This venture capital-supported network aims to address the well-being crises through technology.

      Last year, NN Group and Rubio Impact Ventures introduced the NN Social Innovation Startup Award, which offers grants and mentorship to startups aiming to address mental, physical, and financial well-being challenges through technology-driven solutions. More than 360 startups submitted applications.

      Due to the success of the inaugural edition, NN Group and Rubio Impact Ventures are set to host a second edition of the NN Social Innovation Startup Award during TNW2025 on June 19, 2025, in Amsterdam. The selected startups will be awarded grants and have the opportunity for a year-long coaching experience, including tailored resources, networking, and support. (The application deadline is April 30th, so be sure to apply soon!)

      Uniting the world through technology-driven social impact

      “I firmly believe that social innovation could emerge as our new strategic asset,” says Tamara Obradov, a partner at Rubio Impact Ventures and one of the program’s designers. “It serves as a crucial pillar, alongside the green and digital transitions. We initially faced the digital transition, then the green transition, and now, in order to unite our divided world, we need social innovators and system shapers.”

      In the past ten years, climate-tech solutions have gained momentum from venture capitalists, spurred by the Green Deal and national efforts to combat climate change through incentives and drivers for transformation. Simultaneously, there has been a growing awareness that sustainability not only benefits the planet but is also advantageous for businesses, offering cost-effective alternatives. However, social impact solutions have not garnered the same level of attention from VCs.

      “People usually connect impact with climate,” Obradov notes. “Yet, we seldom discuss how we aid people in transitioning to the future. This is where social innovation becomes vital. We must invest in climate and food systems, but it is equally important to assist society in adapting.”

      Currently, it is estimated that over 84 million individuals in the EU are facing mental health challenges. The pandemic served as a wake-up call for many companies, prompting the development of mental health-focused applications, but the number of individuals struggling with mental health issues continues to rise—not only among workers but also among youth and the elderly.

      Lonneke Roza, Head of Community Investment at NN Group, asserts, “By concentrating on creating a world where technology empowers underserved communities to access solutions that can provide transformative physical, mental, and financial assistance, we can unlock potential for individuals and society as a whole.”

      Ensuring every voice is heard

      Assistive technology company Whispp was one of the three grant recipients from the first edition of the NN Social Innovation Startup Award. CEO Joris Casterman founded the company based on his personal challenges growing up with a severe stutter. With Whispp, he created an assistive voice call app that uses AI to convert whispered and vocal cord impaired speech.

      Participating in the award proved to be transformative for Castermans, allowing him to connect with like-minded VCs and benefit from a year of coaching opportunities.

      “I met numerous impact investors, including those from Rubio, with whom I still maintain contact. Alongside inquiries about revenue and growth models, there were also questions about how we measure our impact.” This highlighted to Castermans that for these VCs, impact is just as crucial as profit. In addition to enhanced funding opportunities, the coaching provided to his team was invaluable.

      “We had excellent brainstorming sessions regarding our strategy and even collaborated with a coach to enhance our management team’s teamwork and leadership objectives,” Castermans explains. “We couldn’t have achieved that independently—it helped us professionalize and prepare for our next stage.”

      This year, Whispp plans to introduce two significant new features:

      A virtual microphone for video conferences, allowing individuals with voice impairments to be clearly heard in online meetings;

      A live conversation mode designed to function in noisy or crowded places—facilitating spontaneous, in-person discussions.

      These tools will guarantee that everyone's ideas are acknowledged. Everyone can partake in special moments with their loved ones, ensuring every voice is heard. It exemplifies how technology can create transformative impact.

      Motivated by the community he discovered through the NN Social Innovation Startup Award, Castermans envisions even greater potential ahead.

      “There are numerous intriguing accessibility companies. We could establish an accessibility subgroup or coalition. This could serve as a platform for discovering innovative solutions in the assistive technology sector. The challenge of being a startup is often working in isolation. However, there are countless opportunities for collaboration and partnership!”

      An opportunity for VCs and corporations to scale impact

      Last year, a fundraising wall and booklet showcased the top 100 impact startups that participated, designed to be easily navigable for VCs to sort startups by theme, country, phase, and more.

      “Any investor interested in participating is welcome to reach out to us,” Obradov invites.

      And how about for corporates? While many possess the vision and resources to drive social innovation, they frequently lack access to startups