North Holland as a breeding ground for innovative entrepreneurs
North Holland, like other regions in the Netherlands, is experiencing grid congestion. As the province with the largest economy in the country, the issue of grid congestion is particularly urgent. How can we relieve the strain on the energy grid and manage available energy as effectively as possible to ensure that growth and development remain possible? Additionally, there is a clear need to make the large-scale industry and data centres in the region more sustainable. And more and more wind farms are being built off the coast of North Holland, the energy from which needs to be brought ashore. All of this offers excellent opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs to develop solutions in these areas.
The range of possible solutions is as broad as the spectrum of challenges. Consider, for instance, energy management systems, long-term battery storage, heating networks, and molten salt reactors. This breadth of possibilities within the energy sector makes North Holland an ideal region for innovation to flourish and presents opportunities for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs!
This is how ROM InWest helps
We help innovative entrepreneurs become investable more quickly, find funding, and grow healthily. We do this through one-on-one coaching, accelerator programmes, and investments.
We see that startups often struggle to find growth financing. Because development paths are often long and uncertain, many private investors often find it too risky to get involved at an early stage. They often only come into the picture when a company is further along. Developers of hardware, such as a new type of pump or an electrolyser for making hydrogen, are particularly affected by this.
ROM InWest supports entrepreneurs in North Holland in becoming fundable, and we ourselves invest where possible in that early phase. We help entrepreneurs to focus so that innovation can grow into a viable and rapidly scalable product, making other investors willing to provide capital.
We support businesses through Innovate, Invest and build on ecosystems.
Ecosystem interventions
In addition to one-on-one coaching, ROM InWest actively positions itself within the innovation ecosystem. For example, we are active in the North Sea Canal Area to establish a hub where companies with innovations for industrial sustainability can carry out their pilot projects. Furthermore, we are investigating the possibility of creating new subsidy opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs within the energy transition, particularly for companies at a low TRL (Technology Readiness Level) aiming to progress towards their first physical prototype, proof of concept, or pilot. We continuously monitor how we can translate companies' challenges into ecosystem interventions, enabling as many innovative entrepreneurs as possible to take the next step towards becoming economically successful and impactful.
Accelerator programmes for entrepreneurs
In a Accelerator programme You will sharpen your proposition, market position, and growth path through critical questions, targeted assignments, and joint sessions with other entrepreneurs. Programmes like GO!NH, PIM, and Leap Sprong are well-suited for companies within the energy transition. Our business developers are happy to think with you about which programme best suits you.
Subsidy opportunities
In the area of energy transition, there are many subsidy opportunities. Consider, for example, the Demonstration Energy & Climate Innovation (DEI+). Have you developed an innovative technique with which your company can save energy or reduce CO2 emissions? Then you can apply for a subsidy through the DEI+ for the pilot or demonstration of this technique. Are you working on a hydrogen project, then the Implementation Regulation for Sustainable Hydrogen Projects North Holland 2025 (DUWANH) might be something for you. You can find more options via our subsidy guide. OOur business developers will gladly guide you through the subsidy landscape.
Are you looking for investments, networking, or knowledge for your innovation in the energy sector?
Then we're here for you! We support gamechangers in North Holland: ambitious start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs that contribute to cleaner energy and the reduction of grid congestion in North Holland, among other things, through smart solutions. Get in touch and discover how we can help you.
