In an inspiring initiative aimed at addressing pressing social challenges, NN Group and Rubio Impact Ventures have announced the return of the NN Social Innovation Startup Award. Following the remarkable success of its inaugural edition last year, where over 360 startups applied, the second edition is set to take place at TNW2025 in Amsterdam on June 19, 2025. This award offers invaluable grants and mentoring opportunities to innovative startups that are dedicated to tackling mental, physical, and financial well-being challenges through technology-driven solutions. Aspiring participants are encouraged to apply before the deadline on April 30, 2025.

Bringing the world together through technology-driven social impact is at the heart of this initiative. Tamara Obradov, a partner at Rubio Impact Ventures and a key architect of the program, expressed her firm belief that social innovation is emerging as a crucial strategic asset. Its a critical pillar alongside the green and digital transitions, she stated. Weve witnessed the digital transition, then the green transition, and now, to unite our polarized world, we need the social innovators and system shapers. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of social innovation in current times.

In recent years, climate-tech solutions have garnered significant attention from venture capitalists, largely driven by the European Green Deal and various national initiatives aimed at combating climate change. These efforts have highlighted the benefits of sustainability, not only for the environment but also as a viable business strategy. However, as Obradov pointed out, social impact solutions have not seen the same level of investment from VCs. People often associate impact with climate, she remarked. But we rarely discuss how we can help people transition toward the future. Thats where social innovation comes in. We need to invest in climate and food systemsbut we also need to help society adapt.

Today, it is estimated that over 84 million people in the European Union are grappling with mental health challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for many businesses, leading to a surge in mental health-focused applications. Despite this, the prevalence of mental health issues continues to rise, affecting not only workers but also youth and the elderly.

Lonneke Roza, the Head of Community Investment at NN Group, emphasized the potential of technology to transform lives by providing underserved communities with access to critical resources. If we were to focus on building a world where technology helps these communities gain access to life-changing physical, mental, and financial support, we could unlock potential not just for individuals but for society as a whole, Roza said.

Among the success stories from the first edition of the award is Whispp, an assistive technology company led by CEO Joris Casterman. The motivation behind Castermans entrepreneurial journey stemmed from his own experiences growing up with a severe stutter. Whispp has developed an innovative app that utilizes artificial intelligence to convert whispered speech and vocal cord-impaired speech into clear voice calls. Winning the award was a transformative experience for Casterman, providing him with access to a network of like-minded investors and a year of coaching that helped refine his business strategy.

I met many impact investors, in addition to Rubio, who I still remain in touch with. The questions posed by these investors transcended mere financial metrics; they were equally interested in how we measure our impact, Casterman recalled. His experience demonstrated that for these investors, the social impact of a startup is just as pivotal as its profitability. The coaching and mentorship he received proved to be invaluable.

We had engaging discussions around our strategy and even engaged a coach to improve our management teams collaboration and leadership skills, Casterman shared. This support was crucial for our growth and helped us professionalize as we prepare for our next phase.

This year, Whispp is gearing up to launch two new features: a virtual microphone designed for video conferencing, enabling users with voice impairments to be heard clearly in online meetings, and a live conversation mode that facilitates communication in noisy or crowded environments. These innovations exemplify how technology can create meaningful change, ensuring that everyones voice is heard and that every individual can partake in precious moments with loved ones.

Motivated by the community fostered through the NN Social Innovation Startup Award, Casterman envisions even greater possibilities for collaboration in the future. There are several promising companies focused on accessibility. We could build an accessibility subgroup or coalition, a platform for finding innovative solutions within the assistive technology sector. The challenge for startups is that they often work in isolation, but there is immense potential for collaboration, he said.

Last year, a fundraising wall and booklet were created to showcase the top 100 impact startups that participated in the award. This resource was designed for easy accessibility, allowing venture capitalists to sort through startups by theme, country, phase, and other criteria. Any investor interested in participating is more than welcome to reach out to us, Obradov invited.

For corporations, while many possess the vision and resources necessary to drive social innovation, they often lack direct access to startups. Yet, through collaboration between corporates and VCs, impactful initiatives can flourish. NN Groups partnership with Rubio serves as an excellent example. Each partner brings its strengthscorporates contribute themes and outreach, while VCs provide an innovation pipeline. We are eager to invite more corporations to collaborate with venture capital firms to support innovation on a larger scale, Obradov concluded.

Addressing the worlds most pressing social challenges cannot rely solely on one startup, one investor, or one institution. It requires a collective effort. I firmly believe that this could be the catalyst that unites our fractured world, and these innovators could serve as agents of change, guiding society toward a shared, brighter future, Obradov stated. Are you ready to be part of the future of impact innovation?