Brightlands Startup Challenge

What an incredible start to this year’s spring edition of the Brightlands Startup Challenge!

The energy at our official Kick-off Event was incredible. We officially launched this year’s journey, bringing together a community of bold thinkers and future-shapers. It was an afternoon of first handshakes, fresh ideas, and the start of many powerful collaborations.

Over 100 teams are ready to make impact!

The numbers for this edition are staggering: more than 100 teams have officially joined the challenge!

From circular economy and health tech to digital innovation, these teams aren't just competing for prizes, they are here to solve real-world problems. The ambition in the room was high, and the potential for impact is even higher.

What’s coming up?

The momentum is building. Over the next few weeks, teams will dive into:
Expert workshops: Deep-dives to sharpen business models and validate concepts.
Speeddate event: Rapid-fire networking with mentors, partners, and industry experts.

Connect today: Your dashboard is live!

Your personal dashboard and chat functions are now fully active. This is your chance to connect directly with the partners and experts who can help your startup scale. Don’t wait for the next event. Start the conversation now, ask your questions, and use the network to move forward faster.

To all 100+ teams: Be bold, stay curious, and build with purpose. Let’s make this the most impactful edition yet!

Prof. dr. Rianne Letschert - President of the University of Maastricht & Minister of Education, Culture, and Science of the Netherlands.

"The Brightlands Startup Challenge programme is a great opportunity to broaden and test your entrepreneurial skills and competencies in close cooperation with other students and a network of industry partners.

You will be given ample chances to meet and work with different companies and businesses in interdisciplinary teams, in line with the actual development stage of your projects, whether it is ideation, prototyping or start-up."

Prof. dr. Rianne Letschert - President of the University of Maastricht & Minister of Education, Culture, and Science of the Netherlands.


Our beloved partner network

YER logo
ASML logo
Microsoft logo
Gemeente Maastricht logo
Sevagram logo
Provincie Limburg logo
Brightlands logo
LIOF logo
Rabobank Limburg logo
Esprit ICT logo
Volta NXT logo
EY logo
Youz logo
Envalior logo
Loyalis logo
Equans logo
MUMC+ logo
ZOWonen logo
BCT Software logo
Envida logo
Boels Rental logo
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation logo
Maastricht University logo
Soapbox logo
Limburgse Werkgevers Vereniging logo
START Maastricht logo
Student Project Team logo
Brightlands Startup League logo
CBS logo
Ortessa logo
Belden logo