INVESTMENT

LAUNCH PAD

 

April 9th & 10th 2026

 

Jaarbeurs Utrecht

Sign up for the Future-Proof Awards
Impact Fair 2025_Samuel Wagner_dag1 – ImpactFair 2025–32

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

The Future-Proof Convention focuses on becoming future-proof as a business. Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers in making Europe competitive and resilient for the years to come.

That is why we introduce the Investment Launch Pad. A dedicated physical space at the future-proof convention where startups, scale-ups, investors, and investment funds come together to accelerate entrepreneurship. Join the Future Proof Awards, be inspired by special talks and presentations, visit the investment market, join 1-on-1 meetings and connect with hundreds of startups, investors and funds.

We hope to see you on the 9th & 10th of april 2026 in Jaarbeurs Utrecht. 

BUY TICKETS | PROGRAM | APPLY FOR FUTURE PROOF AWARDS

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HOW TO JOIN

Join as a start-up or scale-up

Are you a start-up or scale-up that are looking for financing options or more information on the next steps? Join the launchpad by making yourself visible to investors and start connecting. There are 3 ways to connect:

1. Buy a ticket
With a regular ticket you have access to the whole Future Proof Convention and have the opportunity to connect with investors via the event app.

Buy tickets

2. Buy a booth
With a booth you have the opportunity to showcase your company to all the hundreds of investors and potential clients walking around. There is a special low tariff of € 400 ex VAT for a booth for 2 days. You can bring your own products and branding to showcase your company.

Buy a booth 

3. Apply for the Future Proof Awards (free of charge)

Apply with your company for the Future Proof Awards and win access to a network of experts and direct access to investors. Present your ideas on the main stage and kickstart your investing journey. You also receive a booth for free!

More information and registration

 

Join as an investor

The Future Proof Convention is the ideal place for investors to gain new insights in innovative companies and projects that can change the world. Whether you want to invest or research filantropic ideas, you are very welcome. Be inspired by other investors, start-up pitches and various funds to invest in.

Buy tickets

 

Join as an investing fund

Are you interested in meeting investors or are looking for start-ups to invest in, then the Future Proof Convention’s launchpad is for you. You can join as a visitor or make yourself visible for investors and startups by becoming an exhibitor. For more information please contact our Exhibitor Manager, Silke, at silke@impacttradefair.nl or +316-30165435.

 

Making investments future proof together

Together with our partners PYM and Young & Bold (Nyenrode), we offer investors and startups a unique opportunity to connect meaningfully and explore opportunities. PYM helps impact-driven projects scale by connecting them with a broad network of investors, partners, and experts. Young & Bold supports young talents and entrepreneurs in developing their creative and social potential.

As part of the Investment Launch Pad, the Convention also organises the Future-Proof Awards, providing startups and scale-ups with an initial boost to grow their ventures. In collaboration with Young & Bold and Nyenrode Business Universiteit, the most impactful startups are selected and prepared to present directly to attending investors on the main stage.

Impact Fair 2025_Samuel Wagner_dag1 – ImpactFair 2025–25
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PROGRAM

Thursday, 9 April

TBA

 

Friday, 10 April 

TBA

FUTURE PROOF AWARDS: Accelerator for impactful ventures

Following the successful editions in 2024 and 2025, we are pleased to present the Future-Proof Awards 2026 (formerly the Young & Bold Impact Awards) and invite you to participate in this year’s edition. The Awards offer a selection of ambitious founders the opportunity to present their venture on stage to a jury of social investors, entrepreneurs and experts during the Future-Proof Convention on April 10. It is more than a competition. It is an accelerator that provides visibility, strategic feedback and access to a powerful network.

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Bring your startup or scale-up to the spotlight and pitch your impact initiative to investors, entrepreneurs, and experts at the Future-Proof Convention.

Who Can Apply?

You are eligible if you:

  • Are an ambitious impact maker, 18+
  • Run a startup (≤5 years) or scale-up (≤7 years) with a viable product or service
  • Are seeking support to scale or further develop your initiative
  • Own the intellectual property of your concept

Finalists will pitch live on 10 April 2026 at Royal Jaarbeurs Utrecht. Only nine participants will be selected to present on stage.

How to Apply

Submit a 300-word summary of your concept via our application form before 9 March 2026.

Include:

  • What makes your initiative unique
  • Your goals and ambition for the next 2–3 years

Applications will be reviewed by Nyenrode Business Universiteit and Young & Bold based on Impact, Scalability, and Innovation. Selected participants will be notified in the week of 16 March 2026.

Finalists receive prep calls and an online pitch training session to ensure your presentation is top-notch.

Categories

  • Two times Impact, Scalability, Innovation (each category once for startups and once for scale-ups)
  • Two overall Future-Proof Awards  (one for the strongest startup, one for the strongest scale-up)


The Jury

Leading social investors, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, government representatives, and academics.
Finalists also receive a complimentary pitch workshop from Young & Bold.

Winners Receive

Winners not only gain recognition, but also concrete support to help grow their venture:

  • An exclusive pitch preparation course by Nyenrode Business Universiteit, focused on entrepreneurship, growth, and impact

  • Access to Young & Bold’s network of entrepreneurs, experts, and partners

  • Inclusion in a deal-sharing mailing list for private investors, plus a speaking opportunity in 2026 to present your proposition to PYM’s private investors


Participate Now

Apply before 9 March 2026 for a chance to pitch on the main stage at the Future-Proof Convention.

Questions?

Contact Anna at academy@impacttradefair.nl.

“We loved this amazing opportunity! It was great to connect with other impact-driven entrepreneurs and inspire each other!”

The Sustainable Superstore – Winner of the Future-Proof Award 2025 (Most Scalable category)

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