advertentieThe initiatives Startup in Residence Intergov and Reform of the MKB INFRA Payment Scheme represent the Netherlands at the European final of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards 2025 (EEPA). In November, they will compete in Copenhagen against other original and successful initiatives of public-private partnerships from the EU.
On June 18, the jury announced the 2 winners of the Dutch preliminary round.
Startup in Residence Intergov
Startup in Residence Intergov (SiR Intergov) is a collaboration of various governments and renews the way they tackle societal challenges. By launching innovation challenges and collaborating with start-ups, a short-cycle, learning approach is created within the public sector. Start-ups receive intensive support, a €25,000 innovation budget, and access to public knowledge, data, and networks. At the same time, they guide civil servants in their collaboration with innovative entrepreneurs. This enhances the governments ability to experiment quickly and scale effective solutions. The impact is visible: more than 150 challenges, 1700+ applications, and 35% of the pilots lead to a sustainable follow-up assignment. SiR Intergov is a collaboration between the ministries of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Justice and Security, Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Rijkswaterstaat, the provinces of South Holland, North Brabant, and Limburg, and the municipality of The Hague.
Reform of the MKB INFRA Payment Scheme©
The SME sector forms the backbone of the regional economy and plays a crucial role in the infrastructure sector. These companies are not only local knowledge partners but also societal connectors, employers, and support pillars during events and emergencies. However, the sector faces a persistent problem: the ongoing need for pre-financing of projects. This places a heavy burden on the liquidity of SMEs, hinders investments in sustainability, and slows the development of an inclusive society. To break this impasse, MKB INFRA presents a practical and successfully tested initiative, developed by and for entrepreneurs. With this innovative payment scheme, the association addresses the core of the financing problem and creates space for structural improvements within the entire construction chain. The impact is significant: annually, €3 billion in claims remain open in the sector. As a result, the sector misses at least €150 million in interest costs – money that is desperately needed for sustainability efforts. MKB INFRA is the association of SMEs by and for entrepreneurs in earth, water, and road construction.
The other 4 initiatives that participated in the Dutch preliminary round on June 18 were:
- 10K Incubator
- Circular Groningen Drenthe
- Startup Readiness Program (SRP)
- SHELEADS+ Global Foundation
“We have nominated these 2 inspiring projects because they demonstrate how important attention to sustainable entrepreneurship and the development of entrepreneurial skills is. Now and in the long term. We are also impressed by the dedication and results shown by these organizations. We are excited to give these projects the chance to present themselves at the European level and believe they have a great chance of winning in Europe.”
Final in Denmark
During the final in Copenhagen between November 10 and 12, it will be revealed whether the Dutch projects will win one of the European Awards.
Stimulating and Rewarding Innovation
The EEPA is an initiative from the European Commission to put initiatives that support or facilitate entrepreneurs in the spotlight. In doing so, the Commission recognizes and rewards the successes of parties that stimulate entrepreneurship with creative and inspiring initiatives. These can be (decentralized) governments, knowledge institutions, schools, or public-private partnerships. The European Commission has been organizing these Awards for 16 years.
Want to know more?
Curious about more background on the election and previous winners? Read more about the European Enterprise Promotion Awards.