Unite is empowering the next generation of changemakers in the Netherlands

Local action, global impact 

One of the defining moments at Digital Procurement World 2024 in Amsterdam was Unite’s decision to support a social project of Enactus (NGO) Netherlands. The NGO is dedicated to empowering young people through entrepreneurship and innovation to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Unite pledged €3,000 and, inspired by the gesture, DPW organisers also contributed, resulting in a combined donation of €6,000. 

Lasse Lamet, co-founder of the project, said: “We use organic waste, manure, and wood chips to produce both heat and compost. We build our systems directly on farms, which helps farmers lower their gas costs while also producing high-quality compost for healthier soils.” Next year, the students plan to complete and run four pilot systems, formalise partnerships with the Dutch government, expand the commercial rollout targeting 114 organic greenhouse farmers in the Netherlands, standardise modular system design for rapid nationwide implementation, and pave the way for international expansion. 

A step in the right direction 

Toekies is an initiative that empowers refugee children by turning their creativity into opportunity. Children were invited to draw their dreams for the future, and these designs were printed on sustainable cotton socks and sold online. The proceeds are reinvested in community initiatives, raising awareness and funding integration support. 

Hanna Schutter, team captain, said: “At Toekies, we believe every child has the right to dream big. That’s why we create sustainable socks featuring the drawings of refugee children. These socks tell their story and show them that they are welcome and safe! Over the past academic year, we organised 10 drawing sessions for more than 130 children.” Next year, Toekies aims to grow with B2B partnerships, launch a new sock collection, expand dream sessions to all refugee centres in the Netherlands, and eventually register as a foundation with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). 

 
Real-world impact 

What began as a small pledge at DPW 2024 has grown into meaningful change: thousands of lives touched, waste diverted, emissions avoided, and refugee children given a platform to share their voices. At Unite, we believe value shared is value added. Supporting Enactus has not only amplified our presence at DPW but, more importantly, demonstrated what is possible when students, entrepreneurs, and industry come together to tackle global challenges. 

As Enactus Netherlands and students from Utrecht University take the stage in Bangkok, they carry with them not only their projects but also the spirit of collaboration, sustainability, and entrepreneurship that drives us all forward. We wish them luck!