Horticulture and Sustainable Energy Innovation Challenge 2024
By WorldStartup and HortiHeroes with NEXTgarden, in cooperation with Greenport Gelderland, Greenport Arnhem-Nijmegen and Glastuinbouw Nederland.
The Gelderland region is a thriving hub for horticulture and sustainable energy. We are on the lookout for startups with solutions that can address the real-world challenges faced by growers in this region. Whether it’s developing new energy sources, improving sustainability practices, or enhancing connections with the local community, your innovation can make a tangible impact here.
Selected startups have the opportunity to test their solution with one or more challenge owners in the region. You will get access to the Global Impact Incubator Basecamp for 6 months, including the online incubator programme, monthly skill sessions and a dedicated mentor. Guidance in the field of cultivation and technology challenges can be provided by Delphy, a leading consultant company in the horticulture industry.
Step up, and make your impact. We have 5 seats for 6 months to give away. Apply today for your free seat.
Challenges
Challenge 1: Sustainable Energy for solitary Greenhouses
Solitary greenhouses who are not part of larger energy networks, are struggling with rising energy costs. These growers often have relatively low energy and because of that can’t afford the high costs of new, large scale sustainable energy solutions . We need innovative, affordable solutions that provide sustainable energy — like heat or other storable fuels — minimising fossil fuels or extensive infrastructure. Your solution should help these growers stay competitive and sustainable.
Challenge 2: Building Connections Between Greenhouses and Local Communities
Greenhouse energy producers are expanding their role to support local residential heating networks. The challenge is to strengthen ties with the local community, ensuring that these efforts are met with goodwill and cooperation. We are looking for solutions that can enhance positive interactions between greenhouses and residents, positioning the local horticulture sector as a collaborative and sustainable energy partner.
Challenge 3: Transitioning Greenhouses to Sustainable Energy Sources
As energy costs rise, large greenhouse operations must shift away from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources. These growers need solutions that can deliver heat, electricity, CO2, and water efficiently and cost-effectively. We are looking for scalable innovations — such as geothermal heat, hydrogen, CO2 or power — that can meet these needs while maintaining the conditions essential for optimal production.
Challenge 4: Expanding Local Markets for Local Products
Greenhouse companies primarily sell their products internationally, but there is a need to strengthen local market sales. We are looking for solutions that create accessible distribution networks and sales platforms to connect growers with local consumers or local retail organisations. Your innovation should make it easier and more viable for local residents to purchase locally-grown horticultural products.
Challenge 5: Streamlining Employee Management in Greenhouses
Greenhouse companies face high turnover among temporary employees, leading to significant time and resource investments in recruitment and training. We are looking for solutions that improve recruitment profiles, streamline onboarding, and target training programs to reduce turnover and better manage employee retention. Your solution should help companies optimise their workforce management processes.
Why participate?
Selected startups have the opportunity to test their solution with one or more challenge owners in the region. You will get access to the Global Impact Incubator Basecamp for 6 months, that includes an online incubator programme, monthly skill sessions and a dedicated mentor.
With Basecamp, you unlock access to tailored resources and a network that will help you navigate product development until you reach the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). You will become part of a community of like-minded changemakers that support each other on their journey.
Guidance and expertise in the field of integration of technology and alignment on specific requirements of various crops is available from Delphy BV. From its wide network in research and consultancy, Delphy can support in making specific choices for horticultural situations.
How to enter the challenge
Criteria
- Your startup must either be based in the Netherlands or have a product/service that can be adapted to the Dutch market
- You are an early stage startup or have a minimum viable product (MVP)
- You must be developing or developed a product/service that is innovative and scalable
- You must be able to present your solution live on Wednesday 13 November 2024 between 15:00 and 18:00 CET in the area Arnhem/ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Pitch Deck
In the application, a PDF pitch deck is required and must contain the following:
- Your product/solution
- Company and vision
- Revenue model
- In which phase is the solution?
- In which market(s) are you active?
- How will you bring your innovation to the market?
- How is your team built?
- How is your company funded?
Timeline
- Registration closes: 15 October 2024
- Announcement of selected solutions: 1 November 2024
- Live presentation at 13 November 2024
Terms & conditions
- You will remain the owner of your intellectual rights, concept or solution in your pitch(deck).
- Be aware of the fact that your pitch (and concepts and ideas in it) will be viewed and be shared. Keep IP sensitive unique (technical) details out of your pitch.
- If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via marjan@worldstartup.co
About NextGarden
NextGarden, located in Lingewaard, is a leading horticultural development area in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region. It focuses on sustainable energy, aiming to become energy-neutral by 2030, using a mix of energy sources to power greenhouses and nearby residential areas. The site supports innovation in food and greenery production, connecting entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and government bodies. With 735 hectares dedicated to horticulture, NextGarden is a regional hub for sustainable farming, advanced cultivation techniques, and green energy solutions.
About WorldStartup
WorldStartup offers a global platform to people who live and breathe social and impact-driven entrepreneurship. To trailblazers who care for nature and strive for equality.
They co-create remarkable and progressive experiences with and for changemakers to catalyse positive growth. They support social entrepreneurs, run innovation programmes like hackathons and challenges, and offer capacity building to stakeholders in entrepreneurial ecosystems. With a team in The Hague, they work on global and local programmes to support ambitious social entrepreneurs.
WorldStartup is a proud partner of the Impact City The Hague community.
About Delphy
Delphy is a leading agricultural consultancy and research organisation based in the Netherlands. With practice-oriented research, projects to stimulate innovation and high-quality advice and training, Delphy improves the performance of growers worldwide. Specialising in horticulture and agriculture, Delphy combines data-driven models with hands-on expertise to optimise cultivation practices. They work closely with growers, providing tailored advice and training to improve performance. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, Delphy’s mission is to empower growers worldwide, ensuring better yields and more efficient production.
We Make Growers Better!
About HortiHeroes
HortiHeroes is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the horticulture, agri-food, and sustainability sectors. By connecting startups, corporates, and talent, HortiHeroes accelerates the development of groundbreaking solutions that drive sustainable impact. Their mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, creating a future where horticulture thrives in harmony with our planet’s resources.
