About the DUC East
The Dutch University Challenge (DUC) East is the largest innovation program in the region. Our main aim is to bring together young talent, startups, educational institutions, and organizations to drive societal impact and innovation in the East region.
Are you a student and want to contribute to solving impactful challenges? Are you an organization and want to bring real-world challenges to the table? Are you a startup founder looking to boost your startup in the East region?
Join us on our mission to bridge the gap between the university and industry, enable collaboration between future talent and leading organisations, and drive innovation together with key industry partners.
The DUC The most impactful innovations and startups will be nominated and given a stage during the Dutch University Challenge, showcasing their potential and contributing to meaningful change.
Join now!Why 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 East region!
Boost your startup with a cash prize, valuable networking opportunities, and a chance to pitch on the national DUC stage!
Partners
Company Challenges
Turning Heat Waste into Regional Impact – Urenco Netherlands
Goal of the Session During a brainstorm day in a multidisciplinary team, explore: - What could UNL do with this residual heat? - What are opportunities, risks, and creative ideas? - How do you approach something like this, technically, legally, societally?
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Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Sustainable Energy Technology, Law (with a focus on Energy and Environmental Law), Communication Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning
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7602 PK Almelo, The Netherlands, Onsite
- 27 Nov 2025
Help Green Boutique Make Swimming Sustainable
Green Boutique's holiday parks offer guests the luxury of a heated outdoor swimming pool at 28 °C all year round. This is an important part of their guest experience and a key differentiating feature.
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Technical students with an interest in sustainability
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Handwijzersdijk 3a, 7255 MJ Hengelo, Netherlands
- 25 Sep 2025
Help TGN|Fritom Shape the Future of Logistics!
TGN|Fritom is at a turning point. Currently focused on transport, the company is opening a brand-new warehouse and aims to become an innovative, sustainable full-service logistics provider. Think smart warehousing, fulfilment, AI, robotics, and green logistics.
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Dutch and International students with an affirmation for Logistics, Technology and Business Administration
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Botterweg 21, 8042 PA Zwolle, The Netherlands, Onsite
- 24 Sep 2025
Timeline
Innovation Day
Join us for an exciting opportunity to connect with the next generation of innovators at the Innovation Day! During the speed-dates, students will have the chance to meet representatives from various companies, discuss their career interests, and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
In addition, companies are invited to present their own real-world challenges, providing students with the chance to work on live business cases. Students will be grouped into teams to tackle these cases, applying their knowledge and skills to develop innovative solutions. This is a fantastic opportunity for companies to engage with fresh talent, gain new insights, and for students to gain hands-on experience in problem-solving and teamwork.
Whether you’re a student looking to make industry connections or a company seeking creative solutions, this event is designed to foster meaningful collaboration and inspire future leaders. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful day!
Hackathons
Join Soapbox Hackathons to tackle real-world challenges and create innovative solutions across various fields. Participants, including students and professionals, will collaborate in teams to design, prototype, and develop cutting-edge systems. Challenges, presented by our local partners, focus on leveraging the latest technologies to drive social impact, sustainability, and innovation.
Whether you’re working on energy solutions, smart technologies, or sustainable practices, this event offers a unique opportunity to apply your creativity, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to a better future. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a dynamic community that’s shaping the future through innovation.
National DUC
The National Dutch University Challenge (DUC) brings together the best startups and the brightest students for a unique competition.
Startups from all over the Netherlands compete for the prestigious national title, each representing their region. The winning startup earns the chance to claim the title of National DUC Champion.
At the same time, students from top universities across the country take part in a competition, where they work in teams to solve these business challenges. The students are tasked with developing the best solutions to the startup’s problem, applying their academic knowledge and creativity to create impactful, real-world results.
The vision behind the Dutch University Challenge is to strengthen the connection between academia and the professional world by fostering an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset. The Challenge provides a platform where knowledge and creativity meet real-world challenges, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and sectors.
Career opportunities
Are you looking for an internship, traineeship or perhaps a job? You can easily make this known to the diverse network of the DUC Oost by uploading your C.V. and share it directly with partners of your own interest. Please contact Reinier Witz (reinier.wirtz@soapbox.nl) from Soapbox Talent to assist you with that.
Get in touch
