A launchpad for bold ideas in
AI and Quantum deep tech
The Nursery
Every groundbreaking idea deserves a strong start.
The Nursery offers a 6-month [onsite] launchpad for early-stage AI and Quantum startups, based on the Gridt Model and emerging from Amsterdam’s academic and entrepreneurial talent.
Validate, validate, validate → find market fit → become funding ready.
We offer a structured program, tailored support, a strong community, and opportunities to connect with experienced professionals from the startup ecosystem.
And most importantly: meet your peers, learn together, and build together.
Two cohorts start each year — one in September and one in February.
Apply now to access the network, support, and environment to take your vision to the next stage.
See our Support Partners
Have a great idea?
Apply up for the Nursery
APPLY TODAY
Elligibility criteria for joining
Stage: Created less than one year ago.
Focus Areas: Quantum and AI.
Team Composition: At least two co-founders (max 4 team members)
Location: Able to work from Startup Village (min. 2x/week).
Funding: Have not yet received venture capital (VC) investment.
Financial: Being able to pay €99/month (per startup, ex VAT) for a period of 6 months.
Duration: Participation is limited to 6 months.
What in it for you?
24/7 access to The Nursery at Startup Village
Curated workshops, sessions, and events
A dedicated buddy (experienced entrepreneur/mentor)
Access to the Startup Village network of founders, experts, investors, and corporates
A peer community of ambitious startup founders
Increased visibility within the startup and innovation ecosystem
Option to extend your stay in The Nursery location, for an additional 6 months before or after completing The Nursery program.
What we offer:
A 6-month support program: Refine your business proposition with hands-on feedback, and support from a dedicated industry buddy.
Join Our Community: Become part of a vibrant network of innovators, with access to valuable resources, mentors, and a supportive ecosystem.
Benefit from Energetic Workspace: Access to office space at Startup Village the hub for AI and quantum technologies (ex-event space).
Investment Readiness: Get investor feedback to assess your funding potential, from grants to venture capital.
Boost Your Visibility: Showcase your startup on our website and enjoy exclusive opportunities to connect with our dedicated partners.
Costs: 99.- eu/month ex vat. per startup. [Max 4 team members]
What we ask in return:
Be an active member of the Startup Village community.
Attend the office at least 2 days a week.
Come prepared for buddy meetings and topic sessions.
Share openly and support fellow founders.
Communicate proactively when you need help.
Engage with Startup Village on LinkedIn and Instagram
Commitment: A 6-month membership for €99/month (excl. VAT), with one calendar month's notice to cancel.
Meet the Buddies
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Jasper Wognum
Co Founder @Braincreators | Ai Salon
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Femmie Geradts
Director Startup Village Amsterdam
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Jorn Eiting van Liempt
Entrepreneur & Venture Builder @ ROM InWest
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Gerty Holla
Coalition Manager | Life Sciences, Health & Biotech expert
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Jin Han
Mentor & Investor
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Linze Rijswijk
Sr. Business Developer @ ROM InWest
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Stephen Dodson
Advisor, Investor | Expert in generative AI, machine learning, and LLMs
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Marc Wesselink
Co-Founder @ venturerock | Digital Venture Platform
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David Rosenberg
Coach on Leadership, alignment & Impact
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Frans van Andel
Healthcare, financing and investment
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Frank Appeldoorn
VC Partner, Managing Partner
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Arjan Goudsblom
Deep tech, AI | Techleap
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Marlon Hiralal
Data, Tech & AI | ABeam Consulting
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Eben Badu
Creative entrepreneur | The New Originals
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Chris Slootweg
Circular chemistry, scientific innovation
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EcoNode
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FieldLoop
Helping organisations measure their impact by speaking directly to the people they affect.
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Beta2business
An AI company that helps businesses, particularly companies in the manufacturing industry, improve their existing operations using AI and custom software.
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Afrikid
Afrikid Toys creates Africa-inspired educational toys that combine storytelling, creativity, and interactive learning to help children discover African culture.
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Deconvolute Labs
AI security company building infrastructure that protects AI agents from prompt injection, unauthorized actions, and malicious data.
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Conjurer Labs
An EU-sovereign search API designed for agentic use. Agents act on what they find, so a stale result becomes a wrong decision.
