de Waag Competitors

Waag Futurelab operates at the intersection of science, technology and the arts. Our work focuses on emergent technologies as instruments of social change, and is guided by the values of fairness, openness and inclusivity. Waag’s dedicated team of sixty thinkers and makers empowers people to become active citizens through technology. Making technology & society more open, fair & inclusive. waag.org

Through its activities Het Nieuwe Instituut aims to increase the appreciation of the cultural and social significance of architecture, design and digital culture and to strengthen the interaction between these disciplines. In a period characterised by radical change, Het Nieuwe Instituut wants to moderate, stimulate and facilitate debate about architecture, design and digital culture through research and a public programme. The broadening and deepening of the public’s appreciation is a fundamental starting point.

De Balie is a political, cultural, theatre- and debate centre with a grand café-restaurant situated at the heart of Amsterdam at the Leidseplein. According to The Economist: "De Balie, a cosily chic cultural venue on Amsterdam’s Leidseplein, is the epicentre of Dutch liberal intellectual life." De Balie specialises in a number of territories: art, society, politics, media and cinema, and regularly organises thought-provoking programs. These programs consistently bear the mark of a sharp and deeply analytical character; De Balie leaves no questions of social relevance unasked. Through talkshows, lively discussions, elaborate debates, theatre and cinema De Balie mixes several points of view in a wayward and creative fashion. Currently, Yoeri Albrecht is Director at De Balie. The most current and up to date agenda is available on the website of De Balie. The De Balie website also offers an extensive database filled with broadcasts, dossiers and articles of previous programs. De Balie Grand Café is open 7 days a week, and serves everything, from a solid cup of coffee to an extensive diner.