On June 17, 2026, the Young Innovators Battle kicks off at the largest knowledge festival in Deventer, held at the Gasfabriek. Several teams will get the chance to present their ideas live on stage. You’ll be in the heart of an inspiring environment, surrounded by other students and professionals. That day, you can attend lectures and workshops, meet new people, and gain valuable insights for your own idea.
If your team is selected to pitch on June 17, you’ll receive a Golden Ticket to the final on February 15, 2027.
Don’t want to miss this? Send your idea to info@younginnovatorsbattle.nl
The Young Innovators Battle (YIB) is an annual competition that brings together the most innovative, sustainable, and groundbreaking ideas from students in the Stedendriehoek region. YIB challenges young talent to think beyond the usual paths and develop ideas for innovative, practical solutions for a sustainable and future-oriented world.
Participants work on real-world challenges and learn not only how to develop their ideas into actionable steps but also how to present them with impact. As YIB founder Arko van Brakel puts it: “Innovation begins where comfort ends.”
In the lead-up to the competition, six teams are selected to take part in Battle Night: three from secondary schools and three from vocational and higher education. These teams receive guidance, feedback, and the opportunity to refine their ideas.
The finale takes place on February 15, 2027 , when teams pitch their projects to a professional jury. One winner is chosen in each category, with a cash prize awarded to the winning team.
The Young Innovators Battle brings together government, education, and businesses across the Stedendriehoek region. By connecting these sectors, YIB creates a powerful platform where talent development, innovation, and social impact come together. For companies, it’s an opportunity to meet young talent, drive innovation, and actively contribute to the region’s future.
What is the Young Innovators Battle?
The Young Innovators Battle is a groundbreaking competition where students from schools in the Stedendriehoek pitch their innovative ideas for a better future.
Who can apply?
All upper-year high school students, as well as MBO and HBO students from schools in the Stedendriehoek, are welcome to participate.
How do I apply?
Simply fill out a short online form to briefly present your idea. Excited already? Sign up right away on this site!
Can I win something?
The winning team receives a cash prize. Part of it goes toward making the idea a reality, and the rest can be used freely by the team.
On November 26, 2024, Tim Koldenhof Events took over from the Clean Tech Battle. With a fresh look and renewed approach, this initiative will continue to grow. We give young thinkers and doers a stage. Together, we are building the future, driven by talent and collaboration!
Organisation
The Young Innovators Battle is organised by Tim Koldenhof Events in collaboration with partners from education and business. The competition builds on the legacy of the Clean Tech Battle, which was founded in 2012 by Martin Snijder.
The Young Innovators Battle is made possible thanks to the support of our partners. If your company would like to help make this event happen, please contact info@dezwitsalhal.nl.
Are you between 14 and 24 years old and in the upper years of high school (grades 3–6), or an MBO or HBO student (years 1–4) at a school in the Stedendriehoek? Then we’re looking for you!
Do you already have an idea you want to develop further, or are you excited to come up with a completely new plan? Anything goes, as long as it’s innovative and original. Your idea could focus on technology, sustainability, healthcare, creativity, entrepreneurship, or something entirely different. The Young Innovators Battle takes a deliberately broad approach, so everyone with a great idea has the chance to present and develop it.
Sign up in a team of 2 to 5 people. Registration is open until October 12, 2026.
Is your company looking for fresh, innovative ideas and interested in supporting young talent from the region? Then we warmly invite you to get involved with the Young Innovators Battle.
As a partner or sponsor, you’ll connect directly with the innovators of tomorrow, contribute to talent development and innovation in the Stedendriehoek, and help build solutions for the future. We’d be happy to discuss how you can get involved.
Want to learn more about sponsorship opportunities? Request the information document here.
Taking part in the Young Innovators Battle is fun, educational, and inspiring. Together with your team, you’ll have the chance to further develop your idea, network, and gain experience pitching on a professional stage.
After signing up, a professional jury will review all submissions. If your team is selected, you’ll be notified by November 2nd, 2026 whether you are one of the six nominated teams.
