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13 FutureFest highlights for innovation leaders in Amsterdam
Updated 30 May 2025 at 12:51
As part of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations, FutureFest runs from 12 to 21 June, showcasing the ideas and people shaping the city’s future. The programme features events in Dutch and English. FutureFest brings together toekomstkenners, knowledge experts, innovators, and change-makers shaping Amsterdam’s future. It’s a chance to connect with peers, discover new ideas, and get inspired about how we’ll live, move, eat, and work in the years ahead. Explore the top free events designed to spark ideas and connect you to Amsterdam’s innovation ecosystem.
Innovation & technology events
Amsterdam Innovation Day
Amsterdam Innovation Day takes place at the Marineterrein as part of the city’s 750th anniversary celebrations. The free event showcases smart, sustainable ideas to improve Amsterdam’s future, with an information market, guided tours, demos, and a public ideas competition. The City of Amsterdam, AMS Institute, and partners collaborated to organise this event.
Amsterdam Innovation Day | 13 June - 14:00 - 17:00 | Marineterrein Kattenburgerstraat 5
Energy in abundance
At certain times of the day, there is an abundance of solar and wind energy in Amsterdam. When is that? In a new app, developed by 02025 together with young people, you can see at a glance when sustainable energy is available for free. Useful for everyone who wants to be more thoughtful about energy consumption and their budget.
Energy in abundance | 17 June - 17 June | 16:00 - 18:00 | NEMO Science Museum
Are quantum computers a threat to our payment systems?
What is a quantum computer, and why are experts concerned about the security of our money? At this meeting at De Nederlandsche Bank, you will hear from 2 specialists about the opportunities and risks.
Are quantum computers a threat to our payment systems? | June 16, 16:00 - 17:00 | DNB treasury
Shaping our digital future
How can we make the internet fairer and less dependent on big tech companies? During the PublicSpaces conference, you will hear from people who work on this every day. There will be talks, lectures, art, and culture, all focused on a better digital future.
Shaping our digital future | June 13, 10:00 - 18:00 | Pakhuis de Zwijger | Tickets required
Amsterdam Science & Innovation Awards
9 Finalist will pitch their innovative ideas to the jury and public in the categories of society, health and environment & climate, during the final of the Amsterdam Science & Innovation Award. Located at the NEMO Science Museum, in addition to the main prizes, three researchers will receive an Impact Award for contributing to society and creating research that makes the world a better place.
Amsterdam science & innovation awards | 17 June, 15:00 - 17:00 | NEMO Science Museum
H2A Symposium: The future of hydrogen
During the H2A Symposium, companies, managers, and researchers will discuss the future of hydrogen. How can we bring hydrogen to Europe via the port of Amsterdam? Expect an afternoon full of ideas, plans, and meetings.
H2A Symposium | 19 June, 14:00 - 18:00 | Theatre Amsterdam
The Next Web Conference
Image from Bas Uterwijk
Image from Ciprian Balauca
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Discover the future of technology at The Next Web Conference. Get inspired by innovators from all over Europe, spot the latest trends and meet people with smart ideas. All in a relaxed festival atmosphere.
The Next Web Conference | 19-20 June | NDSM - Loods
Sustainable cities & living
The Green Statement: Breathing space for the MRA
What does the future of the green landscape around Amsterdam look like? During this debate evening, residents, farmers, designers, and administrators will discuss nature, food, water, and relaxation in the region around the city. Hosted by De Groene Stelling, a project restoring 25,000 hectares of green space around Amsterdam’s historic Defence Line, reconnecting city and countryside with space for food, nature and water. The debate at Pakhuis de Zwijger will focus on creating greener landscapes around towns and cities, featuring local stories gathered during a 10-day regional tour.
The Green Statement | 17 June, 20:00 - 21:30 | Pakhuis de Zwijger
Zuidas Expedition
Where can you see the future better than in the Zuidas? Join a tour of the district and visit Valley, the striking 'vertical village'. Discover the future of Amsterdam Zuid station and walk through the tunnel built under one of the busiest highways in the Netherlands.
Zuidas Expedition | 14 June to 20, 10:00 - 11:00 AND 16:00 - 17:00 | WTC
Tour of the Hortus - Energy neutral climate greenhouse
Visit Hortus' new Climate Greenhouse. During a tour, you will discover plants from three different climates and learn all about sustainable buildings without gas.
Tour of the Hortus | 13, 14 and 19 June AT 14:00 | Hortus Botanicus
Society, health & wellbeing futures
(Be)live Dementia VR-experience
What is it like to have dementia? And what does it feel like to care for someone with dementia? In this workshop, you will experience it yourself with VR glasses. Afterwards, you will talk to others about the future of (informal) care in Amsterdam.
(Be)live Dementia VR-experience | 17 June, 14:00 - 16:30 | Markant
The natural city
How much space do we give nature in Amsterdam? And can nature help with major challenges in the city? City farm Zimmerhoeve is organising a lecture about the future of the city. What do we want Amsterdam to look like – and how do we get there?
The natural city | 12 June, 19:00 - 21:00 (22:00) | City Farm Zimmerhoeve
Summit for future generations
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is organising the Summit for Future Generations. Together with young people, scientists, and organisations, you will work on solutions for a sustainable future based on the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Summit for future generations | 12 June 13:00 - 18:00 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
