Brightlands Startup Challenge

Celebrating the Winners of the Brightlands Startup Challenge - Spring 2026 Edition!

On June 25th, UM's headquarters came alive with energy, creativity, and ambition as 15 bright student teams took the stage for the Grand Finale of the Brightlands Startup Challenge.

Over the past months, ambitious student teams have taken bold ideas and transformed them into promising ventures, tackling real-world challenges with creativity, courage, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

To all participating teams: thank you! You brought energy, curiosity, and determination into every workshop, coaching session, and pitch moment. Whether you are walking away with a prize, new skills, a stronger concept, or a fresh perspective, you are all winners in our eyes. Your ideas and dedication are shaping the future.

The finalists confidently pitched their ideas to the audience and a panel of expert judges representing our partners Rabobank, LIOF, Maastricht University, Volta NXT, Dadwan, the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, and the Brightlands Greenport Venlo Campus.

A heartfelt thank-you to all partners and jury members for your expertise, time, and belief in young entrepreneurial talent. A special word of gratitude goes to Maastricht University's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation for being the cornerstone of this challenge.

To everyone involved: thank you for making this edition unforgettable. See you in fall.

Spring 2026 Winners

Advanced AwardHARDRADA
Ideation Awardcrustico
Non-student AwardQues
Audience Awardcrustico
Brightlands Chemelot Campus AwardHARDRADA
Brightlands Smart Services AwardPayperLess
Brightlands Greenport Venlo Campus AwardSnack Rebels
Maastricht Impact AwardSolid Favours
MaaSec AwardSolid Favours
Rabobank VouchersAll award winners

Congratulations to all winning teams. We cannot wait to see where your journeys lead next.

Celebrating the Winners of the Brightlands Startup Challenge - Spring 2026 Edition!

Spring 2026 Winners

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