You won’t be on your own. In the weeks that follow, you’ll receive guidance to refine your idea and your pitch. This support can come from teachers, as well as input from professionals and companies in the region. You’ll also have access to the facilities and expertise within the Young Innovators Battle network.
All nominated teams receive an investment budget of €150. You can use this amount to further develop your idea, for example for research, materials, or creating a prototype.
On Febuary 1 & 2, you’ll present your fully developed idea to the jury during Pitch Day. This will take place at a set time in Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn and is mandatory for all nominated teams. Your pitch will last approximately ten minutes, followed by a brief Q&A session.
The grand finale takes place on February 15, 2027. During this festive evening, you will pitch your idea one more time, this time to the jury and a full audience of students, companies, and educators. You will also have the chance to watch the pitches of the other teams. At the end of the evening, the winners will be announced.
The Young Innovators Battle is not a competition full of obligations, but a springboard. It is a chance to present your idea to the world, develop yourself, and perhaps take the next step toward a sustainable future.
Do you want to take part in the Young Innovators Battle? Then simply submit your idea online. We do not require a fully developed business plan, but we do ask for a clear outline of your idea.
When you register, we ask you to provide:
The name of your project
The names and birthdates of the team members
The name of your school and your level of education
A short description of your idea
An explanation describing:
what the idea is
which problem it solves
why your idea is innovative
This can be simple and in your own words. The focus is on the idea, not on perfection. Your plan does not need to be fully developed yet. During the process, you will receive guidance and tools to help develop it further. It is important, however, that your idea has a clear starting point and direction so that if your team is nominated, you can start working on it right away.
In short, your idea does not need to be finished. Developing it further is an essential part of the Young Innovators Battle.
You will participate in one of these categories:
Your idea should…
Taking part in the Young Innovators Battle offers more than just a chance to win a cash prize of 1000 euros. During the process, you will receive guidance, feedback, and the opportunity to further develop your idea. You will gain valuable experience, increase your visibility, and build new connections that can help you move forward. You will present your idea on a professional stage and connect with companies and organizations that can support you with next steps, such as internships, mentorship, or further development of your idea.
The Young Innovators Battle is therefore not just a competition, but a chance to take both your idea and yourself to the next level.
Are you selected as one of the six nominated teams? Then the next phase begins. In the weeks leading up to the finale, you will receive support to refine your idea and prepare your pitch. You can count on:
Feedback from a professional jury with experts from various fields
Support from your school and teachers
Inspiration and knowledge from companies and partners in the region
Practical tips to present your idea clearly, convincingly, and concretely
You don’t have to do it alone. The Young Innovators Battle helps you take steps toward developing a feasible and innovative idea.
Participating in the Young Innovators Battle is more than just a competition. It is an opportunity to develop yourself, take your idea seriously, and take steps toward the future.
During the process, you will work on skills you can use anywhere. You will learn to think creatively, collaborate, make decisions, and communicate your ideas clearly. You will also develop your presentation skills and gain confidence by sharing your story with others.
You will present your idea on a professional stage, in front of a jury and an audience. This is a unique experience that you won’t easily find elsewhere and looks great on your CV or portfolio. It shows that you take initiative and are willing to invest in your own ideas, personal growth, and making a difference in the world.
The Young Innovators Battle connects you with companies, professionals, and organizations from the Stedendriehoek. This can lead to new insights, valuable conversations, and even opportunities for an internship, collaboration, or a follow-up project.
You will discover that your idea matters. By working on it, you contribute to solutions for social and future-oriented challenges.
The Young Innovators Battle is a competition that gives young talent a stage to come up with creative solutions for a better and more sustainable future! Are you joining?
De Zwitsalhal
Vlijtseweg 126B
7317 AK Apeldoorn
Nederland
Phone: +310552032556
Young Innovators Battle is een wedstrijd waar jong talent een podium krijgt om creatieve oplossingen te bedenken voor een betere en duurzamere toekomst! Doe jij mee?
De Zwitsalhal
Vlijtseweg 126B
7317 AK Apeldoorn
Nederland
Telefoon: 0552032556
