NLR Startup Programme
The NLR Startup Programme is the gateway to comprehensive aerospace expertise and facilities dedicated to support Netherlands-based start-ups.
About the programme
Accelerate your technological innovation with the NLR Startup Programme, your accessible front door to NLR’s people, test facilities and technology. If you’re a Netherlands-based startup in aerospace or deep tech, we aim to get you direct access to the know-how, labs, or IP you need to further develop your technology, and your company.
Choose the support that fits your development stage:
- Advisory – get accessible and valuable input from our domain experts.
- Prototyping & Testing – build and test in our facilities.
- Co-development – partner with us to mature promising technology together.
Along the way, connections may be made through partners in our network, from major industry players to the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, so you can demonstrate your solution to potential customers and accelerate growth and strengthen the Dutch aerospace sector.
Stories & testimonials
Emergent is a start-up focused on the development of software for autonomous and hovering drones. They have a clear vision and a strong drive to develop and innovate their technology. With the support of NLR and their own perseverance, they’re ready to take on the world of drones.
“Working with NLR pushes us to deliver within a short timeline, without compromising on quality. In addition, it provides us with technical validation by a reputable organisation”, says CEO of Emergent, Lennart Bult.
Get in touch!
FAQ’s
Depending on the scope of the activities within the project, (some) labour hours can currently be offered free of charge for selected startups. Some services (e.g. lab time, specific test facilities, prototyping materials) may incur costs depending on the package you choose. We’ll discuss this transparently during intake.
The program is open to startups based in the Netherlands working on aerospace-related technologies and solutions . That can be hardware, software, services, or enabling technologies.
We offer three packages:
– Advisory – strategic guidance and technical advice
– Prototyping – access to test facilities, equipment, or technical staff
– Co-development – collaborative projects involving NLR technology or expertise
While NLR specialises in technical support, we don’t (yet) offer coaching on business development or go-to-market strategy. That said, we work closely with regional and national partners (such as incubators, innovation hubs, and funding platforms) who do provide this kind of support. If needed, we’re happy to connect you to relevant organisations in our network. Feel free to still reach out to us.
You keep ownership of your own IP. If we co-develop something, we’ll agree on IP terms up front. If you want to license NLR technology, we can explore case-by-case.
Depending on your project and (safety) requirements, we may allow access to the relevant test and research infrastructure. Keep in mind that it is required that a NLR colleague is present at all times.
No. Startups at different stages of their technology development are welcome. Whether you’re still validating your concept or ready to scale, we’ll tailor support to where you are in the development cycle.
This is not an investment or funding program. Our role is to support you in developing, validating, demonstrating or scaling your technology using NLR’s resources, which can help your pitch to investors.
Just fill in the intake form on this page. We’ll review your submission and get in touch to explore potential next steps.