DECEMBER 1ST
TOBACCO THEATER, AMSTERDAM

Discover the Future of Innovation at the Grand Finale of the Dutch University Challenge

The Grand Finale of the Dutch University Challenge (DUC) is the flagship event where top entrepreneurial talent from Dutch universities connects with industry leaders, investors, and domain experts.

What to Expect

The Grand Finale is more than a pitching event; it is a premier innovation summit designed to celebrate, connect, and accelerate the next generation of entrepreneurs:

  • Visionary Keynotes & Expert Panels: Industry leaders and experts share raw insights on business, and the societal challenges shaping tomorrow.
  • Game-Changing Pitches: Nominated finalists take the stage to defend their business models in front of an expert panel and the audience.
  • High-Impact Networking: A dynamic gathering point where academia, forward-thinking businesses, and key innovators meet to build lasting partnerships.

The Dutch University Challenge bridges the gap between academic excellence and commercial execution. Together with leading educational institutions, pioneering companies, and key ecosystem partners, we provide ambitious founders with the network, expertise, and capital needed to turn ideas into action.

At the Grand Finale, we look back at the momentum built over the past year—and look forward to shaping the future together.

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About the Dutch University Challenge (DUC)

The Dutch University Challenge is the largest student innovation- and entrepreneurship competition in the Netherlands.

During the DUC: students (hbo & wo), startups, universities and leading companies collaborate to tackle real-world societal challenges and turn ideas into impactful solutions.

The top 10 startups & innovations are selected to compete in the national DUC Grand Final.

Ready to make an impact?

Join as a Startup Join as a Company Join as a Student

Partners

Strategic partners

Knowledge partners

Organising partners

Get in touch

Hans Heijnen
Hans Heijnen
Founder Soapbox
hans.heijnen@soapbox.nl
+31 6 42 44 37 02
Luc Lebens
Luc Lebens
Founder Soapbox
luc.lebens@soapbox.nl
+31 6 42 44 37 04
Jana Huntjens
Jana Huntjens
Project Manager
jana.huntjens@soapbox.nl
+31 6 34 60 39 95
Anne Kievit
Anne Kievit
Strategic Sales Manager
anne.kievit@soapbox.nl
+31 6 38 21 09 40