bas van abel

“Bas van Abel is a charismatic speaker with an amazing story. How many designers can say they single-handedly put a new phone into the world? We invited him to share this story at the TEDxAmsterdam conference, and he blew the audience away. The same happened at the Next Conference in Berlin. His talk is not a ''sales'' talk at all, but more the story of an incredible adventure - not just what worked but also what did not work, how hard things are, and what compromises were made. His dedication to a fairer world shines through, and his talk invited the audience to rethink their own choices.? I warmly recommend him as a speaker."

- Monique van Dusseldorp, Curator (CogX, Digital Dutch Day, NEXT Hamburg)

Bas van Abel is a visionary entrepreneur, designer, and engineer with over 20 years of experience driving social innovation and systemic change. He’s a firm believer that businesses are pivotal to creating a more sustainable economic future. As a designer, Bas not only reveals the hidden flaws in production systems but also leads by example, demonstrating how to transform these systems for the better.

As the founder of Fairphone, the world’s first sustainable smartphone manufacturer, and the co-founder of De Clique, an innovative circular startup, Bas is at the forefront of ethical technology and sustainability. He also advises leading companies on their sustainability strategies. A co-author of Open Design Now and an Ashoka Fellow, Bas’s groundbreaking work has been featured in top media outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and Der Spiegel.

Under Bas’s leadership, Fairphone became a trailblazer in the global smartphone market. The company’s success is attributed to its commitment to ethical design and sustainability, from sourcing materials to manufacturing. Fairphone raised €20 million through crowdfunding, emerged as Europe’s fastest-growing tech startup, and was named the world’s most sustainable consumer electronics company by Greenpeace. The company’s impressive accolades include the World Economy Prize, the UN Momentum for Change award, and the German Greentech Award. Bas continues to contribute to Fairphone’s mission as a non-executive board member.

In 2019, Bas launched De Clique, a pioneering social enterprise that reclaims organic waste like coffee grounds and food scraps, turning them into valuable products such as bread, soap, beer, and compost. With a unique steward-ownership model, De Clique ensures its operations are driven solely by its mission, setting a new standard in the Netherlands for sustainable business practices.

Bas’s unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and creative expertise allows him to deliver dynamic presentations on entrepreneurship, brand development, product design, sustainability, and supply chain innovation. His insights provide both inspiration and actionable strategies for those looking to make a significant impact in sustainability.

Bas van Abel’s story resonates deeply with a wide array of audiences:

Corporate leaders can gain valuable insights on overcoming formidable obstacles and embedding ethical practices into their strategies.

Tech innovators will be inspired not only to push the boundaries of innovation but also to build global organisations with strong ethical standards.

Entrepreneurs and startups will find inspiration in his journey of overcoming immense challenges to elevate a Kickstarter project to global recognition and win the Global Economy Prize.

Sustainability advocates will value his practical demonstrations of how ethical practices can drive significant profit while achieving environmental change.

Social impact leaders will be motivated by his success in creating systemic change through impactful solutions.

Creatives will discover how to integrate market-leading sustainability into a world-class product.

Bas van Abel’s awards & accolades

Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the World Economic Forum & the Schwab Foundation
Global Economy Prize 
Dutch Design Award 
German Environmental Award
Greentec Award
Start-up of the Year 
Runner-up Dutch start-up of the year (3 years in a row)
Emerce MT/Sprout Start Up of the Year

Fairphone’s awards & accolades

World Economy Prize 
European Business Award for the Environment
United Nations Momentum of Change Award, presented by Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon
New York Design Awards - Winner Product Design
Voted the Coolest Dutch Brand
Awarded fastest-growing European tech startup
Named the most sustainable Consumer Electronics company in the world by Greenpeace
10/10 score at iFixit for repairability
First mobile phone to receive Blue Angel certification
Partnership Of The Year prize (Responsible Business Awards)
3x D&AD Design Pencils 

Selected Press links: Forbes, Big Issue, Tech Funding News, The Guardian, Pioneer’s Post, World Economic Forum