De Nationale DenkTank

What De Nationale DenkTank does

De Nationale DenkTank is a Dutch non-profit foundation (Stichting de Nationale DenkTank) founded in 2005 in Amsterdam, operating as a network organization that runs an annual four-month full-time program for roughly 20–24 young talents ('DenkTankers') who develop concrete solutions to a major Dutch societal theme on a three-year thematic cycle — currently 'Circulaire Samenleving' (Circular Society) for 2024–2026. The organization is led by an executive director (Saskia Selen), a deputy director (Bernice Franssen), a program & relations manager (Emily van Dijk), and a fundraising coordinator (Tamara van Strijp), with Petra Zinkweg as bestuursvoorzitter since 1 September 2025, and is governed under a one-tier board model supported by a Raad van Advies chaired by Alexander Rinnooy Kan. Its core technology is not software but a proprietary four-phase methodology (Zomerschool with Vision Fast, Analysefase, Oplossingsfase, Implementatiefase) that combines Problem Solving Loop, Theory of Change and Design Thinking, delivered by full-time junior consultants from McKinsey and program partners AEF, IJsfontein, Public Matters and Motivaction.

The business model is a hybrid non-profit structure funded by a four-tier partner network (Program, Knowledge, Theme, Sponsor) with 40+ named partners spanning McKinsey, Royal BAM, Metabolic, Kennedy Van der Laan, Milieu Centraal, six Dutch ministries (OCW, LNV, IenW, EZK, SZW, VWS), Gemeente Amsterdam, UvA, VU, KHMW and others; donor gifts channelled through a separate ANBI-registered foundation (Stichting Fonds de Nationale DenkTank, currently a 'slapende stichting'); Mini DenkTank alumni-led commissions for external clients; and fixed-scope project contracts (e.g., €15,000 ex-VAT for the 2026 Program Staff role). The foundation runs a portfolio of sub-products beyond the annual flagship — Mini DenkTank, NDT Speakers Hub, the NDT Podcast (Kopcast), the 400+ alumni network (Raad van Alumni), and a Communication Toolkit — and reports a 48% solution-execution rate across 20 annual editions, with documented alumni ventures including Pacmed (NDT'14), AI Loopbaancoach Lola (NDT'23), Stichting de Ontspulknul (NDT'23) and Oudertelefoon. Distribution is entirely Netherlands-domestic and relies on direct recruitment, partner co-delivery, flagship venues (ITA, Pakhuis de Zwijger, Landgoed de Horst), owned channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, WordPress website) and earned media coverage in Trouw, NRC, FD, Volkskrant, Parool, BNR, NPO Radio 1 and AVROTROS.

Name

De Nationale DenkTank

Legal name

Stichting de Nationale DenkTank

Website

https://nationale-denktank.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

De Nationale DenkTank is an Amsterdam-based Dutch non-profit foundation, founded in 2005, that runs an annual four-month program for ~21 young talents to develop solutions to a major societal theme — currently the Circular Society for 2024–2026 — funded by 40+ partners and an alumni network of 400+.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Impact Think Tank Programs

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171)

akta.pro primary industry

Learning Strategy, Instructional Design & Content Development (BPACANAG)

Keywords

• Think tank programs
• Youth talent development
• Societal impact consulting
• Circular society initiatives
• Public-private partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation 'Fonds de Nationale DenkTank' donations: Stichting Fonds de Nationale DenkTank is a separate foundation (described as a 'slapende stichting' / dormant foundation in its ANBI statement) that receives gifts from donors ('vrienden' of the DenkTank) to safeguard continuity, growth and independence. ANBI forms filed annually.
2. Partner contributions (Program, Knowledge, Theme, Sponsor): Four partner tiers — Program Partners, Knowledge Partners, Theme Partners, and Sponsors — contribute knowledge, expertise, networks and financial resources. Sponsors specifically underwrite parts of activities financially or in kind (housing, rooms, catering, events).
3. Mini DenkTank commissions: Mini DenkTanks are alumni-led short-format projects commissioned by external clients; form, scope and duration are defined jointly with the client and billed as a customized engagement.
4. Project-based contracts for program staffing: Program staff positions such as 'Programmamedewerker' are offered as fixed-scope assignments with a defined budget (€15,000 excl. VAT including travel costs for the 2026 assignment) — either as a ZZP engagement or employment contract.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

