Innofest

Test your innovation with Innofest

Do you want to know whether your innovation really works in practice? At Innofest, you get the opportunity to test your prototype in a real-life environment. At festivals and events, we create dedicated testing spaces where you can gather valuable feedback from real users. This provides insights that help you further improve your product or service.

What does the testing program involve?

As a participant, you will test your innovation in a real-life setting with a diverse audience. You will quickly see what works intuitively, where people drop off, and which adjustments make the difference. Together with Innofest, you will refine a clear test question and design a feasible test setup. We use the “Test like the best canvas” as a guiding framework to clarify your testing goals, approach, and measurement points. After the testing phase, you will receive an analysis with key insights and concrete next steps to further develop your innovation. In total, the program consists of approximately 7 hours of online sessions, complemented by your own preparation for the test setup.

Session 1 – Let’s Get This Party Started
Kick-off with Innofest and the other innovators. We define your first test question and determine what you want to learn from the real-world setting.
120 minutes
Session 2 – Dig Deeper
We dive deeper into your innovation and make your testing goals more concrete. You start filling in the Test like the best canvas.
120 minutes
Session 3 – Communication Is Key
We refine your story and test question for your test audience, media, and partners, so you can gather feedback that truly helps you move forward.
40 minutes + completing the Test like the best canvas
Session 4 – Let’s Get Practical
From plan to execution: you develop your testing setup, including flow, materials, location, and measurement moments.
45 minutes + completing the Test like the best canvas
Session 5 – Ready to Rumble
Final check and alignment. We fine-tune your setup and prepare you for the test days.
60 minutes
The Test
You carry out your test in a real-life setting, guided by Innofest.
1–2 (sometimes 3) test days on location.
Session 6 – The Afterparty
We reflect on the test days, summarise the key insights, and translate them into concrete next steps.
30-minute individual feedback per innovator + 30-minute group wrap-up

In the coming period, you can apply for the following programs:

ValidatieLab Noord Nederland
A testing and validation program where impact innovations in Northern Netherlands collect real-world proof in living labs across Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe.

Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN)
A regional network of partners that accelerates innovation by organising living labs, guidance, and pathways toward implementation and scaling.

ValidatieLab Utrecht
Practice-based validation in the Utrecht region: testing impact innovations in real-life environments and translating results into concrete next steps.

No suitable project for you right now?
Select the option “no preference” in the application form, and we will help you find a suitable testing location.

Good to know: we cover the costs incurred up to a maximum amount (depending on the festival).

Criteria for participation

The prototype is innovative
Testing at a Living lab provides demonstrable added value
The prototype has (or will have) a viable business model
The prototype contributes to a better world

Registration form

Why participate as an innovator?

You test your prototype using a proven methodology
You gain access to unique testing locations across the Netherlands
You collect valuable data to further develop your prototype
You can use the test budget to cover part of your incurred costs
You create visibility for your venture / organization

Registration form

For more information, click here:

🔗 How our approach works
🔗 What tests are possible
🔗 Which entrepreneurs have participated before you
🔗 Projects & collaborations

Voor Nederlands, klik hier.

Do you have any questions or need more information about the registration? Feel free to contact us! We’re happy to help.

Questions about applying?

Are you considering applying but still have some questions? Feel free to get in touch with our Community Lead, Neeltje. She’ll be happy to think along with you.

Neeltje
Community Lead
+31 6 43738319
oc.ts1776261634efonn1776261634i@ejt1776261634leen1776261634