Laatste nieuws in community
From Student Motorcycle Adventure to Battery Technology Empire
Eindhoven, Saturday, 28 February 2026.
A former TU/e student who traveled 23,000 kilometers around the world on an electric motorcycle has transformed his university experience into a thriving business empire. Bas Verkaik’s journey from frustrated undergraduate to successful entrepreneur showcases how hands-on learning can drive real innovation, culminating in King Willem-Alexander opening his company’s new headquarters in January 2026.
Eindhoven University Partners with City to Build 750 Student Housing Units by 2028
Eindhoven, Friday, 27 February 2026.
Eindhoven University of Technology and the city announced plans to develop at least 750 affordable student housing units at Sportpark De Hondsheuvels, targeting completion by 2028. The project addresses critical housing shortages threatening the Netherlands’ leading tech hub’s ability to attract international talent. The development requires relocating soccer fields and eliminating a golf course, with the university launching a public tender within weeks to select a developer under a 15-year land lease arrangement.
Wageningen University Confronts Colonial Past in Groundbreaking 2026 Anniversary Celebration
Wageningen, Friday, 27 February 2026.
The Netherlands’ premier agricultural university will dedicate its 108th anniversary to examining its colonial history and promoting equitable science practices. Historian Larissa Schulte Nordholt will reveal findings about Wageningen’s controversial colonial role, with her research being published as a book in summer 2026. The March 6th Dies Natalis event features African PhD candidates whose research in Tanzania and Nigeria exemplifies the university’s shift toward valuing local knowledge and inclusive methodologies in global sustainability work.
Hidden Venture Capital Term Sheet Clauses Could Leave Founders With 24% Instead of 60% at Exit
Amsterdam, Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Legal experts reveal how seemingly innocent VC term sheet clauses can dramatically slash founder payouts at exit, despite maintaining majority ownership on paper. Key provisions like participating preferences, anti-dilution clauses, and cumulative dividends can reduce a founder’s 60% ownership to just 24% of actual proceeds during company sale or IPO.
Cross-Border SME Innovation Gets €2.4 Million Boost in Meuse Rhine Region
Maastricht, Thursday, 26 February 2026.
European funding breaks down barriers for small businesses seeking international partnerships through groundbreaking matchmaking program. STIPP connects SMEs across Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, achieving remarkable 82% approval rate for innovative projects.
Dutch Government Retreats on Controversial Asset Tax After Royal Intervention
The Hague, Thursday, 26 February 2026.
The Netherlands government is pulling back its planned 2028 asset tax reform following fierce criticism, including from Prince Constantijn who warned the policy would damage the startup ecosystem. The controversial Box 3 tax would have forced investors to pay annual taxes on unrealized gains from stocks and cryptocurrencies - essentially taxing money they haven’t actually earned yet. Finance Minister Heinen confirmed the law needs amendments after startup advocates argued employees paid in equity shares would face crippling tax bills without cash to pay them, potentially driving tech talent and investment away from the Netherlands.
Netherlands Tax Change Threatens Startup Employee Benefits with Levy on Unsold Shares
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
Dutch startups face a crisis as new 2028 tax laws will force employees to pay 36% tax on paper gains from company stock options they cannot sell. The Box 3 reform creates an unprecedented situation where startup workers may owe substantial taxes on illiquid equity compensation, potentially requiring personal loans to cover obligations.
Dutch Researchers Win Grants to Commercialize Brain-Food Innovation and Roadside Drug Tests
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
Four VU Amsterdam scientists secured NWO Take-off grants to transform laboratory breakthroughs into market-ready products. The innovations include a fermented food bar designed to improve mental health through gut-brain science and a world-first portable breathalyzer detecting nitrous oxide impairment in drivers.
Dutch Government Fund Invest-NL Appoints New Director to Lead Capital Strategy
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
Jorine Zandhuis takes charge of Relations & Product Development at Invest-NL, tasked with mobilizing both public and private capital for Netherlands’ climate and innovation transitions.
Netherlands Launches National Defense Innovation Partnership with Regional Development Companies
The Hague, Monday, 23 February 2026.
Dutch Defense State Secretary Gijs Tuinman signed agreements with regional development companies across six provinces to accelerate military innovation through civilian technology partnerships. The initiative focuses on dual-use technologies that serve both military and civilian purposes, creating opportunities for Dutch startups in AI, drones, and digital security to contribute to national defense. This represents a strategic shift toward decentralized innovation procurement, potentially transforming how the Netherlands develops defense capabilities while strengthening regional economies and technological resilience.