incubator

Turn challenges into stepping stones

At Innokite, we exist to ignite the potential of knowledge-intensive startups and founders. Our mission is simple: help you take flight.

Building the foundations for success

The Incubation Phase is designed to give you the time, tools, and guidance to explore your ideas, validate assumptions, and create a strong foundation for your startup. With a blend of expert sparring sessions, co-pilot support, and a collaborative space, we help you turn challenges into stepping stones toward success.

Your journey, your pace

We understand that every idea and entrepreneur is unique. That’s why our Incubation Phase lets you work at your own pace, offering access to resources, mentorship, and a thriving community. Whether refining a concept or building your first prototype, we’re here to support your next steps.

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Benefits

Why choose incubation with Innokite?

Empowering your journey with expert guidance, a vibrant community, and unparalleled opportunities.

Tailored support for every step

Gain access to workshops, tools, and sparring sessions designed to guide you from idea validation to building a scalable business model. Our content is customized to address the unique challenges faced by knowledge-intensive start-ups.

A thriving collaborative environment

Join a dynamic network of like-minded entrepreneurs, mentors, and peers. Our community fosters collaboration, complimentary skill-building, and the exchange of ideas to help you grow alongside others on a similar journey.

Connections that open doors

Leverage Innokite’s extensive network, including industry experts, investors, and regional partners. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, co-founders, or partnerships, we’ll connect you with the right people to drive your vision forward.

testimonials

Hear it from our community

Innokite helped me sharpen my strategy, make better business and funding decisions, and grow alongside an inspiring, impact-driven community.
Gabrielle Pinkster
Founder Schrijfbasis
Being part of the Innokite incubator, I’ve learned how to become a better entrepreneur and soar higher, supported by a strong and inspiring community.
Marites Schipper
University of Groningen: LLB International and European Law
Amazing for the startup ecosystem and for learning how to start a business and make an impact beyond the lab.
Axel Hochstetter
PhD, CEO of "Life on a Chip"
A vibrant startup community, great co-working spaces, and the number 1 place for entrepreneurs in the city!
Darren Arnold
Co-founder of Cebala EU

Turn your idea into reality-Let's talk!

Curious if the incubator is the right fit for you? Book an initial meeting with Richard Rushby to discuss your idea and see how we can support your journey. Come prepared with some details about your business proposition—whether it's a short concept, team info, or a business model canvas.

Startup Visa requests - not accepting anymore

Please don't apply via the incubator form below or send your Startup Visa request to our email address. We are no longer accepting Startup Visa requests.

To qualify for the Startup Visa scheme, you need an innovative idea for the Dutch market, sufficient funds to live in the Netherlands for one year, and an experienced facilitator. You can check the full requirements on the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) website.

Innokite cannot act as your facilitator. You can visit the RVO website and the Startup Visa facilitator page to explore other potential facilitators.

Apply

Apply to incubator

Ready to join a dynamic community of like-minded people looking to make an impact?

Our incubator is more than just a space: It is an environment where diverse perspectives, curious minds, and innovative co-creation converge to fuel breakthroughs.

Get in touch about the possibilities.

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FAQ

Frequently
asked questions

What happens during the incubation phase?

During incubation, startups work at their own pace and focus on validating their ideas, building a strong foundation, and finding the right collaborators. We provide sparring and copilot support during this phase as well as a physical space to come together and prepare for the Acceleration Bursts.

Do you need a fully formed business idea or a team to join?

Not at all! The incubation phase is designed to help you explore and validate your ideas. Whether you have a rough concept or an early prototype, we’ll provide the guidance and resources to take the next steps. We also welcome people with teams and without teams.

Is there a cost to participate in the incubation phase?

Participation in the incubation phase is subsidized, making it accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs. A nominal fee of 500 euro is charged per year for access to facilities and our co-pilot tool.

Can you join the incubator again after the year is over?

Yes! If you want to join the incubator for a second year, the process is the same, as is the access to perks and the fee.

Is it compulsory to attend all workshops and activities in a learning module?

In the Incubation Tier, attendance of all workshops and activities in the Innolaunch module is not compulsory: the idea is that you can begin to develop and progress at your own pace and as you need. The learning modules (‘Bursts’) of the Accelerate Tier however will have an attendance requirement.

Are there assignments or exams in the incubation phase?

There are no assignments or exams in the incubation phase, but if you intend to join the Accelerate Tier you will need to complete the prerequisite work for the relevant Bursts before you can apply.

Will I get a mentor in the incubation phase?

No. Mentorship is accessed when you join the Accelerate Tier.

Is Innokite part of the Startup Visa scheme?

Unfortunately, Innokite cannot act as a facilitator for the Startup Visa scheme.

What do you need to do to have Innokite serve as a facilitator for the Startup Visa scheme?

The Startup Visa scheme isn't applicable to all entrepreneurs. To be eligible for the scheme, you need to meet important criteria. To check these criteria, head to the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) page for the Startup residence permit.

Unfortunately, Innokite isn't longer able to accept Startup Visa requests or act as a facilitator.

If you would like to explore other potential facilitators and learn more about the procedure, please visit the RVO website and the Startup Visa facilitator page.

What do you offer to Startup Visa applicants?

Innokite can no longer act as a facilitator for the Startup Visa scheme. However, if you already have a Startup Visa with another facilitator and would still like to join our incubator, that's possible.

Alongside our Incubate and Accelerate learning tiers, we provide tailored support during the first three months to help founders settle in the region and connect with the local ecosystem. This includes introductions to entrepreneurs, access to a network of 40 experienced mentors, and practical support such as our co-working space, specialised workspaces through ecosystem partners, and InnoLab facilities for startups needing chemistry, bio, or engineering labs.