From music that facilitates communication to autonomous airships that detect wildfires and a biological coating that can replace harmful chemicals. During the final of ‘The Most Innovative Student in the Netherlands 2026’, five students presented their innovations at De Vasim in Nijmegen. An evening full of personal stories, probing questions from the jury and grand ambitions, with one key message: dare to think big and help one another move forward.
Most Innovative Student in the Netherlands 2026
Three students won prizes during the final of the Most Innovative Student in the Netherlands 2026 competition. Romy Doorn (HAN University of Applied Sciences, Arnhem) won a ticket to Web Summit in Lisbon for her innovation P.U.L.S.E., whilst Alice Haywood (AutiMelody), as runner-up, received a trip to SXSW London 2027.
The title of Most Innovative Student in the Netherlands 2026 went to Fumi Lesné-Akiyama (Nemean BioLabs), thanks to an innovation with significant international potential. In addition, Romy and Alice will have the opportunity to present their innovations during Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven.
The final highlighted just how important it is to give young talent a platform. At Lifeport Arnhem-Nijmegen, we believe that innovative ideas contribute to solutions for social and economic challenges, regardless of where they originate. Thanks to initiatives such as INNOVATE, these innovations receive the attention, the network and the opportunities they deserve.
From groundbreaking innovations to international opportunities: read the full report on the final on the INNOVATEwebsite .
Photo credit: Michèle Giebing
