Exploring Innovation Across Borders: Our Europe Immersion Experience

Written by: Richard Alvin Zapanta and Solomon Chua Zhe Yi (MSc TIP AY24-25)

From June 1 to 12, we had the opportunity to take part in the Europe Immersion Trip 2025, a journey that brought us deep into the start-up ecosystems of Amsterdam and Munich. As postgraduate students passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, this experience was not just about visiting new places, it was about expanding our perspective on what it means to innovate, collaborate, and creating impact in this interdisciplinary world.

Richard and his group enjoying the Hague Tour

 

Learning from the Dutch Way of Innovation

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was our third day in Amsterdam. We spent the day at Amsterdam Science Park, one of the city's leading hubs for cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship activity. We started with a workshop on digital platforms led by Dr Taehyun Lee, where we learned how companies like Booking.com and Thuisbezorgd leveraged network effects and platform-based thinking to scale in a way beyond the reach of traditional business models. 

Visiting Amsterdam Science Park

Visiting Amsterdam Science Park

 

What really stood out was how open and supportive the Dutch start-up scene is, especially toward young founders. We met Julian Felipe Sandoval Ospino, the current President of ASIF Ventures. ASIF Ventures is a student-led investment fund. Julian shared how it supports early-stage start-ups, showcasing how the Dutch ecosystem empowers student entrepreneurs not just with funding, but with belief in their potential. Renny Chan, founder of Convo, shared a raw and honest view of his entrepreneurial journey. His mission to enhance human-centered research through artificial intelligence (AI) sparked deep reflection on how technology can elevate, not replace human insight.

Through the interaction with the founders in Amsterdam, one of the biggest takeaways we have is their mindset of willing to try, fail, and try again. That mindset left a big impression on us. Compared to more cautious approaches we often see in Asian cultures, the Dutch way embraces experimentation and sees failure as part of the learning process. It reminded us that entrepreneurship isn’t about playing it safe, it's about being bold and resilient.

 

Richard and Solomon interacting with student entrepreneurs of University of Amsterdam

 

We also had the chance to pitch our own start-up ideas and receive feedback from experienced founders and investors. It was a valuable experience that helped us think more clearly about our direction, and it allowed us to connect with like-minded peers who are also passionate about building something meaningful.

 

A Community That Builds Together

Amsterdam’s ecosystem is driven by a unique mix of academia, industry, and government support, something we found quite similar to Singapore’s own model. During our afternoon visit to Startup Village, we saw firsthand how community-driven initiatives play a key role. From quantum computing labs to AI-powered tools for cybersecurity, the start-ups we met were working on exciting challenges but what was even more inspiring was how much they helped each other grow.

 

Solomon and Richard visiting Startupbootcamp

 

Purpose-Driven Innovation in the Munich Ecosystem

In Munich, we were welcomed into a very different, but equally inspiring environment. At UnternehmerTUM, one of Europe’s largest innovation hubs, we explored how deep tech and applied research are used to solve real-world problems. Our visit to the TUM Incubator and Makerspace showed us how ideas are turned into prototypes, and how strong partnerships between academia, industry, and government power this process.

One of the highlights of the programme in TUM was joining the Urban Innovation Challenge by the City of Munich. We were grouped with students from different backgrounds and tasked with coming up with creative solutions for the genuine challenges faced by the city. Within just three hours, we had to brainstorm, develop an idea, discuss with mentor, and pitch it to the city official. It was fast, intense, and incredibly rewarding and it showed us how quickly ideas can turn into action when people come together with a shared goal.

 

Urban Challenge

Richard presenting his group idea for City of Munich Urban Challenge

 

What left a lasting impression was how seriously our ideas were received. The official not only provided thoughtful and insightful feedback but also expressed genuine interest in following up with us should any of the proposed ideas prove viable for real-world implementation. This experience underscored the city’s commitment to civic innovation and showed us how public-private collaboration can drive purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and how encouraging they are towards students’ ideas and creativity.

 

Beyond the Classroom: Cultural Immersion and Personal Growth

No immersion is complete without moments of cultural exploration. In Netherlands, we visited Volendam and Zaanse Schans, enjoyed a canal cruise, and explored the Rijksmuseum. These moments offered space to reflect and absorb the Dutch blend of tradition and modernity. 

Trying the Klompen

Richard and Solomon trying klompen

Having a great meal at Marienplatz

Solomon and Richard trying local cuisine at Marienplatz

 

In Germany, the visit to Neuschwanstein Castle and the scenic town of Füssen added a touch of magic to the trip. Being surrounded by over century-old architecture while thinking about quantum computing and smart cities created a powerful juxtaposition, a reminder that progress and heritage can coexist beautifully. 

 

Final Reflection: Redefining Our Entrepreneurial Mindset

This immersion experience was a turning point. It reshaped how we view entrepreneurship not just as a path to innovation, but as a responsibility. We saw how thriving ecosystems like Amsterdam and Munich cultivate trust, collaboration, and long-term thinking.

In Amsterdam, we encountered a distinct Dutch work culture that contrasted sharply with what we are accustomed to in Singapore. It was both surprising and refreshing to observe how openly and directly people communicate in the Netherlands: the opinions are expressed candidly, without the need for excessive politeness or ambiguity. This cultural difference prompted us to reflect on how such straightforwardness might enhance the efficiency, clarity, and dynamism of the Dutch entrepreneurial ecosystem. What stood out even more was Amsterdam’s strong emphasis on collaboration, openness, and sustainability that form a mindset that goes beyond individual success. It’s not just about building your own company; it’s about uplifting the entire community. This is a valuable perspective that Singaporean founders could learn from and adapt.

The exposure to tech founders, incubators, and civic-driven challenges showed us that entrepreneurship can and should contribute meaningfully to society. We returned not only with inspiration, but with a clearer sense of purpose and a global lens that will guide our future ventures.

 

NTU Entrepreneurship Academy reserves the right in its sole discretion to make modification or cancellation to the above-mentioned.

Connect with us:

FB
   
IG