IO+ Week: The Netherlands, startup country? Yes and no

There were mixed reports this week about the state of the Netherlands as a startup country. In short, developments in the United States offer Europe a unique opportunity to fill the gap that seems to be emerging there. However, at the same time, we see that there are still many barriers to overcome at both the European and national levels, which can be discouraging at times.

It all came together in two places last week. First, there was The Next Web, the annual event in Amsterdam, considered one of the most influential tech events in Europe. More than 4,000 CEOs, investors, policymakers, and tech nerds gathered in Amsterdam, and we were there, of course. What needs to happen to take advantage of ChatGPT and Google's Gemini (and minimize the disadvantages as much as possible)? How can Europe win the quantum race? How can we use agritech to save our food system? This year's The Next Web Conference returned to basics, putting technologies and the questions they raise at the center of the discussion. The role of the Netherlands and Europe was repeatedly discussed. Read Aafke Eppinga's comprehensive overview article here.

Deeptech

During TNW, Aafke also examined the opportunities for the European deeptech sector. Quantum technology, AI hardware, memory systems, and semiconductors—this is an era in which the foundations of the digital world have become not only economic but also geopolitical territory.

On the second day of TNW 2025, former ASML CEO Peter Wennink and Walden Catalyst founder and former Samsung executive Young Sohn – billed as “The Gods of Industry” – discussed one of the most pressing questions of our time: who will win the battle for deep tech dominance – and how do we ensure that Europe is not left behind? It was a lively discussion with clear insights into how deep tech will win the new cold war. Read the report here.

Still in the top 10

In addition to The Next Web's findings, those in StartupBlink's Global Startup Ecosystem Index report were also noteworthy. We devoured the 300-page report from cover to cover and once again came to a twofold conclusion for the Netherlands: we are maintaining our position in the top 10, but pretty much the whole world around us is growing faster than we are.

There are also a few interesting developments within the Netherlands: Amsterdam continues to dominate, now with a total score five times higher than that of Eindhoven, its closest competitor. Despite being in second place in the Netherlands, Eindhoven has the lowest growth of the top five Dutch cities and has dropped two places in the world rankings (to #106).

Nationally, Rotterdam is the only city in the Dutch top 10 to rise, overtaking Utrecht. The growth of Rotterdam's ecosystem, at over 50%, is the highest among the top Dutch cities and helps the city achieve the biggest rise in the Dutch top 10, climbing 30 places in two years. Maastricht is the only top Dutch city to record negative growth. Read the full story here.

Gerard & Anton Awards

Oh yes, on July 3 (less than two weeks from now!), the annual Gerard & Anton awards will be presented. If you want to attend, please register promptly, as we are approaching our maximum capacity of visitors. You can register here.

And then there was this:

Watt Matters

In the meantime, we are busy preparing for our event on November 26: Watt Matters In AI.

Don't want to miss a thing? You can find an overview of all our articles here. Have a great Sunday!