Startups, being the driving force for innovation, can provide solutions for societal challenges on several levels. Their path-breaking, disruptive innovation are important for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, both in India and in the Netherlands. India, with its booming economy and fast-growing IT-sector, houses numerous innovators and entrepreneurs who are ready to explore Europe. The Netherlands – with its international business climate and English-speaking community – is an interesting gateway for Indian startups to enter the European market. Also vice versa, India – and its huge market of 1,3 billion – provides Dutch innovators and entrepreneurs multiple opportunities. Their expertise and technologies in fields like agriculture, cyber or waste management can support India in its growth in a sustainable matter. In sum, stimulating Indian and Dutch start-ups to interact, co-create and find joint solutions to sustainable challenges play a key role in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
The Indo-Dutch #StartUpLink initiative is designed to open-up the Indian and Netherlands market to Dutch and Indian Startups respectively that are looking to expand to international markets. The platform has been developed by Startup India in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy provides access to information, relevant networks, pilot opportunities and a single point of contact for navigating through the Indian and Dutch startup ecosystems respectively.