‘Let it Grow’ commences global search for floriculture innovation

Let it Grow has opened registrations for its first international incubator programme. The Dutch innovation-initiative for the floriculture sector, is dedicated to making cities and their inhabitants happier and healthier, by merely using flowers and plants. Built on the role of The Netherlands as a global trendsetter and market leader in the sector, the incubator provides startups with the expertise and network to facilitate accelerated growth. Teams can apply from the 24th of May for a spot in the programme.

Developed by Royal FloraHolland - the world's largest flower auction - Let it Grow is an ambitious and internationally oriented innovation platform within the flower and plant sector. The incubator programme gives startups and innovators a unique opportunity to take the next step in their business. In addition to a 10,000-euro investment; one in which startups do not have to issue any shares, participants receive in-depth training and an entrepreneur as permanent mentor who guides them throughout the programme and gives them access to Let It Grow’s extensive network in the floriculture sector.

Irene Rompa, Lead ‘Let it Grow’: ‘"Last year’s programme – which was solely focused on participants from the Netherlands - was highly appreciated by the first ‘batch’ of entrepreneurs. This year we are ready to facilitate international teams as well. Showing that if you’re in the floriculture business, no matter where, the Netherlands is the place to be. With Royal FloraHolland’s expertise and our global network in this sector we can offer international startups the resources they need to grow even more."

Living Light
Ermi van Oers was one of the first participants in the programme. Her company, Living Light, was the first to create a lamp which harvests its energy from a plant, which is incorporated in the design. Now, Living Light has been commissioned by the Municipality of Rotterdam to illuminate parts of the Sint-Jacobsplaats city garden with energy coming from the garden’s plants themselves, making conventional street lights a thing of the past.

Healthier and Happier
Silke Tijkotte, Lead & Founder ‘Let it Grow’: “In 2016, Let it Grow started a social movement that revolves around innovations which make cities and their inhabitants healthier and happier, merely by using flowers and plants. The first edition of this incubator programme, focused on Dutch cities, proved to be a huge success. This year, we are looking for concepts that will positively promote city life in general and make the world a greener place."

Enrolment
The new international incubator programme will run from the 31st of October until March 2018 with the second edition of the ‘Let it Grow Greenhouse Festival’. Registrations are open from May 24th till September 10th via letitgrow.org/apply