About the DUC Brabant
The DUC Brabant is part of the Dutch University Challenge (DUC), which is the largest student innovation- and entrepreneurship competition in the Netherlands.
During the DUC Brabant: students, startups, universities (hbo & wo) and leading companies collaborate to tackle real-world societal challenges and turn ideas into impactful solutions.
The best startup from the DUC Brabant will be nominated to compete in the national DUC Grand Final.
Join as a Startup Join as a Company Join as a StudentWhy participate?
Become part of the innovative ecosystem and expand your network!
Make an impact by solving societal or company challenges!
Find your future colleague and keep talent in the Brabant region!
Boost your startup with a cash prize, valuable networking opportunities, and a chance to pitch on the national DUC stage!
Company Challenges
Help ID Logistics Work Smarter and Safer
Help ID Logistics find innovative and sustainable solutions that improve ergonomics and workplace safety in logistics operations. The challenge is to reduce physical strain on employees while supporting efficient, responsible and future proof transport and warehouse processes.
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We are looking for students in automation, AI, engineering, healthcare, financial services and IT who can develop practical, cost efficient solutions to improve ergonomics, safety and efficiency within a modern logistics environment.
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Sint Janssingel 92, 5211 DA 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, Onsite
- 28 May 2026
Vion Food Group: From Manure to Value
How can Vion Food Group turn manure from a disposal cost into a circular business opportunity? In this challenge, you will explore whether manure from slaughterhouse processes and supplier farms can be transformed into valuable products such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and liquid fertilizer. Your task is to investigate the business potential, financial feasibility, and environmental impact, including possible reductions in nitrogen emissions and CO2 footprint.
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Ambitious students who want to work on a real sustainability challenge with direct business impact and who are interested in circular economy, business modelling, innovation, or reducing environmental impact.
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Sint Janssingel 92, 5211 DA 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, Onsite
- 28 May 2026
BrabantWonen; More Homes, Less Grid
BrabantWonen challenges students to develop a smart neighbourhood energy concept that enables new housing despite grid congestion. The focus is on sharing existing capacity, using local energy more efficiently, and reducing pressure on the public grid through innovative and future-proof solutions.
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We are looking for students interested in sustainability, energy systems and innovation, especially in Urban Design, Electrical Engineering, Innovation Sciences, Industrial Design, Built Environment and related fields.
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Sint Janssingel 92, 5211 DA 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, Onsite
- 28 May 2026
Brabant Water- The Invisible Water Killer
This challenge is about reducing hidden water losses at festivals by using smart measurement, digitalisation and data driven control of pipe flushing water. The goal is to lower overall drinking water use while ensuring safety and legionella prevention.
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We are looking for students interested in data, digitalisation, sustainability and innovation. This challenge fits students in data science, engineering, IT, environmental sciences and business innovation who enjoy solving real world problems.
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Sint Janssingel 92, 5211 DA 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, Onsite
- 28 May 2026
De Zorg van Morgen Verdelen
Ontwikkel een toekomstbestendige oplossing waarmee apotheken, huisartsen en andere zorgprofessionals slimmer kunnen samenwerken door taakherschikking, digitalisering en veilige gegevensuitwisseling.
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Wij zoeken Nederlandstalige studenten met een achtergrond in: Informatica / Software Development en/of Gezondheidswetenschappen / Gezondheid & Technologie.
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Sint Janssingel 92, 5211 DA 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, Onsite
- 28 May 2026
Digital Twins for Social Good
Technology is increasingly becoming part of our daily lives, helping us manage tasks, make decisions, and improve efficiency. One emerging concept is the idea of a digital twin: a digital representation of a person that can assist with specific tasks on their behalf.
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Enthusiastic students from all fields of study
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Sint Janssingel 92, 5211 DA 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, Onsite
- 28 May 2026
Timeline DUC Brabant
DUC Brabant Innovation Day
Innovation and entrepreneurship take center stage today. The program consists of two main components:
- Company Challenges: Students and industry experts collaborate to tackle real-world challenges from leading regional companies.
- DUC Brabant Startup Pitches: Ten nominated startups pitch their ideas to a professional jury and the audience. The winner will represent Brabant during the National DUC Grand Final.
Innovation Summits
Solving real-world challenges is the aim of the summits. Students and industry experts join forces to design, prototype and develop impactful innovations.
Do you want to work on a challenge of one of our partner companies?
Join now!National DUC Grand Final
The top 10 startups and innovations from across the Netherlands are selected to take the stage during the prestigious National DUC Grand Final.
A professional jury and an audience of industry experts, investors, educational representatives and students will determine which startup is the most impactful and crowned the winner of DUC 2026!
Go to National DUC
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