HAPPENING 21–22 May 2025 | At Upstream, the Rotterdam Metropolitan area transforms into a place where startups, scale-ups, investors, corporates, policymakers, and students come together to make a positive impact on the world. Upstream aims to enable innovations that will drive the transition to the next economy; an economy that is digital, carbon-neutral, circular and inclusive.
What is Upstream Rotterdam?
Upstream is a three-day event, co-created with over 40 partners dedicated to supporting the growth of companies committed to accelerating the transition to a future-proof economy that is digital, carbon-neutral, circular, and inclusive. The festival gives its attendees access to an international ecosystem of talent, funding, markets, and exposure opportunities. As changemakers from different backgrounds and industries come together to leverage their innovations, they highlight the position of the Greater Rotterdam Metropolitan Area as a fast-evolving tech environment for businesses to grow.
2 days, 40 co-creators, and countless reasons to join
Every year, Upstream invites the Dutch innovation community, as well as international corporations and investors, resulting in over 45 different events happening throughout the festival. Past editions attracted over 2000 attendees. Every edition of Upstream Festival continues the tradition of aligning its core events around three themes: talent, capital, and growth.
The festival's program is rich with opportunities for networking and learning, featuring a variety of formats such as roundtables, workshops, and keynote speeches. Side events will also play a crucial role, with over 20 different gatherings planned across Rotterdam and neighbouring cities. These events are designed to enhance collaboration and feature discussions on critical topics like capital access, market expansion, and talent acquisition.
Lars Crama at Upstream Festival Rotterdam 📷 Bart HeemskerkUpstream 2025 details
Upstream Festival 2025 is set to bring together innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs in Rotterdam, with several side events confirmed for 21 and 22 May. These sessions, hosted by various organisations, will take place across multiple locations in the city.
Side events on 21 May
The first day of side events will feature a mix of networking sessions, investor meetups, and unique experiences tailored for startups and business leaders.
- Meet Your Co-Founder – Hosted by YES!Delft in Delft, this session connects entrepreneurs seeking business partners.
- Synergy Gathering – Organised by Unify.energy, this event in Rotterdam Central District explores collaboration in the energy sector.
- CrossFit with Investors – A networking event at CrossFit Wildhearts, combining fitness and business discussions, hosted by Arches Capital & Builders Studio.
- Unconference – An open-format discussion hosted by the Dutch Societal Innovation Hub, with a venue to be announced.
- CEO Dinner – A closed networking dinner for executives, organised by Up!Rotterdam (venue TBA).
- YC Live Upstream Edition – Hosted by Young Creators at StartDock, Rotterdam, offering insights and networking for young entrepreneurs.
Side events on 22 May
The second day will focus on investment opportunities, startup development, and deep tech innovation.
- Hello World – Organised by Tunga, this event (venue TBA) aims to connect tech talent with global opportunities.
- VC Breakfast – A networking breakfast for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs at CIC Rotterdam, hosted by Graduate Entrepreneur.
- Deep Tech Breakfast – Also at CIC Rotterdam, this session by Quantum Leiden & Delft will focus on advancements in deep technology.
- Builders Investor House – Hosted by Builders, this event (venue TBA) will provide insights into startup investments and growth strategies.
For those interested in attending, tickets and further details about the specific events, speakers, and agenda updates are available on the festival's official website.
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