PHASE 1 • VALIDATION

Got an idea? Let's build it.

Most ideas are actually feasible, and some of them can become a startup. Student Validation is a free, 10-week program that helps you do exactly that, without dropping out your exams.

→ Cost: Free
→ Duration: 2 months, part-time, 1 session/week
→ Spring cohort will start on April 16th.

Sign up by March 13th

We’ll get back to you within 2 working days.

About the program

You’re studying. You have an idea that won’t leave you alone. And you’re wondering: is this worth pursuing? Student Validation gives you the tools, the coaches and the community to find out –  in 8 weeks, roughly one morning or afternoon per week, for free.

You’ll learn how to talk to real customers, stress-test your business model and figure out whether there’s genuine demand for what you’re building. No business degree required. Just curiosity, a bit of grit, and an idea worth testing.

What's included

Individual coaching

One-on-one sessions with the UtrechtInc team - people who've helped hundreds of student founders work through exactly the same questions you have.

Value proposition design

Collaborate with your team to design a compelling value proposition, creating an offering your customers can't resist.

Team development

Whether you're a solo founder or already have a co-founder, we help you build a team with the right mix of skills and ambition.

Coworking space

A desk at Utrecht Science Park to work, think and bump into other founders who are at exactly the same stage as you.

What you’ll learn

Ten weeks, ten topics — each one chosen because it’s something every early-stage founder runs into, sooner or later. Market validation, customer discovery, business models, pitching, sales, finance & equity, funding rounds, intellectual property and grants & subsidies. By the end of the program you’ll know enough to ask the right questions, make smarter decisions, and avoid the most common mistakes.

Cost & Availability

  • The program is free for students in the Utrecht region.
  • We run the validation programs twice per year.

Next edition: Spring 2026

  • Application deadline: March 13th
  • Pitch if selected: March 19th
  • Start date: April 16th
  • Graduation: June 18th
Ready to test your idea?

FAQ

  • Do I need a fully formed idea to apply?

    Not at all. You need a direction – a problem you care about or a solution you keep thinking about. The program is designed to help you shape and test that, not just execute something already figured out.

  • Can I do this alongside my studies?

    Yes — that’s the whole point. The program runs about one morning or afternoon per week, so it fits around lectures and deadlines. It’ll be busy, but manageable busy.

  • What is the cost of the program?

    The program is free to attend. We simply ask for a €150 deposit to confirm your commitment, which will be returned to you once the program ends.

  • I am a solo founder. Can I still apply?

    Yes, as a single founder, you are allowed to apply to our programs. However, we are firm believers in strong and diverse teams, so we encourage you to start looking for team members as soon as possible. One of the ways we can help you is through our talent-matching events.

  • What kind of startups are you looking for?

    UtrechtInc specializes in scalable technology innovations with a focus on health, sustainability, education and AI. If you are doubting whether or not your idea falls into one of these categories, please feel free to contact the UtrechtInc team.

  • Where will the program take place?

    UtrechtInc’s validation program takes place in our incubator which is located at Utrecht Science Park. This is the largest science park in the Netherlands, with the highest concentration of knowledge institutions within a small surface area. Besides that, the Utrecht region has the highest density of startups per capita in the Netherlands.

  • Does UtrechtInc take equity in my startup?

    UtrechtInc does not take equity in your startup. However, startups with a revenue over €150k, pay a small success fee in years 3,4 and 5 after participation in the program.

  • Can I do an internship in my own startup?

    Twice a year UtrechtInc provides one opportunity for a student to do an internship in their own startup. The selection criteria for such internships are more strict than for the program itself. The startup idea should be for a scalable technology startup that fits perfectly with UtrechtInc’s focus areas. Typically an internship would start 1 or 2 months before the start of the program itself and would continue for 2 months after the program ends. Participation in the program is obligated. UtrechtInc provides an internship mentor for the total period. If you are interested in this please contact UtrechtInc a few months before your internship needs to start. It is your responsibility to check whether the exams committee of your education would allow for such an internship

ProgramsStudent validation