PHASE 1 • VALIDATION

Find out if your startup idea has potential.

You have a tech idea and the drive to build it. But before you write another line of code, you need to know: is there a real market? Tech Validation is an intensive 10-week program for non-academic founders in the Utrecht region helping you pressure-test your idea against actual customers before it’s too late to pivot.

→ Cost: 749 euro per startup
→ Duration: 10 weeks, part-time
→ Spring cohort started in April.
→ Fall cohort will start in autumn, applications are open.

Sign up for fall cohort

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About the program

Tech Validation is a 10-week part-time program for ambitious tech founders based in the Utrecht region who are not coming from an academic background. It’s the most intensive of our validation programs, designed for people who are ready to go all-in and want structured guidance to do it right.

Through masterclasses, expert coaching and hands-on customer discovery, you’ll develop a sharp understanding of your market, your customers’ real problems and the business model most likely to work. By graduation, you’ll know whether to keep going and if so, how.

What's included

Mentorship & coaching

One-on-one guidance from experienced tech entrepreneurs and executives, plus group sessions with your cohort.

Team development

Support building a complementary founding team, including talent matching events if you're building alone.

Value proposition design

Sharpen your offer by working through your customer's real problem and the solution they'll actually pay for.

Coworking space

A flex desk at Utrecht Science Park, in a building full of other early-stage founders doing the same work.

Startup network

Access to 430+ UtrechtInc graduates, industry experts and investors - a network you'll use long after graduation.

Pitch practice

Regular sessions to tighten your pitch for customers, partners and future investors.

Benefits

  • Mentorship & coaching – Personalized coaching and mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and executives, and group sessions with fellow startups.
  • Working space – A flex desk in our coworking space, or a dedicated office amongst other innovative startups.
  • Founders network – Join our network of 350+ startups, benefit from access to our industry experts, and connect to relevant peers.

Program sessions

  • Team development – We nurture not just your business, but also your personal growth. We assist in building a complementary team.
  • Value proposition design – Collaborate with your team to design a compelling value proposition, creating an offering your customers can’t resist.
  • Pitch perfect – Regular opportunities to practice your pitch, ensuring you are primed to present your story compellingly whenever the opportunity arises.
  • Mastering Marketing – Learn how to kick-off your marketing strategy and shape your branding.
  • Finance – Learn to master your cashflows, balance sheet and much more

Cost & Availability

  • The program costs €749 per startup.
  • We run the validation programs twice per year.

Current cohort: Spring 2026

Our Spring Tech Validation cohort started in April 2026. You are invited to come to see them pitch at Graduation Day on June 18th.

Upcoming cohort: Fall 2026

Applications are open. Dates will be announced soon. You are very much welcome to apply already.

Become part of our next cohort

FAQ

  • 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.

ProgramsTech Validation