The 100 most innovative SME businesses in the Netherlands have been announced
Zuid-Holland leads the way in the 20th edition of the KVK Innovation Top 100
- 20 September 2025
- 1 min
- Press articles
In 2025, Zuid-Holland is the best represented province in the KVK Innovation Top 100, an annual overview of the most innovative companies among Dutch SMEs. This was announced today by the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK.
The province of Zuid-Holland has 29 businesses on the list, putting it at the top of the rankings. Noord-Holland is in second place with 15 businesses, followed by Noord-Brabant and Utrecht with 13 businesses.
The 100 businesses were selected from 270 entries. These were assessed by panels of innovation experts on criteria such as impact, originality, revenue potential, and social significance. Entrepreneurs could register in 1 of 5 categories:
- Circular economy
- Energy transition
- Labour market and society
- Agriculture, water, and infrastructure
- Health and nutrition
An exciting event is expected in November
The expert jury will announce the category winners on 14 November, during the KVK Ondernemersdagen at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. During the event, it will also be revealed which business can call itself the most innovative SME in the Netherlands. The winner will take over the title from Concord Neonatal, the 2024 winner, with their groundbreaking Concord Birth Flow.
In addition to the 5 category prizes and the overall winner, 5 Innovation Promise Awards (Innovatiebelofte awards)Â will also be presented to young businesses and startups with promising concepts that have just entered or are yet to enter the market.
20 years of innovation in the spotlight
The KVK Innovation Top 100 has existed for 20 years. Whereas the first editions mainly showcased industrial inventions, the emphasis in 2025 is on social relevance and transitions. From sustainable energy and circular building materials to medical technology and AI-driven platforms, SMEs are demonstrating that innovation often starts with small businesses run by passionate entrepreneurs.
Public vote
Once again, the Dutch public will have a say in the result. Until 20 October, you can vote for one of the 100 finalists via . The jury accounts for 80% of the decision, the public for 20%.
About the KVK Innovation Top 100
The competition was created in 2006 to highlight the innovative power of SMEs. The list has since grown into a leading overview of innovative entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. There is no cash prize associated with the ranking. Its strength lies in visibility, recognition, and inspiration.
The 100 businesses
View the list of businesses nominated for the KVK Innovation Top 100Â in 2025.