The Wageningen Entrepreneurship Grants support student entrepreneurs with impactful ideas. Every year, three prizes are awarded: two startup awards for commercially promising sustainable initiatives, and one public award for an impact-driven initiative. The grants are made possible by University Fund Wageningen in collaboration with Starthub Wageningen.

Apply before 25 February 2026

Do you have an idea or initiative and want to be considered for one of the awards? Please check whether you meet the criteria and submit an application.

Important dates for applicants

Application deadline: 25 February 2026 (midnight)
Announcement of semi-finalists: 27 February 2026
Preparation session for semi-finalists: date to be announced

Semi-final: Wednesday 4 March 2026
Final: Tuesday 19 May 2026

Only selected applicants will take part in the semi-final and final rounds.

• Future Resources Award
  Startup award of €25,000 for the best initiative focused on renewable energy resources as a promising solution for the climate and energy transition, within the WUR domain.
• Future Planet Award
  Startup award of €25,000 for the best knowledge-driven idea within the WUR domain, with impact as its objective and with proven growth potential and market interest (validation and traction).
• Get Unstuck Award
  Audience award of €7,500 for an impact-driven and sustainable initiative.

Jury 2026

Investor: Heleen van Poecke
Non-executive director: Jacqueline Pieters
AgTech investor: Peter Arensman
Food innovation expert: Marian Geluk

Are you not applying for a grant, but interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and impact?

You can also register as a visitor to attend the semi-final on 4 March 2026, where the finalists will pitch their ideas.

Jort Maarseveen won with his initiative Hippotainer from Panteleimon Agianidis (Fermentera) and Emiel Smits (Aeroponics Equipment) in the battle for the Future Resources Award. Winners of the Future Planet Award, Florence van Haastrecht and Zoe van Helvoirt from BeeGrateful, won from Carina Nieuwenweg (Novya Biotech) and Michele Tufano (Eatpol). The Get Unstuck Award of €7,500, awarded by the public for the best small step that can mean the biggest growth of the startup, went to Emiel Smits of Aeroponics Equipment.

Initiators of the Wageningen Entrepreneurship Grant

Read more about the initiators of this grant.