Noord-Holland Launches Renewed Startup Acceleration Program with Regional Partners
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
The province of Noord-Holland has revamped its GO!-NH acceleration program with a data-driven approach, partnering with ROM InWest to support innovative companies across three program tracks: Market Readiness, Scaling Readiness, and Alumni support.
Strategic Partnership Framework
ROM InWest serves as a key partner in the program’s organization, recruitment, selection, and guidance processes [1]. The regional development agency brings its venture development expertise to complement the program’s structured approach. “For us, GO!-NH is a logical extension of our venture development approach,” explains Stef Mellema, business developer at ROM InWest [1]. The renewed partnership creates stronger integration between GO!-NH and ROM InWest, making the process clearer and more effective for entrepreneurs seeking support [1].
Data-Driven Methodology and Program Structure
The revamped GO!-NH program implements the StartupFramework© methodology developed by Gritd and Tekkoo, emphasizing evidence-based decision-making over intuition [1]. “What we like about this approach is that it works based on facts rather than gut feeling,” notes Mellema [1]. The program operates across three distinct tracks: Market Readiness for early-stage companies, Scaling Readiness for growth-phase businesses, and Alumni support for program graduates [1]. This structured approach allows for targeted intervention at different stages of company development.
Expanded Target Market and Accessibility
Unlike traditional acceleration programs that focus exclusively on startups, GO!-NH targets a broader range of innovative businesses within Noord-Holland. “We want GO!-NH to serve not only start-ups and scale-ups, but also help SMEs further,” explains Mellema [1]. The program welcomes established companies developing new, innovative products or services, recognizing that this broader target group strengthens the Noord-Holland ecosystem [1]. Participation in GO!-NH remains free of charge, operating on an application and selection basis [1].
Regional Ecosystem Integration
The program operates within a comprehensive support network that includes municipalities, knowledge institutions, financiers, and network organizations such as Ontwikkelingsbedrijf NHN and PIM [1]. ROM InWest actively participates in strengthening and expanding this ecosystem to ensure entrepreneurs maintain access to knowledge, partnerships, and follow-up financing beyond the program’s duration [1]. This collaborative approach between the provincial government and regional development organizations represents a strategic effort to enhance the local innovation landscape and accelerate startup success across the Netherlands [1].