The energy transition calls for pioneers and go-getters: vocational (mbo), applied sciences (hbo), and research university (wo) students who choose to become experts in fields such as engineering, commerce, communication, and psychology to contribute to the energy transition. To encourage students to make an impact during their studies, ENTRANCE presents the annual Entrance Student Award during the New Energy Forum on 18 June 2026.
Have you made an impact with your project? Submit it and compete for the main prize of €1,000.
The Entrance Student Award is an incentive prize for mbo, hbo, and wo students in the Northern Netherlands who make an innovative contribution to the energy transition. The award was created to recognize their efforts and motivate them to pursue a career in the energy and/or materials transition. Students have a chance to win prizes of €1.500, €1000, and €500!*
Students from vocational, universities of applied sciences, and research universities in the Northern Netherlands who, individually or as a group, have completed a project during the 2025–2026 academic year that has made an impact on the energy and materials transition.
Trailblazing: as a pioneer, it is essential to think outside the box and explore surprising, innovative perspectives to accelerate the transition. What groundbreaking perspectives, solutions, and/or approaches did you develop in your project? Why is your solution truly innovative?
Impact: the energy and materials transition requires real change. Think of smart innovations, tangible prototypes, and creative concepts that move beyond theory and lead to visible results. What change has your project created in the way energy and raw materials are used or managed? How did you achieve that change?
Persuasiveness: as a pioneer in a transition, you must be able to inspire and engage your audience. Clearly communicating why your solution matters and what value it adds is crucial.
How did you use persuasive power in your project to ensure your innovative solution will actually be implemented?
The Future: the Entrance Student Award is designed to motivate you to continue contributing to the energy and materials transition. How will this award help you continue making an impact in the future?
Lecturers from educational institutions in the Northern Netherlands and companies collaborating with students in the region are strongly encouraged to motivate students to apply for the Entrance Student Award.
To be eligible, students must submit two components:
Winning groups receive the prize amount (€1.500, €1.000 or €500) collectively, not per individual.
Below you will find the nomination form. Fill it in and you could win the grand prize of €1,000!
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With more than 1,250 visitors, the New Energy Forum (NEF) 2025 was a great success, and the next edition will take place on 18 June 2026. The event is a hotbed of new ideas for a sustainable future and the ideal place to network and gain fresh insights.
The New Energy Forum is the premier festival for current and future mobility and energy professionals, as well as anyone committed to creating a liveable future.
Professionals, entrepreneurs, students, lecturers, researchers and policymakers come together at the Netherlands’ most inspiring festival on mobility, the energy transition and sustainability. With a vibrant food court and live music, the forum truly has a festival atmosphere. A place where you’re not only inspired, but also connect with others in an energetic and welcoming setting.
Will you join us on Thursday, 18 June 2026? Explore the programme via the button and register today!
