Frequently Asked Questions

The Innovation Award rewards innovative research-based ideas that contributes positively to society and offers impactful solutions for societal challenges.

You can participate when you(r)

• are a researcher, employee or student from the University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, or The Netherlands Cancer Institute.
• have an innovative research-based idea/ concept which is not yet commercially exploited or valorized in any way.
• idea is potentially applicable and contributes to a better world.
• have filled out the official application form and comply with the applicable Regulations.

Application for the AmSIA 2025 is closed.

Both participant and idea will benefit from participating in the AmSIA. Because it gives you an excellent opportunity to develop and materialize your idea, explore its potential, get feedback from experts, advise, coaching and support from IXA’s experts (Legal, Business Development and on grants and funding). In summary:

• Develop your idea into a concrete proposition;
• Receive professional feedback;
• Access to PR opportunities that supports the promotion of your idea;
• All pre-finalists get a professional pitch video;
• Expand your network to connect with potential partners and obtain funding.

Moreover, the three winners of the competition each receive €10,000, so their innovative idea can be developed further.

For the Innovation Award, independent experts rank all received applications. After which AmSIA’s  jury members select six participants; two in each category. The other three finalists, one per category, are selected by public during a public voting campaign – in the weeks leading up to the finale. So, in total nine finalists pitch their idea live on stage during the finale for the jury and audience. Three winners are then awarded in the categories: Society, Health, and Environment & Climate.

In your AmSIA application, you describe your idea in detail: how it works, what makes it innovative, and its potential impact etc.. You also need to address relevant possible Intellectual Property (IP), such as patents or trademarks that you have developed, in relation to your research-based idea. Business Developers from IXA will screen your idea for potential IP and will advise you when needed.

The Impact Award is a lifetime achievement award for Amsterdam researchers who have created meaningful impact to society with their research-based innovations.

IXA employees together with their extensive network in the universities, identifies and propose numeral researchers of the UvA, VU, HvA and Amsterdam UMC. After which IXA’s management team and board select three researchers, who made a valuable contribution to society with their research-based innovation. They receive the Impact Awards during the festive AmSIA finale.

The finale of the Amsterdam Science & Innovation Award 2025 will be held on 17 June 2025 at the NEMO Science Museum. Details and further information will be shared this spring.

The aim of the Amsterdam Science & Innovation Award is to stimulate researchers, staff and students to generate ideas with practical application based on research at one of the Amsterdam universities, universities of applied sciences, academic medical centers and public research centers. It also aims to celebrate those researchers who have created a positive impact to society.

The AmSIA event is organized by Innovation Exchange Amsterdam (IXA), the valorisation expertise center – also known as the Knowledge Transfer Office – of Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), the University of Amsterdam (UvA), and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).