KLM, Schiphol join TU/Delft in €18 million startup fund

Schiphol, KLM, TU Delft, NS and Port of Amsterdam have joined forces in creating an innovation fund aimed at startup companies. The fund helps entrepreneurs accelerate their business by a combination of funding, expertise and global networking. The Mainport Innovation Fund II, or MIF II for short, has a total of 18 million euros available and aims to support 10 to 15 startup companies in the next six years. Part of this money comes from the Ministry of Economic Affairs' SEED Capital scheme, which the ministry uses to invest capital in investment funds, which in turn invests it in innovative entrepreneurs. MIF II focuses on innovation in the fields of Logistics, Transport and Aviation, including themes such as sustainable infrastructure, connectivity mobility and intermodal transport. The fund is looking for "start up businesses with solid, internationally scalable business models and managed by strogn driven teams", according to its website. "The Netherlands is one of the leading mainports in the world, and its various hubs are the cornerstones of its economy. Aware that the country needs to innovate on an ongoing basis if it is to maintain its leading position, the fund's partners commit a dedicated team, specialist expertise and their networks to the fund, in addition to capital." The fund launches on October 1st this year. Companies interested in applying can find more information on the website.