Wubbo Ockels Innovation Prize: ‘Taaly wins with AI-driven language learning method’

The organisers of the Wubbo Ockels Innovatieprijs published a winner's profile of Taaly, one of the three 2025 winners. Founder Shadi Alhakimi talks about the platform's growth, the challenges of a startup and perseverance.

Three winners, one jury

The prize was awarded in November 2025 at Molenterrein De Otter in Amsterdam, with a jury chaired by Joos Ockels. Aestuarium came first, ION-Energy second and Taaly third, as sustainability platform Duurzaam Ondernemen also reported. The jury praised the unique use of AI-supported taalcoaches that help newcomers become proficient and socially connected faster.

Making language learning more accessible

In the profile the organisers describe how Taaly makes language learning more accessible by connecting newcomers with native speakers, supported by AI. Shadi explains what it took to turn an idea into a platform used by municipalities and organisations across the Netherlands.

“The platform makes language learning more accessible by connecting newcomers with native speakers, supported by AI technology.”
Wubbo Ockels Innovatieprijs on Taaly (translated from Dutch)

Read the full article

Taaly wins the Wubbo Ockels Innovation Prize 2025. Wubbo Ockels Innovatieprijs (14 January 2026). See also: duurzaam-ondernemen.nl.

Also read our own post about the prize. Taaly wins the Wubbo Ockels Innovatieprijs 2025