kunstbar, Noordeinde 152A, The Hague
🔗 More info: www.wemakethehague.com

Buzz Business Networking – Build your next chapter with LEGO® Serious Play (04 September 2025)

Buzz Business Networking – Build your next chapter with LEGO® Serious Play (04 September 2025)

Looking for clarity, fresh energy, or a creative spark?

Is there a question you’ve been sitting with, or a challenge that’s been consuming your energy? This workshop offers a playful and powerful space to gain insight and perspective.

Join us for a unique, hands-on session using LEGO® Serious Play® to reflect, explore, and literally build your next chapter.

In this guided experience, we’ll playfully explore:

• Where you are now

• What you long for

• What might help you move forward in your personal life, your business, or your daily patterns

You’ll build three simple models (no previous experience needed) that will help you reflect on your vision and walk away with answers and meaningful insights to carry forward.

No slides, just bricks, curiosity, playfulness, and connection.

All materials are provided. Just bring yourself, your imagination, and your willingness to explore.

Ana Maria Mitrofan, certified coach, emotional counselor, and LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator, organizes this fun and creative workshop in cooperation with Buzz Networking.

Tickets are priced at €35.00 (excl. BTW) per person

Just 8 spots are available. Book yours now!

Payment is required in full to secure your spot. If you’re unable to attend the event, I will endeavour to pick someone from the waitlist. A refund can only be provided if your spot is filled.

Featured image: https://pixabay.com/photos/lego-to-play-to-build-module-1629073/

Rise and Lead Awards and Summit (11-12 September 2025)

Rise and Lead Awards and Summit (11-12 September 2025)

Each year, we bring together exceptional and authentic leaders for a two-day cross-sector knowledge-sharing event to engage in conversations that push for change in gender-balanced leadership.

Senior executives, international thought leaders, policymakers, and experts share their wisdom and insights on the latest DEI trends, women’s leadership, and allyship.

This year, the Summit will focus on four pillars: Leadership, Inclusion, Women’s Health, and AI. Join us to soak up the knowledge, add to the conversation and ignite empowerment!

https://riseandleadwomen.com/summit2025

Why Attend?

… be the change

The Rise & Lead Summit is a two-day event on September 11 – 12 that brings together influential leaders, international thought leaders, industry executives, policymakers, and professionals to share meaningful dialogue in driving positive change. The summit aims to bridge the gender leadership gap by fostering an inspirational knowledge-sharing environment and raising the visibility of women and allies, driving positive change across different sectors.

Our objectives for the Summit include:

Accelerating change initiatives to close the gender leadership gap.

Educating and elevating women’s aspirations to help them reach their full potential.

Amplifying the voices of women leaders and the allies who support them

Whether you focus on personal and professional development, creating initiatives to drive gender diversity and inclusion, or seeking creative solutions to tackle inclusion challenges and improve team engagement, you’ll leave the Rise & Lead Summit rejuvenated and equipped with actionable insights and strategies.