Twenty startups are among the 100 most innovative companies in the Netherlands.
For the 21st edition of the KVK Innovation Top 100, innovation experts selected 100 companies from more than 200 submissions. The finalists are developing innovations in diverse fields, from health and circularity to digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). The Chamber of Commerce (KVK) announced the list recently.
According to Rodrique Engering, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce, the list shows how quickly entrepreneurs respond to change: “The quality of the submissions was high and the competition for a spot in the Top 100isfierce. We see shifts in the themes that concern entrepreneurs. Whereas a few years ago many innovations revolved around the energy transition, topics such as digitalization, AI, and labor productivity are clearly gaining ground. Innovation moves along with the challenges of our time.”
The 100 companies were assessed by panels of innovation experts. They looked at impact, originality, growth potential, and societal significance, among other factors. Entrepreneurs could register in five categories: Circular Economy, Energy Transition, Labor Market and Society, Agriculture, Water and Infrastructure, and Health and Nutrition.
Knowledge cities and startups well represented University cities are once again strongly represented in the Top 100 this year. Companies from Utrecht, Delft, Groningen, Wageningen, Eindhoven, Enschede, and Leiden, among others, demonstrate how important collaboration between knowledge institutions and entrepreneurs remains for innovation in the Netherlands. In addition, twenty startups have secured a spot in the Top 100. This means that young enterprises are once again among the drivers of innovation within the Dutch SME sector.
Innovation from 58 locations The finalists come from 58 different places spread across ten provinces. It is striking that almost three-quarters of the companies are located outside Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. North Holland is the most strongly represented province with 19 companies, followed by South Holland (17), North Brabant (16) and Utrecht (13).
Exciting conclusion in November During the KVK Entrepreneur Days on November 13 and 14 at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, the winners of the category awards will be announced on November 13. It will also be revealed then which company can call itself the most innovative company in the Netherlands and takes over the baton from Tree Composites, last year’s winner. In addition to the five category awards, five Innovation Promise Awards will also be presented this year to young enterprises and startups with promising innovations that are just entering the market or are not yet on the market.
The public votes along The Dutch public will once again influence the final result. You can vote for one of the 100 finalists until October 18 via www.kvkinnovatietop100.nl . The professional jury’s assessment accounts for 80 percent, and the public vote for 20 percent.
About the Chamber of Commerce Innovation Top 100 The KVK Innovation Top 100 was established in 2006 to showcase the innovative strength of Dutch SMEs. Since then, the list has grown into a leading overview of innovative entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. Deliberately, no cash prize is attached to the competition. Its value lies in visibility, recognition, and inspiration.
Teams from the police, municipality, and other agencies were active en masse on Friday, September 18, during a comprehensive enforcement operation in Scheveningen and Duindorp. They encountered a wide range of violations: arrests for driving under the influence of drugs, possible forced labor, and fines for various offenses.
To ensure that Scheveningen remains a pleasant, safe, and welcoming place for everyone, the municipality works together with residents, entrepreneurs, and other agencies. In recent years, residents and entrepreneurs have indicated experiencing nuisance, particularly on and around the boulevard, the harbor, and in Duindorp. Problems occur here such as alcohol and drug-related nuisance, fraudulent business activities, loitering youth, parking nuisance, and residential nuisance. With the introduction of the Coastal Action Plan, a structural focus is being placed on accessibility, safety, livability, and hospitality. Abuses are being tackled, and thanks to the additional measures taken in and around Scheveningen, things are steadily improving.
Traffic control Second Harbour
The large-scale traffic control operation took place on Dr. Lelykade. 100 vehicles were checked and 49 were fined for various offenses, including driving without a license, failure to produce valid identification, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving with a phone in hand. The sniffer dog present searched the vehicles for drugs and located a small bag of white powder in one vehicle. The quantity found was confiscated and the police arrested the driver. Another driver was also arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. Five WOK reports were filed for scooters and cars driving with loud exhausts and causing significant noise nuisance. With the Noise Patrol, the noise level in decibels is measured using a microphone system.
The police carried out extra checks on fat bikes. Residents and other road users in Scheveningen experience significant nuisance from fat bikes that go much too fast or do not adhere to traffic rules. 28 fat bikes were placed on the dynamometer, and the speed limiters were confiscated from two of them.
Tram inspection by HTM
Various tram lines run through Scheveningen. For instance, trams at the Kurhaus and Duinstraat stops, among others, were checked. HTM inspectors checked 58 trams, and 55 passengers received a fine of €76 for failing to produce a valid ticket.
