Can I fill in my application form in Dutch?

Yes, startups can fill in their application in both English or Dutch.

In the tender it is stated that: “the business must not yet have paying customers for the product provided as the solution by the business”. To which point of the application process does this criteria apply?

The mentioned criteria is one of the selection criteria as mentioned in paragraph 1.2.2 of the Request for Tender.  This means that the business must not yet have paying customers for the product provided as the solution for the specific challenge by the business, at the time of application, when the municipality of Amsterdam will check these criteria.

I am not yet registered at the Chamber of Commerce , can I still apply for the programme?

The business must consist of natural persons or a legal entity.  If the business consists of a legal entity, the business needs to be registered at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce or the Chamber of Commerce of the country that the startup is based in.

Is the programme suitable for non-profit organisations?

Yes, the business can have any kind of legal entity, as long as the legal entity is registered at the Chamber of Commerce. However, keep in mind that you should match the startup criteria as mentioned in paragraph 1.2.2. of  the Request for Tender.

Is there a certain stage of development that is required for the MVP?

No, there are no further requirements for a MVP.

Can you describe the process/structure of the programme?

The programme is built up in the following phases: 1) Deep dives &Kick-off; 2) Lean Basics; 3) Options & Decisions; 4) Validate & Prototyping; 5) Launching Customer.

1. The first phase is the official opening of the Programme, a first introduction to the public/municipality and the deep dives with the responsible civil servant/mentor/startup. During the deep dives goals are set and expectations are managed.
2. The second phase is all about getting to know each other better and getting to know the lean startup basics. During this period the startup will follow a training programme, have a weekly lunch meeting and a two-weekly meeting with their mentor.
3. The third phase is critical for the rest of the process since this is when the most important decisions on how to proceed are made.
4. Phase four is the ‘Validate & Prototyping’ phase. The prototypes are going to be validated and tested. This phase is based on three key principles: Build – Measure – Learn. This is an on-going process.
5. The last phase is ‘launching customer’. If solutions prove successful, the participating municipalities intent to invest in the startup as a launching customer and thereby significantly kick-start the startup’s career.

Is it possible to apply as a startup with a consortium of various social organisations?

Yes, a consortium of natural persons (freelancers, sole proprietorship, general partnership) may participate in the programme as long as you do not have more than fifty salaried employees and fulfil all other requirements as stated on the website. You cannot apply as a consortium of legal entities. It is possible to explain how the startup will cooperate with other parties who do not participate in the programme.

Is every type of legal form allowed to apply?

Yes, every type of legal form can apply for the tender. Every type of legal form can be a startup  (sole proprietorship, foundation etc.). However keep in mind that you should match the startup criteria in paragraph 1.2.2. described in the request for tender.

Is the startup programme fulltime?

No, the programme will take about 12 hours per week.

Can the solution also be implemented in other municipalities?

Certainly. Scalability is one of the assessment criteria. The programme will help you to connect to other municipalities.

Can we get paid for the development of the product?

This is not the intention of the programme. However, if it’s beneficial for the development of the solution the municipality can decide to help te startup develop the product/solution.

Does all communication during the programme have to be in English, bilingual, or Dutch?

All of these options are possible. It depends on the participating startups.

Is it possible to work at a distance for a part of the programme?

The programme will take about 12 hours per week. Presence on these days is obligatory. For the other days working at a distance is possible.

Is Startup in Residence a subsidy program?

No, it is not.

What is the preferred language for the application and the presentation?

The application and presentation can be both in Dutch or English.

Can the participating municipalities decide to purchase sooner?For example, after 2 months?

Yes, that is possible.

Is having a business plan/model optional or required?

There has to be a business model. This does not have to be the definitive version because further development of the business plan/ business model is part of the Startup in Residence Programme.

Does this programme help with seed capital to sustain running the products in upcoming time period?

