The Chamber of Commerce has announced the 100 most innovative SMEs in the Netherlands of 2024 with the KVK Innovation Top 100. Whether it’s energy transition, circularity or healthcare, we have listed some promising nominees.
From more than 225 entries, the jury has selected the 100 most innovative SMEs. Now it is the turn of the public: until October 15 everyone can vote and thus help determine who will be the winner in one of the five categories of the KVK Innovation Top 100. On Saturday, November 16, the KVK Innovation Top 100 event will take place in Rotterdam Ahoy.
AI sailing on inland waterways
The robot company Future Sailors BV, known as Roboat, has been nominated. This company develops autonomy systems for vessels operating on inland waterways such as rivers, canals, lakes and harbors. The system combines hardware with AI software, allowing both new and existing boats to operate autonomously. Roboat’s autonomy system can serve as support for crews, but it also allows vessels to operate completely autonomously.
White roof panels
Sustainable Durable Systems BV of Hengelo also made it through to the selection. This is the company behind Roofclix, an innovative system of white roof plates that are clicked together like puzzle pieces. These roof sheets reflect the sun’s heat, keeping buildings cooler and reducing the load on cooling systems. In winter, the system helps reduce heat loss, contributing to a more energy-efficient building.
Supporting people with visual impairments
Atsence has partnered with Bartiméus, a knowledge organization for people with (visual) impairments. Together they have developed an app specifically designed to support people with visual impairments in navigating public spaces, allowing users to visit more locations independently. Although buildings are required by law to be accessible to everyone, in practice this is not always the case and the infrastructure leading up to them is often inaccessible. In the Netherlands, 1 in 8 people have a disability, including 350,000 people with a visual impairment, which is often an obstacle to their participation in work. The eZwayZ app contributes to making public spaces more accessible for these people.
