STARTUP HERO JOURNEY 2025
Registration for the 2025 edition is unfortunately closed.
UPALMERE! invites ambitious (early-stage) startups to the Startup Hero Journey 2025, an intensive pre-accelerator program designed to take innovative ventures to the next level. This program is ideal for startups based in Almere or willing to settle there, who nurture international ambitions and want to contribute to a better world. Participants will have access to a series of inspiring sessions, master classes and events that will immerse them in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Under the guidance of experts and experienced mentors, participants not only develop their entrepreneurial potential, but also discover new perspectives and join a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. The program provides practical tools and insights for international growth, helps develop scalable ideas and prepares startups for future success.
The Startup Hero Journey 2025 is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to improve their skills, broaden their horizons and prepare their business for a sustainable and impactful future in the global market.
From idea to impact: Your opportunity in the Startup Hero Journey 2025
UPALMERE! is proud to look back on two successful editions of the Startup Hero Journey program, with Static Entertainment winning in 2023 and Spontickets in 2024. These startups demonstrate how our program can be a springboard for growth and development by providing the right guidance, networking opportunities and expertise. Their trajectories from fledgling ideas to promising ventures inspire. Now it is your turn to seize this opportunity and grow your startup. Are you ready for the next step in your entrepreneurial journey?
Why participate?
- Growth: exploring new markets.
- Exposure: National and international.
- Expand network.
- Making promising connections with potential customers.
- Guidance: Receive training and personal mentoring support.
- Gaining knowledge: Delve into case studies/themes.
- Contributing to a sustainable future: actively apply the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in your business model.
- Pitch training: Improve your presentation skills and pitch your idea in front of an expert jury.
- You will be paired with 1 or 2 mentors.
Sustainable Development Goals
In our program, we challenge you to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with your startup. By focusing on these, you establish your company as a frontrunner in sustainable innovation. We encourage you to let go of traditional ideas and find creative solutions to complex problems. This can lead to innovative ideas and technologies that are not only successful in the market, but also have a significant impact. By contributing to the SDGs, you will help create a more sustainable and just world.
More information »
Innovation for a sustainable future
Innovation is at the forefront of the Startup Hero Journey 2025. From big data and blockchain to artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), technology offers new opportunities for growth and development. Yet the challenges and opportunities go beyond digitalisation alone. This program will help your tech-driven startup apply your innovative solutions to broad themes such as Mobility, Energy, Climate and Health. Use your technology strategically, make an impact and create a difference in tomorrow's world.
Are you an ambitious entrepreneur with an innovative idea? Then the Startup Hero Journey 2025 is your chance! This program offers access to experts, targeted workshops, an extensive network of mentors and the opportunity to pitch your idea in front of an expert jury.
Aftermovies
Terms and conditions
- Location: Startup is based in Almere or has the ambition to open branch in Almere within 2 years.
- Stage: Startups should be in the early to advanced stages of development, with a working product or service.
- Age: Established as a startup (or scale-up) within the last 6 years.
- Scalability: Startups must have demonstrable potential to scale up and reach a larger market.
- Ambition:
- International ambition
- Ambition to grow (by 20% annually in turnover, services/products and staff numbers)
- Company profile: Tech-driven company. Owns the intellectual property rights of its own business model and or product(s).
- Domain: The program focuses on specific domains, such as ICT & Tech and sustainability. Startups operating in these domains have an edge: Health, Inclusion, Energy, Mobility, Climate adaptation, Data deployment.
- Convincing product story: Variable product-market fit. Beyond the prototype stage and able to pitch the product and/or service clearly. A clear business explanation of your unique USP and target market.
- Commitment: It is essential that startups are willing to actively engage in the program, participate in workshops, mentoring sessions and other activities.
Practical information
- The working language of the Startup Hero Journey is Dutch, which means that all communication, presentations, materials, and interactions within this program are conducted in the Dutch language.
- A total of eight half-day sessions are expected over a 20-week period during which participating startups will be guided in working towards a final idea.
- The final will take place in Almere. Date will be announced as soon as possible. The winning startup will receive an incentive voucher worth €1,000 to further grow their business.
Registration for the 2025 edition is unfortunately closed.
Questions?
If you are interested in UPALMERE!'s Startup Hero Journey program, feel free to contact Jean-Paul Mau-Asam. Email: jmau-asam@almere.nl or send an email to upalmere@almere.nl.