Bart, co-founder of Media52 and Professor of Journalism oversees IO+, events, and Laio. A journalist at heart, he keeps writing as many stories as possible.
The AI Pitch Competition, a standout initiative in the Brabant region, is back – and the energy is already palpable. With €50,000 in prize money on the line, alongside expert feedback, network-building opportunities, and media attention, this year’s contest is poised to elevate a new class of ambitious AI startups.
Last year, during the second edition, ten promising startups from sectors ranging from bio-tech to data analytics made their mark. All of them put forward a vision for advancing technology into real-life applications. TouchPulse was last year's grand prize winner. The startup empowers visually impaired individuals with AI tools that communicate crucial environmental details, enhancing their independence. Winning the Grand Prize of €50,000 will help them bring their transformative technology to even more people in need. More winners here.
Like last year, IO+ will bring you closer to this year's inspiring startups as they prepare to pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of seasoned judges, including investment managers, industry experts, and esteemed academics.
Why the contest matters
Bringing together pioneering ideas that merge AI and social impact, the contest plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of tech-enabled ventures. Brabant’s ecosystem benefits from this spotlight; participants not only vie for funding but receive invaluable coaching, pitch training, and introductions to strategic partners.
What sets edition 3 apart?
- A sharper emphasis on ethically grounded AI, privacy by design, and regulatory foresight (think AI‑Act, GDPR).
- Richer, curated content tailored to what today’s startups need: from pitching mastery to investor negotiation and media visibility.
- A broader scope, with entries spotlighting biotech, bioinformatics, sustainability, data analytics, and therapeutic AI.
What lies ahead
The road to the November finale is filled with milestones: Meet‑and‑greet sessions at LevelUp, intensive workshops to polish pitches, and a showdown at the AI Summit Brainport. Each startup refines its value proposition, sharpens its messaging, and readies for that critical 5‑minute pitch.
These founders symbolize the dynamism and responsibility driving AI’s future in the Netherlands: fair, transparent, and socially beneficial.
Register now!
The registration phase is now open. Register now for the AI Pitch Competition 2025 and take part in the future of AI innovation!
Stay tuned on IO+ - we’ll bring you the stories behind every pitch, the innovators behind the tech, and who ultimately takes the crown and commission to scale globally.