You don’t need to be a TU Delft student, you don’t need to have customers yet, and innovation in the built environment can be anything from a new material or product to software, services and technology. In this FAQ, we cover who can apply, the differences between the three awards, what you need to submit and what happens after you apply.
Who can apply?
The BK-Launch Entrepreneurship Awards are open to entrepreneurs across the Netherlands. You don’t need to be a TU Delft student or be based in Delft.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, early-stage founder or already running a growing company, you can apply as long as your venture is registered with the KVK and contributes to innovation in the built environment.
Is this only for people who physically build things?
No. The built environment is much broader than buildings and construction alone.
We welcome ventures working on software, services, materials, products and new technologies that contribute to architecture, construction, cities or the wider built environment.
What is the difference between At-Launch and Post-Launch?
At-Launch (€10,000) is for ventures before their first revenues. You should have moved beyond the initial concept and taken concrete steps to develop your idea, but you don’t need to have customers or external funding yet.
Post-Launch (€20,000) is for ventures that have already generated revenues and are ready for their next stage of growth.
You can apply for one of these two categories, not both. Not sure where you fit? Get in touch and we’ll help you choose.
We don’t have customers yet. Is it too early to apply?
Not necessarily. That’s exactly the stage the At-Launch Award is designed for.
You don’t need revenues or a finished product. What matters is that you have a genuine idea and can show that you’ve already taken concrete steps to develop it. That might mean research, prototypes, testing, validating your idea or taking other steps towards bringing it to market.
What exactly is The Green Village Award?
The Green Village Award has a total value of €20,000.
This consists of €5,000 in cash for materials and €15,000 in in-kind support, including access to a real-life test location at The Green Village on TU Delft Campus and hands-on guidance from their team throughout the testing process.
You can apply for The Green Village Award alongside either At-Launch or Post-Launch, or apply for it on its own.
What do I need to submit?
We’ve made the application process as clear as possible. The application form can be downloaded from our website and guides you through the information we need with concrete questions and points to address.
You’ll also find examples to help you prepare your financial plan and timeline.
Take the time to answer each section clearly and make sure your application is complete before submitting it. This gives the jury the information they need to properly assess your venture.
What happens after I apply?
After the deadline, all eligible applications are assessed by a group of experienced experts from the built environment and entrepreneurial world.
The strongest applications in each category are selected for the final round. These ventures will be invited to pitch at the BK-Launch Entrepreneurship Awards ceremony on 19 November 2026 at the Faculty of Architecture & the Built Environment at TU Delft.
During the ceremony, a jury panel selects the winners.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 13 September 2026 at 23:59.
We recommend downloading the application form early so you have enough time to prepare the different parts of your application.
Still not sure if the Awards are for you?
Just get in touch. We’re happy to discuss your venture and help you work out which award category might be the best fit.
Questions?
bk-launch@tudelft.nl
Applications close 13 September 2026 at 23:59.
Category: Entrepreneurship Awards