The Academic Startup Competition has revealed its top 10 most groundbreaking academic startups in the Netherlands. Winners of the award, which gives the title of Best Academic Startup of 2020, were selected based on their value proposition, the innovative nature of their technology, the potential of their business and earnings model, as well as their team composition. In addition to the prestigious title, victors will also be rewarded by being introduced to a network of entrepreneurs, investors and other companies, and will have access to a coaching program with dedicated mentors.
This year’s winners include Lusoco, which makes colorful glass-printed signage that utilizes fluorescent dyes to absorb sunlight that’s subsequently harvested by solar cells, providing solar energy. Taylor develops microelectronics called cell-string optimizers used in next-generation commercial PV (solar) applications. Delft-based startup Denoize is working on a smart-glass system for reducing noise coming through windows. It does this by sensing, measuring and then counteracting the vibrations and sound waves as they penetrate the glass – similar to the way noise-canceling headphones operate.
“I’m looking forward to following how these entrepreneurs help make the world a little better,” says Mona Keijzer, State Secretary of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. “As innovative startups, they help ensure the Netherlands is a world-beater when it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship, and that we can continue to develop smart solutions, create jobs and strengthen our economy. They embody the slogan ‘for every global challenge, there’s a Dutch solution.’”