Upstream Festival 2026 unveils full program

2026-05-21 · Rotterdam

Van Nelle Fabriek

Upstream Festival brings together founders, investors, and ecosystem builders for a day focused on practical connections, honest conversations, and growth-oriented workshops. The 2026 edition features curated matchmaking, Startup Roulette, and dedicated industry tracks including Port & Maritime, Health & Wellbeing, and Climate & Energy. Side events extend across the region throughout the week of May 18, 2026.

Organizer: Upstream Festival

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At a glance

Format
Main stage talks, workshops, Startup Roulette 20-minute speeddate meetings, curated matchmaking, founders-only lounge, and region-wide side events.
Sectors
Agnostic

Agenda

  1. May 21, 2026 · Main Stage — Real stories from people who have built, scaled, pivoted, raised, and grown companies across sectors and stages.
  2. May 21, 2026 · Startup Stage — NL Startup Competition finals in partnership with Draper University.
  3. May 21, 2026 · Funding Hub and Growth Hub — Practical sessions on fundraising, early sales, team building, storytelling, and long-term growth.
  4. May 21, 2026 · Startup Roulette — Curated 20-minute speeddate meetings between startups, scale-ups, angel investors, and VCs.

Speakers, judges and hosts

  • Christine Michaelis — Press Contact, Upstream Festival (Host)
  • Lisette Braakenburg van Backum — Co-founder, Upstream Festival (Host)
  • Robbin Hoogstraten — Co-founder, Upstream Festival (Host)
  • Barbara Barend — Director New Business and co-founder, HERA United (Speaker)
  • Constantijn van Oranje — Special Envoy, Techleap (Speaker)
  • Matthijs Welle — CEO, Mews (Speaker)
  • Siete Hamminga — CEO, Robin Radar Systems (Speaker)
  • Vicky Kuang — Investor, Draper Associates (Speaker)

Sponsors and partners

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