Dutch Government Extends Techleap Program to Strengthen Startups
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 24 September 2025.
The Netherlands extends Techleap until 2029, boosting startups through increased investments and tax benefits, aiming to enhance economic competitiveness and tackle societal challenges.
Techleap’s Strategic Extension
The Dutch government has announced a strategic extension of the Techleap program, set to continue until 2029. This initiative is designed to support the growth of startups and scale-ups through increased capital investment and favorable tax regulations. The program’s extension comes at a crucial time as the Netherlands seeks to regain its standing among the world’s most competitive economies. From 2022 to 2025, the country’s ranking slipped from fourth to tenth place, underscoring the urgent need for economic revitalization and innovation[1].
Investment and Innovation
Under the leadership of Minister Micky Adriaansens from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Techleap program aims to nurture at least ten new technology and market leaders over the next decade. This ambitious goal is supported by six key priorities, including the provision of €200 million additional funding for the European Tech Champions Initiative (ETCI) and a €250 million Blended Finance instrument. These measures are complemented by efforts to establish a national investment institution and tax exemptions for startup shareholders[1][2].
Fostering a Competitive Ecosystem
The Techleap extension emphasizes scaling deeptech companies within strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy. This focus aligns with the broader National Technology Strategy launched in 2024, which aims to translate research into commercial solutions more rapidly. The government is exploring the establishment of a National Agency for Disruptive Innovation to further facilitate this process[1][3].
Global Market Integration
To ensure Dutch companies can compete internationally, the government is enhancing support for international missions and events. The continuation of the ScaleNL program will assist firms in establishing a presence in the United States, a critical market for expansion. By bolstering these international ties, the Netherlands aims to fortify its position in the global innovation landscape[1].