On October 2, 2025, YES!Delft (opens in new window) celebrates its 20th anniversary during the Demo Day. This annual event is focused on inspiration, innovation, and meeting.

More than 50 startups will showcase their latest technologies and products here, both on stage and in a large expo. It is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to share their ideas with investors, partners, and the general public. For the province of South Holland, YES!Delft is a very important place. Here, new ideas, products, and companies are created that are of great importance for the future of our region.

What makes YES!Delft so important?

YES!Delft is a breeding ground for technological startups. Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas have the chance to develop their plans, create products, and bring them to market. For the province of South Holland, these startups are of great value. They create new jobs, contribute to economic growth and sustainability, and strengthen the knowledge economy in our region. Many of the innovations that emerge from YES!Delft ultimately reach society. Think of sustainable solutions for energy, smart technology in healthcare, or new ways to make our transportation cleaner and more efficient.

YES!Delft is internationally recognized. It has been ranked among the best incubators in Europe multiple times and even ranked second on a global list. This underscores the quality of the guidance and the strength of this ecosystem.

Support for Innovation

The province supports innovation in various forms. Here are a few concrete examples of how we help YES!Delft and similar initiatives:

  • The province of South Holland provided a grant of €250,000 in 2024. This supports programs such as the Validation Lab and the Accelerator Program.
  • YES!Delft Labs is a new building that has made room for laboratories and office space for technological and biotechnological startups. This building is partially financed through subsidies from Kansen voor West (EFRO), the municipality of Delft, and the province of South Holland.
  • The province is collaborating on the MINDbases. These are places where innovative companies and startups work with Defense on solutions for security issues. A location has recently been added at YES!Delft on the TU Delft Campus.

Support for Innovation Remains Important

Startups need time to grow: ideas must be tested and products developed. Grants help with this, as they reduce the risks for entrepreneurs. The effects are significant for the region. New companies, technologies, and knowledge create jobs, enhance attractiveness, and provide societal value. Moreover, the support aligns well with the strategic goals of the province of South Holland. We aim to be a sustainable, smart, and economically strong region. YES!Delft plays an important role in this, with innovations in high-tech, sustainability, and digitization.

Reflecting on the Future

YES!Delft started 20 years ago as a breeding ground for entrepreneurs with a good idea. It has now grown into an international hotspot for innovation. Hundreds of startups have taken their first steps here, and many of their solutions are now used in our region and beyond. That is something to celebrate together: 20 years of innovation power, made possible by and for South Holland.