Flevopenningen Gala 2026 puts entrepreneurial Flevoland in the spotlight
Almere, 2 October 2026 – Entrepreneurship, innovation and impact took centre stage at the Flevopenningen Gala 2026 at the Topsportcentrum Almere. With the theme ‘High Tech’, Flevoland demonstrated just how much innovative potential the province has to offer. Robots, drones, digitalisation and data provided the backdrop for an evening in which Flevoland’s entrepreneurs, in particular, took centre stage.
Four entrepreneurs ultimately took home a Flevopenning: WonderBit from Almere, Alles voor Padel from Lelystad, Hofweb from Dronten and Eva Flantua from Flevour.
In the run-up to the gala, the nominees were already introduced to Flevoland. Video profiles were created of all the nominated entrepreneurs, in which they talk about their businesses, ambitions and entrepreneurship. These profiles can be found on the Flevopenningen website.
High Tech: opportunities and security
As the host municipality, the City of Almere strongly emphasised the theme of ‘High Tech’. Robots, drones and other technological applications clearly demonstrated the opportunities offered by new technology.
At the same time, attention was paid to the downside of an increasingly digitalised world. The more we work with technology and data, the more important digital and online security becomes. Consequently, this evening’s High Tech event was not only about innovation, but also about using the possibilities offered by technology in a conscious and safe manner.
Four winners
Each of the four winners demonstrates, in their own way, just how diverse entrepreneurship in Flevoland is.
The Pioneer Medal was awarded to WonderBit from Almere, reflecting the province’s innovative and pioneering character and the development of new technology.
‘Alles voor Padel’ from Lelystad was named Top Entrepreneur 2026. A business that, with courage and a pioneering spirit, has identified opportunities and successfully turned them into growth.
The Participation Medal was awarded to Hofweb from Dronten. Hofweb combines entrepreneurship and participation whilst also representing a key strength of Flevoland: food production. It is precisely this link between food, innovation and technology that offers a wealth of opportunities for the future.
The Rabo Impact Penning was also awarded for the first time during the gala. This new award went to Eva Flantua of Flevour and shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs who, through their business ventures, make a positive impact and contribute to the future of Flevoland.
Strong together for an entrepreneurial Flevoland
The organisers can look back on a successful event. The gala was made possible in part through collaboration with the Municipality of Almere and the Province of Flevoland. In addition, partnerships were formed with Flevoland Werkt for the Participation Medal, Horizon for the Pioneer Medal and Rabobank for the new Rabo Impact Medal. VNO-NCW provided an inspiring speaker who opened people’s eyes. There were also many sponsors who contributed to making this event possible.
The Flevopenningen Gala once again demonstrated the wide variety of entrepreneurship that Flevoland has to offer. From high-tech to food production and from community involvement to social impact. Entrepreneurs who spot opportunities, innovate and dare to pioneer.
An evening to celebrate entrepreneurship, meet one another and, above all, take pride in what Flevoland has to offer.
Winners of the Flevopenningen 2026
Top Entrepreneur: Alles voor Padel – Lelystad
Pioneer Award: WonderBit – Almere
Participation Medal: Hofweb – Dronten
Rabo Impact Award: Eva Flantua – Flevour
Photo: ©StudioWierd