UtrechtInc is where Utrecht students turn ideas into real startups. Free 8-week program, zero equity taken, and a community of founders right on Utrecht Science Park – just bring the idea.
Most startup ideas die quietly in a notebook. The Student Validation Program is designed to do the opposite — to get your idea out of your head and in front of real people, fast. Over 8 weeks, working part-time alongside your studies, you’ll talk to users, test your assumptions, kill the bad ones, and double down on what actually works.
You’ll spend roughly half a day a week on masterclasses and progress sessions, with one-on-one coaching from the UtrechtInc team. There’s no generic advice here — your coach knows the Utrecht ecosystem, knows your domain, and will push you on the things that matter. Solo founders are welcome. If you don’t have a co-founder yet, the program will help you find one.
At UtrechtInc Students, we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. We provide a supportive community where students can learn, grow, and unleash their full potential. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the startup world, we welcome you to join our vibrant community and embark on an exciting entrepreneurial adventure.
We organize various events throughout the year, bringing together students, entrepreneurs and other talents. These events serve as a platform for students to connect, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships within the startup ecosystem. Twice a year, we organize Team up with a Startup, a matchmaking event where you can chat with existing startups hiring interns, employees or co-founders.
Explore the rest of our website to learn more about our programs, events, success stories, and how you can get involved. We would be happy to answer all your questions or have a talk over a coffee.
Pitch nights, networking drinks, Team up with a Startup - free to attend and a good way to meet people who might become your co-founder or first hire.
Not starting your own thing (yet)? Utrecht startups are always looking for sharp students to join as interns, co-founders, or early employees.
Monthly open day: tour the incubator, meet founders in residence, and get a feel for the community before committing to anything.
Fifteen ideas, no direction, and a vague feeling something could work? That's exactly what the scouts are for. No agenda required - just show up.
Boost your skills through workshops and events and launch your ideas with coaching and PlayGrant funding.
Utrecht University's own entrepreneurship hub - workshops, courses, and events that pair well with everything UtrechtInc offers.
Not sure if your idea is the right fit. Not sure if you’re ready. Not sure what any of this means. Good – that’s the exact conversation the scouts have every week.
Frequently asked questions
It’s a free, 8-week part-time program for bachelor and master students in the Utrecht region who have a startup idea and want to find out if it’s worth building. You’ll spend roughly half a day a week on masterclasses, progress sessions, and one-on-one coaching — all while staying enrolled in your degree. By the end, you’ll have talked to real users, tested your assumptions, and have a clear sense of what to do next. It runs twice a year, at Utrecht Science Park.
Yes, it´s free. We ask 150 euro of commitment fee, which will be refunded after you complete the program.
Bachelor and master students studying in the Utrecht region — primarily Utrecht University (UU) and Hogeschool Utrecht (HU), though students from other Utrecht-area institutes are welcome too. Solo founders can apply. The program focuses on scalable tech startups in health, sustainability, education, and AI – if you’re not sure whether your idea fits, just email a scout and ask.
The student program runs twice a year, every spring and every fall. Check the exact dates on the student program page. You can apply all year round.
Scalable ideas. Your idea doesn’t need to be polished — it needs to be something genuinely worth testing. If you’re sitting on something exciting but not sure it “fits,” reach out to a scout before assuming it doesn’t.
Absolutely. You can attend open events (free, no agenda), browse jobs and internships at Utrecht startups, come to a Meet UtrechtInc open day, or just book a coffee with a scout to explore your options. You don’t need a business plan to walk in the door.