Dutch Government Backs Forty Tech Start-Ups for Global Stage
The Hague, Thursday 10 September 2026
Forty Dutch start-ups will join State Secretary Ingrid Aerdts at CES Las Vegas in January 2027, aiming to secure global investment and scale their breakthrough innovations.
A Strategic Gateway to Global Markets
The selection of forty pioneering Dutch start-ups and scale-ups to represent the Netherlands at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from 6 to 9 January 2027 marks a significant step in the nation’s digital export strategy [1]. Led by Ingrid Aerdts, the State Secretary for Digital Economy and Sovereignty, the delegation is designed to showcase Dutch excellence in key technological sectors including deep tech, green energy, and digital health [1]. This international mission serves as a critical platform for high-growth businesses to secure foreign investment, forge strategic partnerships, and scale their operations globally [1][2].
Pioneering AI and Sustainability
Among the selected participants are companies that epitomise the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced engineering into legacy sectors. For instance, VNYX is revolutionising the circular economy by utilising AI-driven robots to sort and sell second-hand clothing [1]. In the hardware and clean-tech sectors, Kalpana Systems is developing ultrathin protective coatings to extend the lifespan of batteries and solar panels, while InnerTech employs industrial CT-scanning software to identify internal defects in battery cells [1]. These innovations demonstrate how Dutch enterprises are leveraging software scalability and digital technology to solve complex physical-world challenges [GPT].
Bridging Legacy Industries with Scalable Tech
To maximise their impact at the world’s largest technology trade show, the selected companies are undergoing a rigorous preparatory training programme [1][2]. Managed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, this curriculum equips founders with the pitching skills required to engage effectively with global venture capitalists, multinational business partners, and international media [1][2]. This structured support is a core component of the Dutch government’s broader initiative to foster ‘tech champions’ capable of leading international markets [1][2].
Navigating Changing Economic Landscapes
The push for stronger transatlantic technology ties comes at a vital macroeconomic juncture. In the first half of 2026, Dutch goods exports to the United States experienced a sharp decline of 25.0% to 13.0 billion euros [3]. This represents a contraction of 4.3 billion euros from the previous year’s first-half export value of 17.3 billion euros, causing the United States to slip behind Italy as the fifth-largest destination for Dutch goods [3]. Consequently, establishing direct, high-value technological partnerships and securing US venture capital at CES 2027 has become a strategic priority for the Dutch digital economy [GPT].
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Tech Champions
While Minister Herbert of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy—who oversees start-up and scale-up policy—is unable to attend the January 2027 exhibition due to prior engagements, State Secretary Aerdts will spearhead the delegation to reinforce bilateral tech cooperation between the Netherlands and the United States [1]. Over the years, hundreds of Dutch businesses have successfully utilised the CES stage to secure capital and expand their market reach [2]. By actively backing these forty innovators with public resources, expertise, and diplomatic support, the Dutch government aims to secure a dominant position for its domestic tech ecosystem in the global digital economy [1][2].