This new call encourages the business community – particularly SMEs – and research organisations to jointly invest in R&D with a view to develop sustainable, innovative products and services in the ICT and adjacent sectors. The funding is earmarked for both existing and new consortiums led by an SME.
Conditions
Proposals must meet the following conditions:
- The research is aligned with the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda (KIA) Digitalisation’s central mission for the period 2024-2027.
- The research relates to the two priority key enabling technologies in the National Technology Strategy (NTS): ‘Cybersecurity Technologies’ and ‘AI/Data’, for which Action Agendas are being developed under the KIA Digitalisation.
- The consortium consists of at least one for-profit business and one research organisation. The consortium partners are jointly liable for the costs and risks of carrying out the project and all contribute their expertise to the project;
- The project covers industrial research (Technology Readiness Levels [TRL] 4 to 6);
- The main applicant is a Netherlands-based SME;
- The project lasts no more than two years;
- In each project year, the SME may claim at most €150,000 euros in PPS funding;
- The research organisations may claim at most €150,000 in PPS funding in total for each project.
Call opens in June
The call is expected to open in June. More information about the call and forms for preliminary applications will soon be published on this website.
Funding will be awarded based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with the PPS Innovation scheme (PPSi);
- Scientific quality;
- Impact and relevance;
- Feasibility;
- Alignment with the KIA Digitalisation;
- Alignment with the NTS Action Agendas AI/Data and Cybersecurity Technologies.
Matchmaking event
On the afternoon of Friday 20 June 2025, Topsector ICT will be organising a matchmaking event in Utrecht to bring together potential applicants, partners and representatives of other parties, such as companies and non-profit organisations from relevant sectors, with the aim of facilitating and supporting consortium development. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions, discuss plans and projects, and network. Lunch will be served at the end of the event.
PLEASE NOTE: the date and venue have been changed (originally 12 June in The Hague) following a request by the businesses and organisations that Topsector ICT represents.