The development of the artificial kidney. The invention of Bluetooth. The construction of the Delta Works. Each and every one of these is a ground-breaking innovation that the Netherlands is proud of. National Icons have the potential of achieving this level.
Lighthouse by ASML, Blue Energy by REDstack and the Growboxx by Groasis are the 2016 National Icons!
Read more about Lighthouse by ASML, Blue Energy by REDstack and the Growboxx by Groasis, as well as the other seven finalists.
The National Icons demonstrate the Netherlands’ aptitude for developing innovative solutions for societal challenges, such as climate change, population ageing, the burgeoning cities and food waste. Such innovations create jobs and increase turnover and exports for the Netherlands. They are innovations we can be proud of.
Quest
On 14 April 2016, Minister Henk Kamp of Economic Affairs announced the quest for new National Icons at the Innovation Expo. A total of 65 projects entered the competition and ten finalists were nominated. On 18 October, Minister Kamp announced which three exceptional innovations with major social and economic potential would be granted the title 'National Icon'.
Cabinet-wide
The National Icons competition is a cabinet-wide initiative. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) and technology foundation STW are responsible for organising it.
