The Netherlands as a hotspot for innovation
InnovationQuarter played a crucial role in organizing the mission and helping startups establish the right connections.“4YFN offers a unique opportunity to build international relationships that can be crucial for a startup’s growth,” says Marit Kuypers, Senior Project Manager International Trade at InnovationQuarter. “The entrepreneurs here are ready to take the next step and put their innovations on the global map.”With support from many partners, InnovationQuarter is committed to connecting startups with the right networks and markets, enabling them to grow into international success stories.
A strong Dutch presence
The importance of startups to the Dutch economy was further emphasized this year by the presence of Minister Dirk Beljaarts (Ministry of Economic Affairs), Meindert Stolk (Province of Zuid-Holland), Clara Van Willigen (Netherlands Embassy in Madrid), and Frits Grotenhuis (Topsector ICT).
Dirk Beljaarts, Minister of Economic Affairs: “4YFN is a fantastic platform for our startups to take their first steps onto the world stage. Here they are in the spotlight, gaining the visibility they need to grow. We are incredibly proud to showcase them here.”
During the pitching event “Dutch Disruptors Live on Stage,” organized by Future Network Services and InnovationQuarter, six Dutch startups — Qualinx, Aircision, ANTENNEX, PWXR, Space4Good, and Whispp — presented their innovative solutions to a packed audience of investors, partners, and industry experts.
Dutch startups at 4YFN 2025
The sixteen participating startups from the Netherlands brought a diverse range of innovations to Barcelona, spanning from cybersecurity and deeptech to sustainable IoT solutions:
- Aircision – Free-Space Optics (FSO) technology for ultra-fast and secure wireless communication.
- ANTENNEX – Innovative testing technology for advanced integrated antennas.
- Budz – AI-powered wireless earbuds with UWB integration.
- EW2Health – AI-driven healthcare solutions with predictive analytics.
- Hamsa ID – Privacy-first biometric identification and touchless authentication.
- Kexxu – Advanced computer vision solutions for industrial automation.
- Linq2 – AI integration in communication and IoT systems.
- LiveDrop – Offline data transfer technology without network infrastructure.
- PhoneCam – Smart body camera with smartphone integration for safety and efficiency.
- PWXR – XR gaming and fitness platform combining technology and movement.
- Qualinx – Ultra-low-power GNSS and IoT chips for next-generation connectivity.
- Security Reporter – Automation of cybersecurity reporting and risk analysis.
- Space4Good – Geospatial technology for sustainability and social impact.
- Ver.ID – Secure and intelligent identity verification solutions.
- Whispp – AI-powered speech technology for people with voice impairments.
- Yookr – Smart IoT solutions for the agricultural sector and precision farming.
Real business impact at 4YFN
After four intense days of networking, pitching, and meetings, many startups left 4YFN with concrete leads and collaboration opportunities.
Joris Castermans, Founder and CEO of Whispp:
“We are here for the second time. The stage we are in now is so different from where we were last year. It went really fast. We met many interesting potential clients and people we already collaborate with. And that in just a few days.”
Saskia Korink, Co-Founder & CFO of EW2Health:
“We had a lot of people showing interest, and yesterday an obesity program approached us. They are based here in Spain, and I think we signed them up as a customer.”
Alexander Gunkel, Co-Founder of Space4Good:
“We were invited by Nokia to a Sustainable Leaders event, where we could share our journey and showcase what we have been doing so far to a group of sustainability directors. It was a great opportunity to explore potential partnerships along the way.”
A week full of connections and growth
Beyond the exhibition, the Netherlands Business Support Office Barcelona (NBSO) provided a valuable networking opportunity during an interactive pay-it-forward breakfast session. Startups and partners from the Netherlands and Spain connected in an informal setting, leading to open conversations and new business opportunities.
New this year was the intensive collaboration between Future Network Services, BTG, and InnovationQuarter. This was reflected in the FNS-IQ dinner on Tuesday evening, where the business of the startups took center stage. During this dinner, startups had the opportunity to ask their table companions about business development, technical innovations, validation, and more. This event added a lot of value to the startups’ networks and is set to return next year.
Celebrating a successful week
To conclude the eventful week, LIOF and InnovationQuarter organized the startup dinner, where — after days of structured and intensive networking — it was finally time for a relaxed and informal evening with startups and all affiliated partners.
With this successful edition of 4YFN 2025 now behind them, the Dutch startups return home with many new contacts and opportunities. Their participation in the event is not only a confirmation of their potential but also a testament to the strength of the Dutch innovation ecosystem.
We would like to thank our valued partners for their contributions, whose support makes this initiative possible: BTG Services, Danny Frietman, Digitalzh, Ecosystem Services, Embassy of the Netherlands in Spain, Enterprise Europe Network Nederland (EEN), Future Network Services 6G, Gemeente Almere, Gemeente Den Haag, Green Hub Innovations, Horizon Flevoland, LIOF, Ministerie van Economische Zaken, Netherlands Business Support Office Barcelona (NBSO), NL Honorary Consul, Provincie Zuid-Holland, Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Topsector ICT, Trade & Innovate NL, TU Delft, and UPALMERE!
Will your startup join 4YFN 2026?
One thing is certain: after another successful edition of 4YFN, InnovationQuarter will be back next year.
Thoole van Leeuwen, Product Owner and Co-Founder of TokenMe B.V.: “The opportunity to be at MWC and 4YFN is amazing. There is so much to learn here. There are people who truly want to help you move forward and contribute to your growth.”
Is your startup ready to take the stage at 4YFN 2026? Get in touch with Marit Kuypers-van Meurs at marit.kuypers@innovationquarter.nl and discover how you can take your international ambitions to the next level! Or fill in this form directly.
