From student project to Chamber of Commerce nomination: Nyenrode students launch waste bin Twinnie

A student assignment that grows into a business of its own—and a place in the KVK Innovation Top 100 2026. Nyenrode students Mike Reurings, Kick Tetteroo, and Quirijn van der Velden have taken that step with Twinnie: a waste bin that collects regular waste and deposit-return containers separately. Their innovation tackles a familiar problem in city centers: bins being pulled open and litter ending up on the streets.

“Personally, it’s a proud moment,” says Kick Tetteroo about the nomination. “We started this project as students and have put a lot of hours into it, so seeing it recognized at this level means a lot to us. It gives us credibility with municipalities and partners.”

A solution to a familiar problem

Cans and bottles with a deposit often end up in regular waste bins. People collecting them then have to search through the waste, which can leave litter on the street. With Twinnie, previously known as TwinBin, the students want to tackle this problem.

The bin has two compartments: one for regular waste and one for deposit-return containers. This allows collectors to retrieve cans and bottles without digging through the waste.

The idea originated in Nyenrode’s Company Project, with guidance from coach Arjen Hemelaar. The turning point came when the students tested their first prototype on the street.

“We saw people use it the way we hoped. Soon after, our videos went viral and municipalities and business owners started reaching out. At that point it felt like a waste not to continue, so we decided to really go for it.”

Learning entrepreneurship through experience

Tests at Koningsplein, Paleisstraat, and Dam Square helped the team refine the design. Conversations with users, municipalities, and business owners revealed where the opportunities lay. They are now focusing on one model designed for municipalities and shopping centers.

“A good idea is only the start,” says Kick. “Attention is great, but real customers and working production are what make it a business.”

Building a company together has also strengthened the team. “You get to know each other in a different way when things get tough, and we’ve learned to rely on each other’s strengths.”

An environment that encourages entrepreneurship

According to Kick, their academic environment played an important role. “Nyenrode has been a great environment to build this in. The Company Project gave us the starting point, and our coach Arjen Hemelaar helped us a lot with sharp questions and honest feedback. The Nyenrode network opened doors we couldn’t have opened ourselves, and the school created an environment where starting a business as a student feels like a real option.”

Advisor Remco Smits now supports the team with his years of experience in the waste bin sector. The new Twinnie is almost ready for testing. For their next step, the entrepreneurs are looking for municipalities and shopping centers interested in running a pilot.