CET
The CET is part of the police and is responsible for tracking down (fugitive) convicted persons. The abbreviation stands for Coordination of Execution Tasks (CET). Two arrests were made by the CET, one of whom still had an outstanding prison sentence for multiple serious traffic violations. Another arrestee was taken into custody for refusing to pay an outstanding fine. Furthermore, two convicted persons were informed of their verdict. They have the option to pay a fine; otherwise, they will have to serve a sentence in prison.
Forced labor
During the joint inspection of the hospitality sector, various businesses in Oud Scheveningen were inspected by the Enforcement Organization, the police, the Hague Economic Intervention Team (HEIT), Stedin, the fire department, the Ministry of Social Affairs (SZW), and the Haaglanden Environmental Service (ODH). Eleven employees were checked by SZW for benefit fraud and illegal employment. One employee attempted to escape during an inspection but was brought back. The paperwork may not be in order. Furthermore, several employees are still being investigated for possible benefit fraud. They may be receiving benefits unlawfully while performing paid work. One business received a fine for selling spirits without an alcohol license. At three businesses, Stedin found that the fuse in the meter cupboard was faulty, and at another business, the seal had been tampered with. ODH checks whether businesses comply with environmental regulations. For instance, eight businesses lacked a grease separator or maintenance of the grease separator. A grease separator is necessary to prevent heavy fats from entering the sewer system, which would impair proper processing.
The HEIT visited various massage parlors and spoke with the managers. At a number of massage parlors in the action area, there may be instances of forced labor or possible prostitution. At one of the parlors, an employee was working illegally, and this has been reported to the immigration police. A further investigation into the activities of this business is also being launched.
Home modifications
The Hague Building Enforcement Team monitors the safety of buildings and homes in the city. There are many social housing units in Scheveningen and Duindorp rented out by Hof Wonen. Together with Stedin, the teams entered the action area to inspect various homes and commercial properties. Extra checks were carried out on compliance with building permits, such as extensions and demolitions to existing buildings. This does not always proceed according to the rules. In such cases, the Hague Building Enforcement Team can impose an administrative coercion order. This means that the contractor must immediately rectify the modifications and permits, otherwise further measures will be taken. In the case of a home, there was an illegal subdivision and the rear facade had been removed, causing subsidence. It has been agreed with the owner that this will be rectified as soon as possible.
At three Hof Wonen addresses, it emerged that the tenant was not living there themselves, but was renting out the property to others. Due to long waiting lists at the housing corporation, this is unacceptable. Following an investigation, a report will be drawn up, and the properties may return to the market for eligible home seekers.
Tax debts and illegal parking
The municipal tax office seized vehicles twelve times for a total amount of €78,000. Nine vehicles were fitted with wheel clamps for outstanding parking fines, and one vehicle was towed. Payment was made directly on two occasions, for a total amount exceeding €21,000. The National Tax Service checked vehicles for payment of motor vehicle tax. 38 vehicles were inspected. In total, tax debt exceeding €190,000 was collected. The largest direct payment was €100,000.
The enforcement organization’s scanning team scanned 6,000 vehicles; 30 vehicle owners will receive a supplementary assessment. They had not paid parking fees, even though they were required to do so. The Mulder team (parking team) issued eight fines for illegal parking on the sidewalk and five fines to petrol cars parked in an electric vehicle parking space. The bike team issued nine fines for using a phone while cycling, and enforcement officers issued seven fines to scooter riders for riding on the bicycle path, whereas they are required to ride on the public road.
Integrated enforcement action Scheveningen
Hard work is being done to improve the livability and safety of the city. Area-specific enforcement actions are regularly carried out in various districts to tackle abuses within those neighborhoods. This time, it was Scheveningen’s turn. Organizations and agencies are working with the municipality to create a more beautiful and safer The Hague. The following agencies were present: The Hague Police Unit, The Hague Building Brigade, HEIT, Scheveningen Enforcement Team, Mulder Team, Scan Team, Bikers, Alcohol and Hospitality Team, HTM, Haaglanden Fire Department (VRH), Haaglanden Environmental Service (ODH), Hof Wonen, National Tax Service, Municipal Tax Service, and sniffer dogs from Het Twickelerveld.
Do you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood? Reporting helps!
Residents and business owners are increasingly reporting nuisance and suspicious situations. This allows the police and the municipality to take more targeted action to improve livability and safety. Reports are therefore very welcome.
Report suspicious situations to the police via telephone number 112 (emergency) or 0900 – 8844 (non-emergency, but police).
Do you see pests in the neighborhood, broken streetlights, bicycle wrecks, trash, or other matters that are not in order? Report it at denhaag.nl/meldingen .
Last week, a jury of eight experts selected thirteen organizations to compete for the three prizes of the ‘The Hague Innovator Awards 2026’. Names such as Seepje, Droppie, and Naïf are among the winners of previous editions.
Stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship
The Hague Innovators Awards, an initiative of ImpactCity (Municipality of The Hague), encourages entrepreneurs who contribute to societal progress and a strong Hague economy with innovative ideas. The selection process considered, among other things, innovation capacity, the feasibility and scalability of the business model, and the extent to which it solves a societal issue in The Hague and beyond.
The nominees of 2026
These are the nominated startups and scale-ups eligible for a The Hague Innovator Award:
AgroCCS – Develops seed bulbs for more effective nature restoration in challenging locations.
CupHub – Makes menstrual cups practical and hygienic to use in public restrooms.
Climate Savers – Helps consumers gain daily insight into their personal CO₂ emissions.
Khakoob – Develops prefabricated clay panels for sustainable and circular high-rise buildings.
MOVROBOTICS – Automates underwater inspections with maritime robots and advanced image analysis.
Turing Europe – Verified digital diplomas, identities, and certificates securely and across borders.
NinetyNine Agency – Increase the visibility of talent with a disability in media.
KiCo – Accelerates the growth of innovative food entrepreneurs with facilities and networks.
And these are the five nominated student entrepreneurs who are eligible for The Hague Student Innovator Award:
Acceptnc.space – Connects city dwellers through location-based, anonymous voice stories about emotions and experiences.
FairKamer – Makes housing allocation fairer with objective, transparent, and discrimination-free selection.
Legumia – Develops innovative legume products that make healthy eating simpler and more appealing.
myfoodtrade – Connects local food producers directly with consumers via digital sales and delivery.
Core Solutions – Helps people with limited hand function independently remove medicines from blister packs.
A jury has been assembled for both categories. The juries consist of experts from Rabobank, Stichting DOEN, DRK Foundation, InnovationQuarter, Tuincentrum Ockenburg, Social Impact Fonds, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and ImpactCity. Additionally, there is a third prize to be won; everyone can cast a vote for the winner of the audience award.
Announcement of finalists
The nominees go through a substantive program aimed at the further development and growth of their organization. At the end of the program, the nominees submit a final plan of action and pitch the plan to the jury during the Schaal Je Impact event on November 10 in The Hague. The winners receive cash prizes ranging from 2,500 to 15,000 euros.
Alderman Richard de Mos is enthusiastic about presenting the awards for this twelfth edition: “Entrepreneurs are indispensable for a strong and future-proof city. With The Hague Innovators Awards, we shine a spotlight on innovative Hague entrepreneurs who, with guts, creativity, and perseverance, are building economic growth, new jobs, and impactful solutions. ”
ImpactCity is one of Europe’s leading ecosystems for organizations that combine ‘doing good and doing business’. Through ImpactCity, the Municipality of The Hague facilitates entrepreneurs and other impact makers with innovative solutions for starting and scaling up their businesses.
Text & images: Municipality of The Hague, Department of Economy
Avonturia de Vogelkelder is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To mark this special jubilee, Alderman for Economic Affairs Richard de Mos, on behalf of the municipal government, presented the Hague award ‘Ondernemers zijn Goud waard’ (Entrepreneurs are Worth Gold) to Emely Huybers, the wife of the late founder Jan Huybers, and the Huybers family.
What began in 1976 in the cellar beneath the house of Jan and Emely Huybers has grown over half a century into a remarkable Hague family business. Avonturia is now much more than a pet specialty store. A vast world of nature and experience emerged on Kerketuinenweg, with a focus on animals, nature, and education. The company is also active internationally with its own brands.
Thinking in possibilities
Alderman Richard de Mos (Economy): “Avonturia shows exactly why entrepreneurs are worth their weight in gold to our city. Jan Huybers didn’t think in terms of limitations, but in terms of possibilities. Where others said something was too big or too crazy, Jan saw opportunities. With guts, creativity, and hard work, he built a magnificent company from a basement in The Hague. It is incredibly special that Emely, Jimmy, Donald, and now the next generation are continuing his life’s work.”
New idea
De Mos knew Jan Huybers personally, as he explained at the award ceremony: “Jan was a passionate resident of The Hague and an entrepreneur in a million. Every time you spoke to him, he already had a new idea. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but his entrepreneurship and love for animals can still be seen everywhere in Avonturia.” Avonturia already received the Haagse Parel in the family business category in 2022. With the honorary print ‘Entrepreneurs are Worth Gold’, the municipality once again expresses its appreciation for the company. Alderman De Mos: “The Hague can be proud of Avonturia. A true Hague family business that has dared to dream, do business, and innovate for fifty years. I hope that many more wonderful years will follow.”
