Europe’s leading university
for future founders
Ranked TOP 3 by Financial Times in 'Europe's Leading Start-up Hubs' ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION
Build a real business from day one while earning your degree.
Maybe you already know what you want to build: or you're still figuring it out. That’s okay.
At Unknown, you’ll meet like-minded people who think entrepreneurially, inspire you, and push you forward.
Ready to step into the Unknown?
Three reasons why
founders of the future choose us
#1 Build your startup surrounded by real founders
Our vibrant community brings together like-minded peers, inspiring guest speakers, and leading entrepreneurs.
#2 Study in Europe’s leading impact campus
At Unknown University, we know that founders need more than just knowledge: they need the right tools, connections, and spaces to thrive.
#3 Learn from the people who built and scaled companies
Forget traditional classrooms. Our faculty are real founders and field experts, not just lecturers. You’ll learn directly from those who’ve built, failed, pivoted, and scaled: gaining insights you won’t find in textbooks.
A fully accredited
higher education institution
Unknown University of Applied Sciences is officially registered as a higher education institution.
The programs of Unknown University of Applied Sciences are accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders).
Our students graduate with globally recognised Bachelor or Master degrees, giving you both the entrepreneurial edge and the academic assurance you need.
Featured Events
4 June 2026
This day the final show of the Unknown University Demo Day will take place at Titaan in The Hague. Witness the next generation of student entrepreneurship. Four selected student founders will step onto the stage for a live Get in the Ring battle. These are not student projects, but real startups built by third-year students who have been working on their ventures from day one.
April 2027
Springboard is your launchpad into the vibrant entrepreneurial scene of The Hague. Designed for international students, this two-day experience offers a unique introduction to innovation, student life, and the energy of the city.
Meet like-minded students, learn more about Unknown University, and discover the city's hidden gems.
Download our brochure
Open Day
Curious what it’s like to study at Unknown University of Applied Sciences?
Meet our students and coaches, explore the campus, and experience how we combine real entrepreneurship with hands-on learning.
Book a discovery call
Our students start their own business from day 1
- Learn by doing: build your business while you study.
- Mentors who are
real founders.
- Access to a
global network of investors and partners.
- Located in Europe’s impact hub: The Hague.
- While earning an
accredited business degree.
Meet some of our students
Max Dekker
Valkra
Founded by our student Max Dekker, Valkra is the go-to brand for innovative functional beverages that blend wellness and performance.
With a background in business and a passion for active, healthy living, Max is reshaping how people fuel their day.
Oliver Christodoulou
Staunch Ventures
Founded by our alumni Oliver Christodoulou, Staunch Ventures empowers African tech startups to grow from idea to scale.
Combining strategic guidance with hands-on business development, Oliver helps founders build sustainable, revenue-driven models and secure early-stage funding.
Founders fix the future
Let's talk about your future
Studying for 4 years feels like an eternity. Especially when there's only one thought occupying your mind: I want to be an entrepreneur.
Imagine a future where you not only have a degree, but also a rock-solid foundation for your business. Or think further: after 4 years, your business is already thriving, and it's time for the next steps in growth.
Does this future fit you?
Living in The Hague
Chances are you’re not from The Hague in the Netherlands. Borders don’t limit your ambition, and we understand that. But it’s important to have a comfortable place to live during your time at Unknown. We have various housing options available and will help wherever we can to find the right place for you to stay.
Guided by Experts.
Inspired by Founders.
Christiaan Maats
Christiaan is a circular entrepreneur known for creating the world’s first biodegradable shoes that bloom.
He helps founders to design strategies that align purpose and sustainability and impact.
Thomas Blekman
Thomas is the director of the incubator and global expert on Effectuation.
He guides founders in testing ideas, reducing risk, and accelerating venture creation.
Madelon Bangma
Madelon is the CFO of Unknown Group, former Partner at EY and former CFO at Royal Sanders.
She mentors founders on finance, tax, shareholding and legal structure.
Pascal Murasira
Pascal is the Co-Founder Jobe AI and 20+ years of scaling businesses across Africa.
He supports founders in building impact ventures and expanding into emerging markets.
A story of impact
Meet our third year student Connor Burdett. Connor is a 20-year-old entrepreneur coming from Zimbabwe. The founder of SEED, a startup on a mission to give every African household access to clean energy.
Our students are founders, innovators, and changemakers, building real companies while getting their degree. See how Unknown University of Applied Sciences students are shaping the future of business from day one.
Check the video to learn more about Connor's story or learn more about the businesses of our current students and alumni.
