On June 18th the final of the Dutch Tech Innovator competition, organized by KPMG Emerging Giants, took place. Selection Lab was crowned the winner of this competition, which showcases and celebrates the most promising tech startups in the Netherlands. As the Dutch winner, Selection Lab will represent the Netherlands in the KPMG Global Tech Innovator final, held during the Web Summit in Lisbon later this year.
Selection Lab automates the complete employee selection process up until the live interview by integrating the best skill tests from all over the world with the latest GenAI. In doing so, it can automate 85% of the work recruiters typically have to do when screening for the right candidates. Milestones include the big launch of the new AI product suite to automate the complete selection process at the EYE in Amsterdam, raising €1.2 million from Arches Capital and Borski Fund, and landing corporate accounts such as Knab, DPD, and FrieslandCampina.
Celebrating Dutch innovation
The Dutch Tech Innovator is part of the global KPMG Tech Innovator series; a competition held across 24 countries to highlight early-stage tech innovators. National winners advance to the global final, where they gain international exposure, networking opportunities, and media coverage at Web Summit.
This year, seven exceptional Dutch startups were selected from a pool of applicants. Each finalist pitched their ideas in front of a live audience and a jury of industry leaders. All participants received recognition as standout Dutch startups to watch in 2025, free TNW Conference tickets, and support from the KPMG Emerging Giants team to help accelerate their growth.
The 2025 finalists were:
- GoDutch
The fastest-growing business banking platform in the Netherlands, designed to automate, simplify, and accelerate SME administration. - Carbyon
Developer of ultra-fast Direct Air Capture systems that remove CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. - Selection Lab
An AI-powered recruitment tech platform making hiring faster, fairer, and more insightful. - Veridis
Creator of industrial-scale thermal analysis technology offering precise insight into plastic waste streams for efficient recycling. - OpenUp
A scalable platform providing accessible mental well-being support for employees and organizations. - Lapsi Health
A med-tech innovator using sound and AI to generate new health insights, accessible to all. - beSirius
A sustainability intelligence platform leveraging AI for environmental insights across metals, mining, and heavy industry sectors.
Raising the bar for innovation
Lotte Welten, Founder & CEO of Selection Lab: “The competition was fierce, so we were not expecting to win, but we are so grateful for this recognition! We can’t wait for the global final in Lisbon.”
The jury was unanimous in its praise for this year’s high level of innovation. “It’s always difficult to choose just one winner from such a talented group,” said Izzy Sayers, Lead of Emerging Giants at KPMG Netherlands. “This year’s startups reflect the diversity and ambition of the Dutch tech ecosystem, and we’re proud to support them on their journey.”
Global opportunities await
The Dutch winner will join other national champions at the Global Tech Innovator final in Lisbon, taking place during Web Summit in November. There, they’ll benefit from a week of international networking, mentoring, and the chance to pitch on a global stage.