Photo credit: Martijn Beekman/Municipality of The Hague
Den Haag, 19-09-2026
Wethouder de Mos bij Avonturia, “ondernemers zijn goud waard”
Foto Martijn beekman – gemeente Den Haag
The Deputy Mayor decided today at 1:54 PM to disband the demonstration on the Malieveld under the banner ‘We Are the People’. Notification had been given for the demonstration, under which the organization also intended to march through the city center.
Serious disturbances of order occurred during the demonstration. Violence was used against police officers and the Mobile Unit (ME), and heavy fireworks were thrown in the direction of the police. In addition, several demonstrators continued to wear face-covering clothing, despite indications that this was not permitted.
The right to demonstrate is a great asset
In The Hague, there is ample room for people to express their concerns and demonstrate. The right to demonstrate is a fundamental right. Therefore, more than 3,000 demonstrations are facilitated in The Hague every year. This time, too, agreements were made in advance with the organization regarding how the demonstration could proceed. However, violence in all forms is unacceptable and action is taken against it.
Route through the city was cancelled
Due to the situation that had arisen, Deputy Mayor Richard de Mos decided that the demonstration would take place exclusively on the Malieveld and that the announced route through the city would not proceed. Demonstrating on the Malieveld therefore remained possible. Due to the ongoing violence, the Deputy Mayor considered it irresponsible to take the risk, given the situation, that new disturbances would spread to The Hague city center.
Demonstration subsequently disbanded
When the disturbances and violence persisted, the demonstration was disbanded by order of the Deputy Mayor. To restore public order and safety, demonstrators were escorted out of the area. An emergency order was also issued.
Violence unacceptable
Deputy Mayor Richard de Mos: “Demonstrating is a fundamental right, and people have every right to express their concerns. But as soon as police officers are attacked, heavy fireworks are thrown, and public order is seriously disrupted, a line is crossed. We all remember the misery of last year. My responsibility as Deputy Mayor is to protect the city and ensure the safety of everyone. That is why we initially cancelled the march and kept demonstrating on the Malieveld possible. When the violence persisted, termination was necessary. My sincere thanks go to the police. They were once again well prepared and managed to keep the situation on the streets under control.” Every demonstration is assessed based on the facts and circumstances at that moment. The content or background of a demonstration is explicitly not taken into account in this assessment.
Over the past three months, cyclists have found their way to The Hague’s 18 bicycle parking facilities nearly half a million times. To do so, they used the Hague Bicycle Pass, launched at the end of May. With the Hague Bicycle Pass, cyclists can park their bikes quickly and easily, and the municipality can use the information to better align bicycle parking facilities with the needs of cyclists. In this way, the municipality is working towards an accessible and liveable city. Alderman Adeel Mahmood: “These figures show that the bicycle parking facilities meet a great need. Moreover, good bicycle parking facilities are not only pleasant for cyclists, but good for the entire city. This way, we keep sidewalks and squares clear, tidy, and accessible for pedestrians, emergency services, wheelchair users, and parents with strollers.”
Importance of good bicycle parking facilities
Good bicycle parking facilities are not only a solution to the pressure on public space. They make cycling attractive, and that benefits our city greatly. For instance, research shows that cyclists in the city centre spend more monthly than visitors travelling by other means. Shops, hospitality venues, and other amenities are often more easily and quickly accessible with secure bicycle parking nearby. This ensures an attractive city centre and a strong local economy. Furthermore, cycling is, of course, healthy.
Finally, The Hague’s bicycle parking facilities play an important role in the safe storage of bicycles. This is important because over 5,100 bicycle thefts were recorded last year. By offering free and managed parking facilities, the municipality helps combat bicycle theft.
Insight into different types of bicycles
The 18 bicycle parking facilities in The Hague, managed by Biesieklette, collectively accommodate 11,385 bicycles. The Buitenhof facility in the city centre has the most users. Data from the The Hague Bicycle Pass shows that over 75% of the parked vehicles consist of regular (electric) bicycles, nearly 14% of bicycles with a crate or child seat, 7% of bicycles with fat tires, 2.5% of cargo bikes, and approximately 1% of other two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles. The municipality uses this information to make the facilities even more efficient starting in 2027.
Cycling pays off
Together with local entrepreneurs, the municipality will launch a pilot program for a loyalty system in early 2027. The first phase focuses on entrepreneurs in the city center, along the coast, and around the Leyweg. It investigates whether cyclists park their bikes more often in guarded parking facilities when they can accumulate points for discounts on products or services. This makes cycling more rewarding. This is a first step towards an eventual city-wide loyalty program in which The Hague entrepreneurs can participate.
The Hague’s bicycle parking facilities are part of Den Haag Fietst , the overarching cycling initiative of the Municipality of The Hague. More information: denhaagfietst.nl
