The nominations for the Haagse Parel entrepreneurship award have been announced. This award is presented annually to companies that make a special contribution to the Hague economy. In the Exceptional Contribution category, Apotheek Pillen & Praten, Eye Security, and Social Capital have been nominated. The nominees in the Sustainable Enterprise category are: Hubbel Stadslogistiek, Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen, and Seepje.
Exceptional contribution
In the Exceptional Contribution category, Apotheek Pillen & Praten has been nominated, an innovative and committed pharmacy in The Hague that combines care with personal guidance and prevention. In addition to regular care, they offer support with quitting smoking, lifestyle programs, and initiatives against loneliness. The second contender is Eye Security, a fast-growing cybersecurity company. Using smart AI and the deployment of experts, threats are quickly detected and addressed so that systems continue to run securely. Finally, Social Capital is in the running for the The Hague Entrepreneur Award. Social Capital is a social staffing agency that helps people with a structural need for guidance find sustainable paid work in the hospitality industry. Through work-study placements, such as at Happy Tosti, employees develop their skills and transition to regular employers.
Sustainable enterprise
In the Sustainable Enterprise category, three companies have also been nominated that stand a chance of winning a Haagse Parel. Hubbel Stadslogistiek makes transport in the city smart, green, and social. In their city hub on the outskirts of The Hague, they collect goods that they deliver by neighborhood. As a result, up to 80% fewer trips are needed in the city. The remaining trips are completely emission-free. The second nomination is for Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen, a family business specializing in authentic building materials. Original elements, primarily from 1930s homes, are given a second life with them. The final contender in this category is Seepje, a Hague-based soap maker with a clear mission: clean without mess. Instead of petroleum-based ingredients, they opt for natural, safer alternatives.
Public and jury votes
The winner of the Haagse Parel 2026 will be determined by both the public and a professional jury. From Tuesday, April 7 to Thursday, May 7 at 12:00 PM, the public can vote via http://www.haagseparel.nl/ . Public votes account for 40% of the final result.
The remaining 60% is determined by the expert jury: Harry Wientjens (Economic Board The Hague), Karima el Bouchtaoui (VNO-NCW The Hague region), Pieter Scholten (MKB The Hague), Stefan Baecke (Yespers, winner Sustainable Enterprise 2025) and Daan Krijger (Nelis Company, winner Exceptional Contribution 2025).
Alderman for SMEs, Employment and Participation, Nur Icar: “This year, six wonderful companies have once again been nominated for the Haagse Parel. Entrepreneurs who are socially engaged or committed to a sustainable The Hague. And I think it is incredibly wonderful that they offer our residents opportunities in the labour market and thereby contribute to employment. I invite everyone to vote and help decide who wins the Haagse Parel!”
The Hague Inspires!
The presentation of the Haagse Parel will take place during the entrepreneur event Den Haag Inspireert! on Friday, May 29, at the World Forum The Hague. Entrepreneurs who wish to attend can register for a free ticket.