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Leaps

Leaps

Leaps

Welcome to LEAPs (Leading Ecosystem Action Projects), turning the State of Dutch Tech 2026's decisive action into long-term results.

Join a trusted group of fellow founders or senior leaders to tackle your toughest challenges together

LEAP topic: European Growth Strategy

LEAP topic: European Growth Strategy

Status:
Sprint 1 (Initialisation)

Dutch tech companies need customers, not just more grants. This LEAP aims to scale European tech startups and scaleups by turning public authorities into actual buyers. We aim to shift the ecosystem away from subsidy dependency and toward market-driven growth and real customer validation, accelerating the scale of our most promising ventures.

Mission

REWIRING EUROPEAN PROCUREMENT

By the end of 2026, we will facilitate at least 5 major European public procurement deals. We are breaking through the structural mismatch where risk-averse procurement systems stifle innovation. Our goal is to build awareness of what is already possible today and turn the European public sector into a massive launchpad for tech companies.

Procurement Gap

10%

Only 10% of European public procurement goes to innovation; half the rate of the US and Asia.

Only 10% of European public procurement goes to innovation; half the rate of the US and Asia.

Public procurement minimizes risk. Innovation demands speed. Bridging the two requires a fundamental shift.

Public procurement minimizes risk. Innovation demands speed. Bridging the two requires a fundamental shift.

Public procurement minimizes risk. Innovation demands speed. Bridging the two requires a fundamental shift.

-50%

-50%

-50%

Growth Ceiling

Growth Ceiling

Growth Ceiling

Growth Ceiling

After 10 years, European scaleups raise 50% less capital than their US counterparts.

After 10 years, European scaleups raise 50% less capital than their US counterparts.

30%

30%

30%

Relocation Drain

Relocation Drain

Relocation Drain

Relocation Drain

Nearly a third of Europe's unicorns relocate abroad to escape market fragmentation.

Nearly a third of Europe's unicorns relocate abroad to escape market fragmentation.

boy sitting while holding electronic device part

community ask

GET IN THE ROOM WITH PUBLIC BUYERS

GET IN THE ROOM WITH PUBLIC BUYERS

We are building the bridge between startups and the public sector. Join us for two major connection events: a side-event at HelloTomorrow (Amsterdam) in June, and a Benelux innovation summit (Brussels) in October.

We are building the bridge between startups and the public sector. Join us for two major connection events: a side-event at HelloTomorrow (Amsterdam) in June, and a Benelux innovation summit (Brussels) in October.

Live Roadmap

Sprint Timeline 2026

2

3

4

Sprint 1

Initialisation

12 Feb - 16 Apr

Completed

Sprint 2

Foundation

16 Apr - 30 Jun

In Progress

Sprint 3

Scale

30 Jun - 29 Oct

Upcoming

Sprint 4

Impact

29 Oct - 12 Feb

Upcoming

Live Roadmap

Sprint Timeline 2026

Sprint 3

Scale

30 Jun - 29 Oct

Upcoming

Sprint 4

Impacy

29 Oct - 12 Feb

Upcoming

Sprint 1

Initialisation

12 Feb - 16 Apr

Completed

Sprint 2

Foundation

16 Apr - 30 Jun

In Progress

Live Roadmap

Sprint Timeline 2026

2

3

4

Sprint 1

Initialisation

12 Feb - 16 Apr

Completed

Sprint 2

Foundation

16 Apr - 30 Jun

In Progress

Sprint 3

Scale

30 Jun - 29 Oct

Upcoming

Sprint 4

Impact

29 Oct - 12 Feb

Upcoming

LEAP Owner: Chantal Schrijver Sprint Lead: Myrthe van Dalen (Invest-NL)

Contact us

Testimonial Image

Let’s take more risks together to invest in those magnificent Dutch growth gems.

Let’s take more risks together to invest in those magnificent Dutch growth gems.

Rob Jetten, Prime Minister-Designate and Party Leader D66

Rob Jetten, Prime Minister-Designate and Party Leader D66

Still unsure of something?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Still unsure of something?

Get in touch

What are LEAPs?

LEAPs (Leading Ecosystem Action Projects) are the execution arm of the State of Dutch Tech. They are active, gated working groups where founders, investors, and policymakers collaborate to turn the ecosystem's biggest friction points into tangible solutions.

How were LEAPS formed?

How do I join a working group?

Is this open to the public?

What happens inside a LEAP workspace?

What are LEAPs?

LEAPs (Leading Ecosystem Action Projects) are the execution arm of the State of Dutch Tech. They are active, gated working groups where founders, investors, and policymakers collaborate to turn the ecosystem's biggest friction points into tangible solutions.

How were LEAPS formed?
How do I join a working group?
Is this open to the public?
What happens inside a LEAP workspace?