Open Innovation Intern

Want to become the best version of yourself? At Rabobank you work on your personal development and contribute to the world around you. You get to focus on your own growth in an environment in which you continue to learn. In addition, you can also expect:

• An internship allowance of EUR 500 (senior secondary vocational education) or EUR 600 (higher professional education/university) gross per month based on a 36-hour week.

• Personal guidance

• A professional working and learning environment

• An internship community and inspiring events

Imagine yourself as an intern in Rabobank’s Open Innovation team, where you’ll dive into the dynamic world of start-ups and emerging technologies. Your mission? To identify and validate external partners that align with Rabobank’s strategic goals—helping shape our build/buy/partner strategy for new technologies.

You’ll work closely with innovation managers across the organization, exploring key focus areas defined by our innovation themes. This role combines analytical depth with strategic insight, offering you the chance to make a real impact. Writing a thesis? Great—up to two days a week can be dedicated to it.

You’ll join a fun, energetic, and diverse team within the Open Innovation unit—part of the Innovation Factory, Rabobank’s in-house innovation engine. Most of our innovations are incubated here. We’re passionate about collaborating with start-ups and scale-ups to build the bank of the future. We scout promising companies and assess collaboration potential, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

If you’re excited by topics like Agtech, Carbon Farming, the Energy Transition, and Fintech, this internship could be a perfect fit. Our long-term goal? To make a tangible contribution to Rabobank’s innovation journey—for our colleagues, partners, and millions of customers worldwide.

Max Kranendijk, Lead Open Innovation: 'With Open Innovation we help our business lines to find the best partners to innovate quicker and more efficient. In addition, we are on a mission to make Rabobank the 'to go to bank' for Innovation partnerships'.

Lucia Tramutola Open Innovation Analyst and Consultant: 'The open innovation team is the perfect place to be if you want to work on multiple topics that are key to the future of Rabobank. As an analyst you keep an eye on all the coolest start-ups, spot opportunities and evaluate collaboration potential, all the while participating to events and building your own innovation network. one more plus: we are a very diverse and young team (for real!)'

Your Role

As an Open Innovation Intern, you’ll bring a strong interest in innovation and emerging trends, and the ability to translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations for internal stakeholders. Every day will be different, and your curiosity and strategic mindset will help Rabobank stay ahead of the curve.

What you’ll work on:

• Conduct trend analyses on key innovation topics.

• Perform market research on relevant value pockets.

• Support product owners in scouting and selecting external start-ups and scale-ups.

• Identify, validate, and facilitate collaborations between Rabobank and external partners.

• Proactively explore new collaboration opportunities based on market developments.

• Contribute to (or even lead!) a team project—such as improving internal processes, organizing events, or delivering workshops.

• You’re in the final year of a Master’s program, ideally in Strategic Product Design, Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship, (Technical) Business Administration, or Business Economics.

• You are looking for a thesis or practical internship.

• You have a strong interest in innovation and the start-up ecosystem.

• You’re eager to learn, explore, and challenge the status quo.

• You’re a confident communicator and skilled presenter.

• You have excellent command of English—spoken and written (this is a must).

• You’re available from September 2025 for a period of 5 to 6 months.

• You are based in the Netherlands.

• A young, fun, and driven 10-person team.

• Internship compensation of €600 per month based on 36 hours.

• A 36-hour work week, with time allocated for thesis work.

• Travel reimbursement.

• Hybrid working environment.

Rabobank is a Dutch multinational bank operating in 38 countries, serving over 9.5 million customers. Together with our clients, members, and partners, we focus on sustainability, food security, community empowerment, and inclusive finance. In the Netherlands, we aim to create a society where people thrive in how they live, work, and do business.

We believe in the power of diversity. Your unique personality, background, and ideas are exactly what we’re looking for. We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to our Open Innovation team!

Application Process

• Apply now! Deadline: 1st of July 2025 (or earlier if we reach 150 applicants).

• Please make sure to apply with your cv and motivational letter. Applications without one of these documents will not be considered.

• Questions about the role? Contact Max Kranendijk, Lead Open Innovation, via LinkedIn or at [email protected]. Questions about the procedure? Contact Sacha Veenhof, Corporate Recruiter, via [email protected].

• Interviews will be held at our Utrecht office or via video call.

• A case study is part of the selection process.

• A screening will be conducted.

• We respect your privacy.

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