How might we turn societal challenges into a successful impact startups?

Startup in Residence Intergov is an innovation programme in which startups work with governments on solutions to social issues. Under the guidance of Proposition Hero and others, ideas are developed into concrete pilots in a short time. The programme has led to successful initiatives in areas such as digitalisation, circularity and biodiversity, and was awarded a European innovation prize in 2025.

Startup in Residence InterGov

Startup in Residence InterGov is an award-winning Dutch innovation program in which startups collaborate with governments on innovative solutions to societal challenges. Various government bodies challenge startups to pitch solutions to important societal and technological challenges. The startups with the best approach are selected for the program, During a 5-month period they develop a prototype, in co-creation with the government, which they test during a pilot. Proposition Hero has been involved in the program's content and coaching the startup teams since 2020. In 2025 the Startup in Residence InterGov Programme was awarded the EEPA-award by the Euroepean Commission for stimulating innovation and entrepeneurship.

Vitas Kersbergen, founder of Proposition Hero, has been one of the regular startup mentors for many years. During that time, he has coached over 40 startups to help them move from societal challenges to a supercharged market strategy. Proposition Hero also provides specific training on market research, marketing strategy, and value propositions during the program. We also regularly played the Value Proposition Game to discover new markets and target groups.

Among others, Proposition Hero was involved with the following successful startups: JoinSeven, Hollands Wol Collectief, Reef Systems & MediaJungle.

How might we accelerate and improve the answering of parliamentary questions?

JoinSeven - Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Change

The preliminary work for answering parliamentary questions is done by parliamentary coordinators. They gather all the relevant information to answer these questions, so that the minister can then substantively review the information. However, the relevant information was extremely fragmented and difficult to access, meaning coordinators lost a lot of valuable time searching for the right information instead of preparing a substantive answer. To lower the costs and efforts involved in answering parliamentary questions, the JoinSeven team developed Codi during SiR InterGov. Codi is a virtual policy assistant and data platform for government information, based on open data. Codi saves civil servants valuable time searching for government information and keeps them informed of all policy and political developments.

How might we save 1.65 million kilos of Dutch wool from the cull?

Dutch Wool Collective - Province of South Holland

Wool is a residual product in the Netherlands and, like roadside grass clippings, often ends up in landfills or incinerators. The entrepreneurs of the Hollands Wol Collectief felt this was a waste. They are now connecting producers and makers with the goal of utilizing the 1.65 million kilos of Dutch wool available annually. During the SiR program, under the guidance of Proposition Hero, they laid the foundation for their company. Using market research and a concrete pilot project, they managed to convert the first kilos of wool into felt and sell it. They are now making a greater impact every year by saving and selling more and more Dutch wool from the trashbin.

How might we reintroduce flora and fauna to the Dutch waterways?

ReefSystems – Various water boards and municipalities

Reef Systems, with Vitas as a startup mentor, developed the SPECTER concept to add biodiversity to Dutch waterways. These canals and ditches have been optimized for inland navigation but have little to no natural habitat left due to the steel sheet piling on all sides. While Dutch nature reserves are connected above ground by ecoducts (bridge that allow animals to cross highways), a suitable solution to connect our lakes, canals, and the sea was lacking. SPECTER is a kind of planter welded to the steel sheet piling, allowing flora and fauna to return to our waterways.

How can we increase critical digital skills and digital awareness among citizens, especially the most vulnerable groups?

Media jungle - Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations

The online world is a jungle. The challenge is not to get lost. Discover what's possible and manage risks and dangers to become King of the Jungle! During the SiR program, MediaJungle developed an online and offline game, King of the Jungle, that allows adolescents as well as their caretakers to explore the online world through play. After the SiR program, Mediajungle won several awards for the game, including the Dutch Privacy Awards 2023, IPON Best Education Innovation in the Netherlands 2026, and an International MEDEA Award.