Dates: May 21-22, 2025 | Get tickets here
Location: Poppodium Annabel, Rotterdam, ZH, The Netherlands
In the heart of Rotterdam, where the city’s skyline mirrors its ambition, Upstream Festival 2025 is poised to be more than just an event – it’s a movement.
Scheduled for May 21–22, this sixth edition promises to be a confluence of ideas, innovation, and impactful connections.
A tapestry of innovation
Upstream Festival has always been about more than just startups; it’s about the ecosystem that nurtures them.
From its inception in 2020, the festival has grown exponentially, drawing over 2,000 attendees in previous editions.
This year, with over 40 co-creation partners, the festival will host more than 45 events, featuring 30+ speakers, all united by a common goal: accelerating the transition to a digital, carbon-neutral, circular, and inclusive economy.
Day Zero: setting the stage
May 21, dubbed ‘Day Zero,’ is all about immersion. Attendees can participate in side events across Rotterdam and neighboring cities like Delft and The Hague.
Highlights include the ‘Meet Your Co-Founder’ session by YES!Delft, the ‘Synergy Gathering’ by Unify.energy, and the ‘CrossFit with Investors’ event – a unique blend of fitness and networking.
Day One: the main event
On May 22, the festival shifts into high gear. The main venue will buzz with fireside chats, deep dives, pitch sessions, and roundtables.
Notable speakers include Ida Tin, founder of Femtech Assembly and co-founder of Clue; Kiki Lauwers, CEO of Thorizon; and Ferdinand Grapperhaus, CEO of Next Sense. These sessions aim to provide startups with the tools and connections they need to scale and thrive.
This is how the last edition of festival went.
Beyond the Sessions
Upstream Festival isn’t confined to its official agenda. The city itself becomes a playground for innovation.
From the ‘Unconference’ – an open-format discussion where the agenda is set by participants – to evening networking events and CEO dinners, the festival ensures that meaningful connections are made at every turn.
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A festival with purpose
At its core, Upstream Festival is about creating a resilient economy through shared innovation efforts.
It’s a space where startups, scale-ups, investors, and policymakers come together to forge connections that drive sustainable growth.
As Lars Crama, one of the festival’s organizers, aptly puts it, “Upstream is where innovation meets community.”
Join the movement!
Whether you’re a founder looking to scale, an investor seeking the next big opportunity, or a policymaker aiming to foster innovation, Upstream Festival 2025 offers a platform to connect, learn, and grow.
Tickets are available now, and with the festival’s history of sold-out events, early registration is recommended.
Do you want to join this exciting event? If you register via AlphaGamma, get a 15% discount code to attend Upstream Festival 2025!
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Thank you for sharing! Is there going to be a networking app available for registered attendees?