Amsterdam Startup Launch is now DIVE Incubation Program, starting October 7th

Date: 2026-09-01

Amsterdam Startup Launch is now: DIVE Incubation Program

Develop your business idea into a solid business plan. DIVE Incubation Program is DLAB's serious pathway: ten sessions plus a Final Day, where you stop refining your idea in theory and start pressure-testing it into a complete, investor-ready business plan – strategy, customer validation, legal structure, finance, and team. Guided by Roland Berger coaches, Wintertaling's legal experts, and industry professionals who've done this before. 

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Who is it for?

• Teams of 2–5, at least one member affiliated with VU, UvA, HvA, or Amsterdam UMC
• You already have an idea with real shape – not a rough concept – and you're ready to commit as a team, not solo
  
  

What you'll gain 

• A structured business plan – proposition, model, customer strategy, financials, roadmap
• Real investor-style feedback and opportunity to perfect your pitch 
• A relationship with your Roland Berger coach and access to their network 
• A cohort of fellow founders and a shared language to keep building with
  

The sessions

Eleven sessions, each building on the last – same rhythm every time: homework review, expert session, founder story and networking.

Dedicated coaching

You will not build alone.

Each team is paired with a dedicated Roland Berger coach for the full programme. Your coach acts as a sparring partner throughout DIVE, helping you reflect on assignments, challenge assumptions and strengthen your business plan.

Expect around one hour of coaching per week outside the group sessions.

What we ask from you

DIVE works best when the whole team commits.

We ask you to:

• Apply and participate as a team
• Attend all programme sessions and Final Day
• Complete the assignments between sessions
• Actively work with your coach throughout the programme

Apply   

Apply before September 30th.
For questions, please email: dlab@vu.nl