Startups

From idea to impact 

Startups are the core of what we do at DLAB. We support early-stage ventures driven by students, researchers, and staff—ideas rooted in academic insight, personal motivation, or social urgency. Whether you arrive with a question, a prototype, or a partial plan, DLAB is the place to build something real. 

Phases

All projects move through the following phases:

Jump — Discover The Problem
In the first 3–9 months, you discover the customer, validate the problem, identify your earlyvangelist, and decide whether entrepreneurship suits you.


Dive — Validate The Solution
Typically over 3–9 months, you move from exploration to creation by designing your solution, building prototypes, testing assumptions, and preparing the scope of your MVP.


Swim — Acquire First Customers
Estimated at over 3–18 months, you focus on acquiring your first contracts, pilots or sales. To make this possible, you build team capacity, prepare for funding, and set up the structures needed to grow.


Yearly, we support around 60 active projects. Many grow into fully formed ventures. About 25 percent of active projects are a B.V. Some raise funding, win awards, or move on to national incubators. Others pivot, pause or stop — and that is part of the process. DLAB is a place for experimenting, testing, and learning what works.

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What we ask from you 

DLAB is free of charge, but participation requires consistent engagement and accountability.

Commitment to your project 
Active participation in coaching, events, and the DLAB community 
Updates of your monthly progress 
Help others and share knowledge, give feedback and support your peers 

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What DLAB offers 

Community and Events 
A diverse, driven group of student and researcher founders, peer sessions, social meetups, and startup showcases 

Lab and Office Space 
Access to technical labs, office desks, and a fully equipped Makerspace for prototyping and product development 

Workshops and Coaching 
Monthly expert-led workshops and structured peer coaching to help you move forward with clarity and confidence 

Peer community 
Connect with other founders, share insights, and learn through peer-to-peer exchange 

Funding 
Pre-seed support for materials, lab tools, and early-stage testing 

Pitch and demo events 
Present your project to a live audience, meet investors, and gain exposure 

Visibility and credibility 
Join a recognised program within the academic and startup ecosystem of Amsterdam 

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Ready to develop your startup? 

Apply now! 
Or learn how it works.