De Nationale DenkTank runs an annual full-time, four-month program (the Jaarlijkse DenkTank) for ~20–24 selected young talents who develop concrete solutions to a pressing Dutch societal theme; the 2024–2026 cycle focuses on circularity and sustainability. The foundation supplements this with Mini DenkTank commissions, an alumni Speakers Hub, an alumni network of 400+, a podcast, and a portfolio of implemented solutions (48% reported as executed). Delivery is via a four-phase proprietary methodology co-developed with McKinsey and other program partners.

Product overview

De Nationale DenkTank is a Dutch non-profit foundation (Stichting) and network organisation that runs a portfolio of programs and initiatives rather than a single software product. Its core offering is the Jaarlijkse DenkTank — a full-time, four-month annual program for ~20-24 young DenkTankers — supported by the Mini DenkTank sub-product, the NDT Speakers Hub alumni speaker/trainer bureau, the NDT Alumninetwerk community, and the NDT Podcast (Kopcast). Outputs of each annual cohort (e.g., RepareerSimpel, Circonstruction, CircuLink, Herhuizen, Actienemers, Milo het Meukmonster, Passende zorg, Passende controle from NDT'24, and OpknapLab, Right to Know, Platform Elf, Z.W.A.T., Let's Talk Zorg, Richt je op de groene Lijnen, Hout On Tour, TenderTool, Het Plastic Bewustzijn, ClubCirculair Toolkit from NDT'25) form a legacy NDT Solutions portfolio, alongside alumni-spun-out initiatives such as PacMed, AI Loopbaancoach Lola, Stichting de Ontspulknul, Plantje Boom, Natuurinclusief Bouwen op de Kaart, LeerLevels, Hack je Les, MBO-talent, De Oudertelefoon, and Crossover. The brand is documented in the public NDT Communicatie Toolkit (brand book, logo guidelines, logos, recruitment video). The 2024-2026 strategic theme of the Jaarlijkse DenkTank is Circulaire Samenleving (Circular Society).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NDT Speakers Hub: Alumni-driven speaker, day-chair and training offering that deploys former DenkTankers for external engagements.
• Mini DenkTank
• Stichting Fonds de Nationale DenkTank

Products and services

• Jaarlijkse DenkTank (Annual DenkTank)