The main objective of this programme is not to help startups get seed capital.
If it’s beneficial for the development of the solution the municipality can decide to help te startup develop the product/solution.

Can the proposal be an offshoot of an existing business, where the offshoot will become a separate startup?

Yes, this is possible, provided that you meet the requirements for startups as explained on the website.

Can existing initiatives/companies offer themselves as potential partners for startups?

Very much so. This programme is partner driven. We are always on the lookout for partners and coaches: parties that can help startups and the municipality to make the programme successful.

Is the contract rewarded to the startup, or the person representing the startup?

To the startup as it is registered at the Chamber of Commerce. A one-man business is a possibility.

Is it certain that the participating municipalities become launching customer?

No, the participating municipalities have the intention to become launching customer at the end of the programme. This all depends on the provided solution of the startup. Intention is not the same as a promise.

How many days a week is the programme?

1 – 1,5 days per week.

Does the startup remain owner of the product/service?

Yes, the startup remains 100% owner of the product/service.

Is it possible to apply for multiple social challenges?

Yes, it is possible to apply for multiple social challenges. For each challenge you need to fill out a new application form.

How often do I need to work in-person with the participating municipality?

Schedules will be agreed upon with your partnering department, but at least 1 person from your team must be available in person once per week to meet with your client and participate in all trainings and workshops.

Where do startups work? Is office space provided?

The participating municipalities will provide work space (access may vary) and the startups will be introduced to strategic accelerator and local co-working space partners.

How is Startup in Residence (SIR) different than a government contract?

SIR is a programme opportunity to test ideas and develop new technology products and services. It is not a substitute for a contract to sell an existing product or service to government. The participating municipalities have the intention to act as launching customer or partner at the end of the programme.

What is the duration of the Programme? What happens after?

Startup in Residence Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is a 6-month programme. The participating municipalities have the intention to act as launching customer or partner at the end of the programme.

Does the Programme provide any kind of bursary or financial support regarding employment/housing throughout the incubation period?

No, the Programme does not provide any kind of bursary or financial support for rent expenses or employees pay etc.

Why should I apply?

Startup in Residence allows startups to work with municipality partners to build, refine and/or co-develop products that address critical and meaningful social challenges.
The participating municipalities have the intention to act as launching customer or partner at the end of the programme.
The 6-month SIRA programme also includes:

• Training/workshops (an incubator programme of the participating municipalities and its partners) for an average of four hours a week;
• Professional mentoring/coaching;
• Internal content guidance from the participating municipalities;
• Peer-to-peer learning;
• Workspace;
• The network of the participating municipalities;
• Process support;
• Product or service development;
• Access to startup events;
• The municipality of Amsterdam can act as a Startup Visa Facilitator.

Decrease Loneliness, Increase Happiness

What is the difference between Amsterdam and Purmerend considering the topic?

Should the solution be in Dutch?

No, that is not a requirement for this challenge. The Solution can be applied to various age groups and target groups, e.g. by choice of language and idiom.

Is there a certain target or number you want to reach?

No, there are no targets for this challenge.

Smart School Choice

Where can I find information about the Dutch School System

https://www.intergrip.nl/vsv-verkenner/https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/ministerie-van-onderwijs-cultuur-en-wetenschap

Is there a minimum amount of children that should be reached?

No, there is no minimum amount

Is there a difference between the school choices that children have to make?

Yes, the school choice and the timing of when the decision needs to be made,  is based on the education level of the children. The lower the educational level the earlier they have to make a choice.

What is the focus of the challenge? Is it guiding towards an education that suits the best or guidance towards a job?

The  focus will be on guidance towards an education that fits well with the profile/skills/ambition of the child and will provide a good chance at finding a job in that area.

Is there individual data of the children available?

The open data of DUO will be available. Based on other required data by the startup, the municipalities can help with obtaining that data. However there is no guarantee that the schools, parents or students will cooperate or that more data is available.

Does the solution have to be technical?

No, it does not have to be a technical solution.