YES!Delft

About YES!Delft

YES!Delft is a leading European deeptech incubator and accelerator based in Delft, the Netherlands, and affiliated with TU Delft. It helps science-based startups turn breakthrough technologies into globally scalable companies by combining startup programs, expert support, and access to a broad innovation ecosystem.

The incubator works with founders across sectors such as robotics, AI, quantum, medtech, cleantech, maritime technology, and energy transition. Its model is built around validation, acceleration, and sector-specific deep dives, with support from mentors, investors, industry partners, municipalities, and universities. YES!Delft says it supports startups without taking equity and continues to stay involved after program completion.

Core Values

• Entrepreneurial ambition: YES!Delft emphasizes an ambitious, founder-driven culture and a team that understands startup realities because many of its people have founded companies themselves.
• Collaboration: The organization repeatedly highlights knowledge-sharing and collaboration across startups, partners, investors, universities, and public institutions as the basis of its ecosystem.
• Impact through innovation: Its programs are designed to help founders build technologies that create positive impact in areas such as sustainability, healthcare, mobility, and energy.
• Long-term support: YES!Delft positions itself as a long-term partner for startups, continuing support for at least five years after the accelerator in some cases.

Unique Aspects

• TU Delft-backed ecosystem: YES!Delft is affiliated with TU Delft and supported by shareholders including TU Delft, the Municipality of Delft, and Erasmus University, giving it strong academic and regional roots.
• Large startup track record: The organization says it has supported more than 560 startups, with most still active or acquired, and that those startups have collectively raised more than €1 billion.
• No-equity support model: YES!Delft states that it provides tailored startup support without taking equity, which is a notable differentiator for founders.
• Named sector partnerships: It runs specialized initiatives with partners such as Erasmus MC for MedTech, Shell/Rockstart/Unknown for the New Energy Challenge, and BlueCity for circular startups.
• Physical ecosystem in Delft and beyond: In addition to its Delft base, YES!Delft has flex desks in Rotterdam and The Hague and offers offices, labs, and makerspaces for startups.