Named customers27 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

45 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• McKinsey & Company (Netherlands)flagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFlagship program partner since the foundation's founding era. Provides two junior consultants full-time for each annual cohort (covering the Analysis Phase and overall coaching), delivers the 'Problem Solving' training, and offers training to participants. Marc de Jong (Senior Partner, global Semiconductors & Strategy & Corporate Finance practice leader) sits on the Raad van Advies.
• Andersson Elffers Felix (AEF)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProgram partner that delivers the 'How does the government work?' training to each cohort. Listed on the partners page with logo and dedicated URL.
• IJsfonteincoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProgram partner delivering the 'Design Thinking' training to each annual cohort. Listed on the partners page with dedicated URL.
• Public MatterscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProgram partner that coaches DenkTankers on media and communications. Listed on the partners page with dedicated URL.
• MotivactioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProgram partner supporting DenkTankers with public audience research / survey work. Listed on the partners page with dedicated URL.
• Gemeente Amsterdam (Municipality of Amsterdam)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as partner organization; collaborates with DenkTankers on local themes and hosts alumni Speakers Hub sessions (e.g., lawyers training by Victor Claerbout and Jort van Dalen).
• Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap (OCW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational-ministry partner; collaborates with DenkTankers on education themes, including outcomes such as the MBO 'studenten' reframing and MBO-talent ventures.
• Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit (LNV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational-ministry partner contributing expertise on nature, biodiversity and circularity themes — directly relevant to NDT'24–'26 cycle.
• Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat (IenW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational-ministry partner; counterparty for NDT'25's ClubCirculair Toolkit, which supports municipalities and IenW in helping sports clubs transition from SUP to reusable alternatives.
• Ministerie van Economische Zaken / Klimaat en Groene Groei (EZK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational-ministry partner; Focco Vijselaar (Director VNO-NCW and former Director-General Bedrijfsleven & Innovatie at EZK) sits on the Raad van Advies.
• Ministerie van Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid (SZW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational-ministry partner; commissioner of the MBO-talent Talent Challenge (spinoff from a DenkTank cohort).
• UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts the NDT team in the UWV building in Amsterdam (Delflandlaan 3); partner organization listed on the partner page. Judith Duveen (Algemeen Directeur UWV Werkbedrijf) sits on the Raad van Advies.
• VanDijk (educational service provider)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdentified by the 'Milo het Meukmonster' (NDT'24) solution team as an interested educational service provider that sees opportunities to integrate the children's book into the curriculum.
• Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd (IGJ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdentified by the NDT'24 'Passende zorg, Passende controle' solution team as a target counterparty to anchor sustainability in the Wet Kwaliteit, Klachten en Geschillen Zorg (WKKGZ).
• Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport (VWS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdentified by the NDT'24 'Passende zorg, Passende controle' solution team as a target counterparty (officials with sustainability in their portfolio) to advance sustainability in healthcare regulation.
• Royal BAM GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner organization on the partner page (logo with link to bam.com/nl). Relevant to the construction & circularity themes of NDT'24–'26.
• MetabolicminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerListed partner organization (logo with link to metabolic.nl). Sustainability consultancy contributing expertise on circular economy transitions.
• Kennedy Van der Laan (KvdL)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerListed partner law firm (logo with link to kvdl.com); co-hosts alumni events such as the KvdL x Taco Houwert (PacMed / NDT'06) interview.
• Milieu CentraalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner organization (logo with link to milieucentraal.nl). Environmental NGO providing sustainability communication expertise to consumers.
• Rebel GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerListed partner organization (logo with link to rebelgroup.com/nl). Advisory firm supporting public-sector impact work.
• DraadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo with link to draad.nl). Listed among 'Ons huidige partnernetwerk'.
• De BaakminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo with link to debaak.nl). Management development organization within the partnernetwerk.
• KB NotarissenminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerListed partner notary firm (logo with link to kbnotarissen.nl).
• KHMW (Koninklijke Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo with link to khmw.nl). Learned society; Henk de Jong is vice-chair and Marc de Jong is a member.
• AvondwenmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo with link to avondwenm.nl). Part of the current partnernetwerk.
• Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo with link to uva.nl); Alexander Rinnooy Kan holds an honorary professorship at UvA.
