Aria Samimi came to the Netherlands from Iran with a Dutch startup visa to launch his venture, InsectSense. The startup operates in deep tech with an aim to become a front-runner in developing innovations inspired by insects within the Agri-food and health industries. He was able to utilise one of the world’s leading agri-food environments to create an innovative startup, recruit international talent, and benefit from the leading agri-food research environment in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is a world-class cycling country. Check out our top tips and locations to discover our cycling culture. If you’re in the Netherlands and in the mood for cycling, these tips may very well steer you in the right direction. 

Floating houses, trees on blocks of flats and walls made of hemp. If the idea has occurred to you, chances are that designers have already drawn it. And this is no fantasy. In recent years, Dutch architecture has received international acclaim for its power of innovation. With developments such as timber construction, reuse of building materials and modular construction, architects are leading the Netherlands to a more sustainable future. And there are already wonderful examples of this for you to visit. 

In 2025, it will be exactly 80 years since the end of World War II. The Netherlands has been a free country for a lifetime now. This calls for a celebration at various times and places throughout the land. But what does freedom mean and how is it valued in the Netherlands?

A single tear can reveal more than just emotions - it can hold the key to diagnosing diseases. Dr. Marlies Gijs, a biochemist at Maastricht UMC+ and known as ‘the tear doctor,’ is uncovering the hidden potential of tears as a diagnostic tool. Her world-first research focuses on using tear fluid to detect diseases like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s, offering a new, non-invasive alternative to procedures like spinal taps.

Dutch health-tech startup OASYS NOW is revolutionising the healthcare landscape. After launching their first product, GRIP, at Slush 2023, the company returned to the prestigious event in 2024 and walked away with the Slush 100 competition win. 

In the southernmost tip of the Netherlands, where land meets the sea, The Kingfish Company is redefining the future of aquaculture. Their land-based aquaculture model focuses on sustainability, using 100% renewable energy to raise premium Yellowtail Kingfish without antibiotics. This approach helps reduce overfishing and carbon emissions. By shifting production to land, The Kingfish Company is reducing the pressure on overfished oceans, ensuring that future generations can continue to rely on seafood.