Young energy and enthusiasm filled Space Expo as over 250 people from the Dutch space sector gathered for Network & Drinks XL, the largest networking event of the Dutch Space sector and a community highlight in the NL Space Week 2025. Missed this edition? Read upcoming opportunities in the last alinea for the sector and young talents!
An ecosystem coming together
During NL Space Week, a wide range of companies opened their doors, offering a glimpse into the incredible work taking place across the Netherlands. Many young talents took part in various activities preceding Network & Drinks XL, including the Young Professional Challenge by SpaceNed, the Curiosity Mini-Contest, and the launch of the Startup Competition: Space Meets Manufacturing.
The programme began with the opening of CometLab — not only a laboratory dedicated to space innovation here at NL Space Campus, but also a powerful statement about the importance of space in the Netherlands. It’s a place where students, startups, innovators, ESA employees, companies, organisations, and programmes come together to develop ideas for the future.
It’s inspiring to see the campus continue to grow as a place where ideas and people connect — an ecosystem thriving with talent, ambition, and dedication. This was especially clear during Network & Drinks XL, where all these communities come together: young professionals, students, (Young) ESA employees, researchers, entrepreneurs, companies, summer school alumni, and many others from across the space sector.
2 rounds, 30-second pitches, 20 innovative minds
A unique part of this event is the spontaneous pitches. Anyone getting in the door can register to get on stage that evening, with a maximum of 20 pitches in total. The event features two rounds of 30-second pitches, with twenty speakers presenting their projects and ambitions on stage. The range of topics was wide, encompassing student rockets, AI solutions, sustainable propellants, and regional business initiatives, showcasing the creativity and diversity of the Dutch space ecosystem.
Pitchers included:
Aster in Space, Nebula Xplorer, The Curiosity Contest, Selgra, NVR, StarGate, Mission Control, Lunar Nomad Yurt, Aquilo Rocket Team, Pilotare, Biozine, Mavarick AI, Space Oasis Delft, Innovation Quarter, ReSiCle, Discover Your Space, Corine – YPSat2, Aerospace Innovation Hub, DARE Rocket Team, RISE Student Team, and HOI.
Opportunities for young companies
Between the pitching rounds, participants learned about opportunities for young professionals, including the upcoming EUDIS Defence Hackathon. Any Student Team can join the Golden Reel challenge, organised by SpaceNed and Connecting the Regions Zuid Holland and Bremen, which is a workshop tackling challenges, that takes place in Bremen. For startups looking towards new client markets, together with SBIC Noordwijk and EIT Manufacturing we organise the startup competition: Space meets manufacturing. Challenges are offered by ESA, ArcelorMittal, Technoport and ESRIC.
Celebrating women in space
Honouring Women in the space industry, the Space Lady of the Year Award was presented on stage by Marjan van Meerloo (Ministry of OCW) and Barbara ten Berghe (HE Space) on behalf of Space Ladies Night Out (SLNO) community.
This award is presented annually to an individual who serves as an exemplary role model for other women and demonstrates outstanding dedication to promoting the space sector, both within and beyond the industry.
This year’s winner is Niamara van Woggelum from Hogeschool Inholland for her inspiring contribution to the space community. The award was followed by a toast and a moment of appreciation shared across the audience. Thank you to all the women who have voted, and Congratulations to our Space Lady of the Year!
Noordwijk’s Space Alderman
To close the evening, Pim van Strien, Alderman of the Municipality of Noordwijk, addressed the community with appreciation for its energy and commitment.
“It is not us, but all of you who make this happen,” he said, raising a toast to the innovators, developers, and young professionals who drive the Dutch space sector forward.
He emphasised that space is not a luxury but a necessity, vital for defence, communication, navigation, and climate. Calling the NL Space Campus “the connecting element within the Dutch space industry,” he noted how collaboration and shared ambition continue to strengthen Noordwijk as a place for innovation and new opportunities.
A growing community spirit
As conversations continued and new connections were made, the atmosphere remained open and welcoming. Network & Drinks XL once again showed why it has become both the largest networking event in the Dutch space sector and a key highlight of NL Space Week — a true reflection of the NL Space Campus community spirit.
Already looking forward to the next one?
Next year’s Network & Drinks XL will again take place on the Thursday of NL Space Week.
If you’re ready to pitch, meet new people or grow your network, check out these upcoming opportunities:
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Connecting the Curious (Bremen) – offering young talents new challenges and collaboration opportunities.
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Startup Competition: Space Meets Manufacturing – for startups ready to explore new client markets.
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Network & Drinks: Defence Edition – happening 30 October at NL Space Campus.
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