• Vrije Universiteit (VU) AmsterdamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo with link to vu.nl/nl); Mirjam van Praag (RvA member) is affiliated with VU.
• Rembrandt Park OneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner providing office space for the annual DenkTank and the NDT team in Amsterdam West.
• PC ConsultantsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerListed as providing 'Ondersteuning door PC Consultants' (Support by PC Consultants).
• Natuur & MilieuminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo) within the partnernetwerk. Dutch environmental NGO.
• Public MattersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed partner (logo with link to publicmatters.nl). Public affairs firm that also delivers communications coaching during the program.
• Re-managed by (Re:managed)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo) within the partnernetwerk.
• VilansminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo) within the partnernetwerk. Dutch knowledge organization for long-term care.
• Route CirculairminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo) within the partnernetwerk; relevant to the 2024–2026 Circular Society theme.
• SWN (Stichting Werkplaatsen Duurzaamheid / Social Werk Nabij)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo) within the partnernetwerk.
• OPEN (formerly Ondernemersklankbord)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo with link) within the partnernetwerk.
• Structural CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo with link to structuralcollective.nl). Structural engineering firm supporting the construction theme of NDT'24–'26.
• RedshiftminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo) within the partnernetwerk.
• MDT (Maatschappelijke Diensttijd)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo with 'MDT-logo-met-tekstring-warm') within the partnernetwerk. Dutch social service program.
• Circle Economy (CE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo). NDT'24 was invited as an expert panel member at Circle Economy's Circle Dinner.
• MorgensminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerListed partner (logo with link to morgens.nl). Dutch consulting firm focused on societal transitions.
• Kopcast (NDT podcast partner)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed partner (logo with link to the Kopcast Spotify show). Podcast production partner for the '20 jaar de Nationale DenkTank' series.
• LeerlevelsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed partner (logo) — an educational platform that originated as a DenkTank solution (NDT'21 'Op zoek naar onderwijsheid') and continues as a partner organization.
• NDT Alumni NetworkcoreOthersFormal Raad van Alumni (Alumni Council) that advises on content and organizational developments and co-organizes alumni events, alongside the broader 400+ alumni network.
• Raad van Advies (Advisory Council)coreOthersFormal advisory body (chaired by Alexander Rinnooy Kan) comprising senior figures from Dutch business, government, science and culture: Focco Vijselaar (VNO-NCW), Dorothee van Vredenburch, Anneke Sipkens, Anthony Heidweiller, Denise de Boer, Harald Tepper, Henk de Jong, Judith Duveen, Marc de Jong, Michiel de Wilde, Mirjam van Praag, Adnan Tekin, Kathalijn Kalawati Vergeer. Supports the foundation's strategy, networks and ambassador role.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Stichting DOEN: Dutch impact foundation backing changemakers, social enterprises and innovative initiatives in the Netherlands — directly comparable as a mission-aligned Dutch non-profit foundation funding societal innovation.
• ThinkYoung: European think tank conducting research and convening young people on policy issues — comparable as a youth-led think tank structure producing policy-relevant outputs and convening diverse stakeholders.
• Ashoka Netherlands: Dutch arm of Ashoka, the global social-entrepreneurship network that identifies and supports leading changemakers — directly comparable as a non-profit talent platform for societal impact in the Netherlands.
• Stichting Kennisland: Dutch foundation working on innovation in education, knowledge and societal transition — directly comparable as a Dutch non-profit running programmes and coalitions to address societal challenges.
• THNK School of Creative Leadership: Amsterdam-based leadership program for senior changemakers across business, government and civil society — directly comparable as a Dutch non-academic leadership development programme combining coaching, cohorts and societal themes.
• Purpose (purpose-led leadership community): Purpose-driven leadership community offering programmes for professionals to develop societal impact careers — comparable as a community-led, cohort-based non-profit focused on purpose-driven talent development.

Broad incumbents

• VSBfonds: Large Dutch fund supporting citizen initiatives in education, wellbeing and participation — comparable as a larger Dutch non-profit grantmaker but with broader grantmaking rather than cohort-programme model.
• Nesta (UK): UK innovation foundation running programmes, research and partnerships on societal challenges — comparable as a larger, established foundation combining research, talent programmes and partnerships in a mission-driven model.

Emerging players

• SingularityU Netherlands: Dutch chapter of Singularity University offering education programmes on exponential technologies and societal impact — comparable as an innovation-education programme for talent, but more technology/exponential focused than NDT.

Regional players

• Pakhuis de Zwijger: Amsterdam platform for debate, art and societal innovation, hosting the NDT Solution Launch at its venue — comparable as a Dutch societal-event platform but operating as a venue rather than a talent programme.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@nationaledenktank
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/de-nationale-denktank
• Instagraminstagram.com/nationaledenktank
• Facebookfacebook.com/nationaledenktank

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about De Nationale DenkTank