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Rotterdam
21.05.2026

Connecting startups, capital and opportunities

Upstream is where startups find capital and opportunities. Thousands of founders, investors, and corporate innovators have joined us to spark growth through funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, and collaboration. Whether you’re raising, investing, or looking to partner with the next generation of entrepreneurs, this community-driven festival is your gateway to capital, cutting-edge ideas, and meaningful connections. Save the date: May 21, 2026.

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Impact report 2025

Discover the key insights and outcomes of Upstream 2025, held from May 21-22 in Rotterdam. This comprehensive report highlights the event's significant contributions to sustainable economic growth and innovation. Featuring detailed metrics on attendance, diversity, and economic impact, the report provides a thorough analysis of how Upstream 2025 connected entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the world. Download now to explore the full impact and success of this transformative event.
Download full Impact report

This was Upstream 2025

3000+

attendees

You connected with over 3000 change makers who drive the transition to a digital, carbon neutral, circular and inclusive economy. Want to be one of them? Sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date

Community

driven

You joined a variety of side events that took place over several days and include partner-created sessions on three key topics: access to capital, markets and talent.

28

speakers

We hosted 28 inspirational talks by leading experts, founders and artists.

Speakers

Check out the speakers of previous Upstream Festivals.

VIEW MORE speakers
André Kuipers
Astronaut
Claire Jones
CEO Polarsteps
Constantijn van Oranje Nassau
Special Envoy Techleap
Evelien Bunnik-Remmelts
Co-founder Whoppah
Duncan Stutterheim
Co-founder ID&T
Elise de Reus
Co-Founder Cradle
Diederik Gommers
Professor Intensive Care Medicine Erasmus MC
Hannah Prins
Climate activist Extinction Rebellion
Want to get notified when speakers for 2026 are announced? Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know.
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Why attend?

Founders

  • Connect with other founders
  • Meet investors and corporate buyers
  • Grow and scale your business

Investors

  • Find new deals
  • Meet (co-)investors
  • Showcase your expertise

Change Makers

  • Meet the startups and scale-ups
  • Learn from other innovators
  • Highlight your impact

Program

You discovered our thoughtfully crafted main program of fireside chats, deepdives, pitches, roundtables and speed dating. And enjoyed the best of what our Dutch ecosystem has to offer at the official side events. Providing you the space to thrive and build companies that change the world for the better.

PRe-Register for Upstream 2026

Updates

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September 17, 2025

South Holland: A startup powerhouse

The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Index 2025 confirms what founders and investors already know: South Holland is one of the most powerful startup regions in the Netherlands.

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September 11, 2025

Startup and Scaleup Founders Get-Together

On October 16th, we invite founders and C-level executives of innovative, scalable, and fast-growing startups and scale-ups from all over The Netherlands & beyond to join us for a casual get-together. Share your wins, challenges, setbacks.

Read more
September 3, 2025

Exploring the Intersection of Biotechnology and Machine Learning at Cradle

The convergence of biotechnology and machine learning is creating new opportunities for innovation. Cradle, a forward-thinking company, exemplifies this trend by harnessing the potential of AI to address complex biological challenges.

Read more
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View gallery

Catch a glimpse of previous Upstream Festival editions or check out all the photos of previous editions.

2025

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2024

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2023

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2022

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2021

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Partners

Meet our partners of 2025 driving Upstream forward. Want to join forces with us and become a partner in 2026?
BEcome a partner 2026
Main Partners
Program Partners