Innovate. Collaborate.
Accelerate.
Scale your smart solution for a sustainable and circular energy system with our programme
About the programme
The switch to cleaner energy requires remarkable collaborations. Neither businesses, governments or startups can accelerate the future energy system by themselves.
LeapSprong Amsterdam is an open innovation programme with a mission to turn ambitions into action and challenges into opportunities. Jointly organized by the Municipality of Amsterdam, the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA) and Rockstart, LeapSprong aims to help promising innovations make it to market. We are committed to make a positive impact on the wider Amsterdam region’s journey to become a climate-neutral and circular region.
Who are we looking for?
The Municipality of Amsterdam and the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam are looking for Europe-based start-ups and scale-ups (TRL >3) with innovative solutions that can revolutionise circularity and can be applied in the Port of Amsterdam or the wider Metropolitan Region Amsterdam (MRA). We specifically look for start-ups and scale-ups that focus on one or more of the following themes:
Usage and upcycling of waste and side streams, particularly recyclable plastics and organic waste streams from the food and feed industry.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) utilisation and upgrading to new chemicals and fuels; design of industrial production facilities.
Helping to decarbonize the energy value chain through smart energy and carbon management technologies, strategies to remove intermediary emissions, and enabling financing.
Meet the innovators
Why apply?
Acces to marketMeet with the region’s ecosystem partners to validate potential collaborations and scale your solution in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam.
Access to FacilitiesExplore testing and membership opportunities at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam, where a mix of over 25 start-ups, established businesses and research institutes collaborate to accelerate the energy transition.
Acces to DataRelevant data drives decision making, optimizes operations and fuels growth strategies.
Access to FundingSupport with fundraising and explore opportunities with LeapSprong’s combined networks of investors.
Acces to ExpertiseGain access to a network of industry and strategic experts, tailor-made to your needs that will support you throughout the programme and beyond.
Acces to NetworkBecome part of an innovative ecosystem to acquire connections with LeapSprong’s partners and share knowledge and network with fellow start-ups.
Key dates
Key dates
About the partners
LeapSprong Amsterdam is initiated by the Municipality of Amsterdam and the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA) and facilitated by Rockstart. The Municipality of Amsterdam is on a journey to become a climate-neutral and circular city and is looking to accelerate the transition to a cleaner economy.
The ETCA is an innovative ecosystem, founded and facilitated by Shell, with a mix of over 25 start-ups, established businesses and research institutes, housed in a sustainable building with unique research facilities. Rockstart is a leading early-stage accelerator-VC paving the way for purpose-driven founders.
We took the jump,
will you?
Questions?
We have just the right answers for you
The Municipality of Amsterdam and the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam are looking for Europe-based startups and scaleups (TRL >3) with innovative solutions that can revolutionize circularity and can be applied in the Port of Amsterdam and the wider Metropolitan Region Amsterdam (MRA). We specifically look for start-ups and scale-ups that focus on one or more of the following themes:
- Usage and upscaling of waste and side streams, particularly recyclable plastics and organic waste streams from the food and feed industry.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) utilisation and upgrading to new chemicals and fuels; design of industrial production facilities.
- Helping to decarbonize the energy value chain through smart energy and carbon management technologies, strategies to remove intermediary emissions, and enabling financing.
The programme, facilitated by Rockstart, will support up to 8 startups. Through the programme, pilot projects could potentially be developed, opportunities funded, and other long-term engagements can be made with both partners.

Once applications are closed, Rockstart, the Municipality of Amsterdam and the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam will evaluate and select the top 15 candidates. These start-ups will then be invited to a 45-minute online interview in the first two weeks of July. Afterwards, the teams will dive deeper into these final applications. After the interviews, the partners will choose the final 6 to 8 start-ups to participate in the programme. Which start-ups are among the final shortlist, will be announced on July 18, 2024.
The programme has a hybrid format, meaning it will be held both online and in person, and the in-person events will take place in Amsterdam. Please note that:
- There will be an in-person final event in Amsterdam, where startups will have the chance to pitch in front of the partners.
- There will be online Deep Dive Weeks, with online workshops, online training sessions, plenary sessions and more.
Through the LeapSprong programme, Rockstart will provide support through three elements:
- Trainings and workshops: The workshops will be plenary sessions, followed by 1 to 1 sessions with the trainer. The workshops can cover topics such as Corporate Relationships, Team Development, Sales, and Fundraising
- Mentorship: Each start-up will receive mentor support during the programme. Ideally, mentors will focus on business development or industry expertise.
- Ecosystem/Network support: Throughout the program, we will connect startups with relevant people within the partner networks, including (technical) experts, investors, or corporate partners.
There will be one final event where the startups will receive expansive media attention as well as the chance to pitch to the team of the Municipality of Amsterdam and the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam. In addition to the partners and Rockstart’s networks, we also aim to connect you with other partners in our ecosystem whenever and wherever possible. Included in this ecosystem are partners such as Metropolitan Region Amsterdam (MRA), the NoordZeeKanaalGebied (NZKG), the Port of Amsterdam (PoA) and the members of the ETCA.

Participation in the programme is completely free. We just ask for your time, dedication, and passion during the program.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please contact us at LeapSprong@rockstart.com
Ecosystem partners
