Entries open for NN Social Innovation Startup Award

After a successful first edition in 2024, the NN Social Innovation Startup Award returns during The Next Web Conference in Amsterdam on June 19. Finalists will pitch their ventures live on stage and receive tailored support to scale their impact.

They believe that equal opportunities and well-being should be within reach for everyone. But they also know that access is not evenly distributed. Millions of people face mental health challenges, barriers to quality care, or financial insecurity—often with little support. While innovation is reshaping many industries, few tech solutions are designed to support those whose well-being is under pressure or at risk, and don’t have access to opportunities.

This award was created to change that. Not just with funding, but with lasting support—connecting mission-driven startups to the knowledge, networks, and resources they need to scale.

Benefits

• Funding
  • The total available grant for this award is €200,000, the winner will receive a €100,000 grant. Non-dilutive and fully focused on fueling your growth.
• Venture development programme
  • Get tailored, hands-on support from Rubio for a full year— who know what it takes to build and scale early-stage ventures. By combining corporate strength and venture capital, NN Group and Rubio are offering complementary expertise to accelerate.
• Network & visibility
  • Connect with leading investors, partners, and fellow founders at The Next Web and beyond. Your story will be shared through the channels of NN Group, Rubio, and their extended community.
• Exclusive venture support tools
  • Access Rubio’s founder platform: a curated toolkit with resources, templates, and partner offers designed to help mission-driven startups thrive.

Eligibility Criteria

• They’re backing early-stage, tech-driven startups with a clear mission—and the potential to scale.
  • Mission-first
    • Your venture improves mental, physical, or financial well-being for whom this is under pressure or at risk, or creates equal opportunities
  • Tech-enabled
    • You use technology as a key enabler—through a live product or validated proof of concept.
  • Impact-driven
    • Your solution creates measurable, positive change for individuals and society.
  • Revenue-generating
    • You’ve been active for at least one year and are already generating revenue.
  • Scalable
    • Your business model balances impact and commercial growth potential.
  • Reach
    • You’re operating in one or more of these countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Spain or Japan.

For more information, visit Rubio Impact Ventures.