AI & Social Work Innovation Competition
Are you enrolled in a vocational (MBO), university of applied sciences (HBO), or university (WO) program at an educational institution in the Northern Netherlands (such as NHL Stenden, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Windesheim, Firda, Drenthe College, Noorderpoort, Alfa-college, the University of Groningen, or Saxion)? Are you interested in the future of our society and the well-being of people? Then this AI & Social Work Innovation Competition is for you!
'How can we use AI to make social work more effective, accessible, and future-proof while preserving its human character?'
Background information
Social workers—including youth workers, community sports coaches, community workers, school social workers, family coaches, and many others—support residents every day with a wide range of questions and challenges. At the same time, the pressure on the profession is increasing. Cases are becoming more complex, time and resources are becoming scarcer, and expectations continue to grow.
The social work sector is already actively exploring the use of AI. Current applications include voice-assisted reporting and initiatives to improve organisational efficiency and streamline business processes. These are important first steps.
But we believe much more is possible.
Through this competition, we are looking for innovative AI ideas, methods, applications, or solutions that support social workers in their daily practice. How can AI help these professionals better connect with residents, make well-informed decisions, and provide even more effective support?
You do not need to develop a fully functioning product. A well-founded concept or idea is sufficient, provided you clearly explain:
- the problem you are addressing;
- how your solution works; and
- how it adds value to the daily practice of social workers.
The detailed assessment criteria will be available for download below.
What can you expect?
If you are selected as one of the top three finalists, you will be invited to pitch your idea on 25 November 2026 at the conference "Social Functioning in a New Era" in Emmen, in front of an audience of approximately 300 participants.
If your AI idea is chosen as the winner, you will receive €2,694—equivalent to one year's tuition fees for an hbo program. The second and third prizes are €750 and €500, respectively. In addition, an audience award will be presented during the event.
What happens next?
After the summer holidays, we will share more information about the competition, including:
- A video in which social workers talk about their daily work and the challenges they face.
- More details about the timeline, participation process, and available guidance.
- Instructions on how to submit your idea.
- We will also organise opportunities for participants to ask questions and engage directly with social workers.
Join the competition
Would you like to stay informed and possibly take part in the AI & Social Work Innovation Competition? Sign up for the interest list below. After the summer, we will contact you with all the practical information.
Note: you can switch to English at the top right of the form.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please email us at info@tintengroep.nl.