A number of funding opportunities for SMEs which want to get started with digital innovation have been announced in the Government Gazette this week. These funding streams will run through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and form part of the Digitalisation Knowledge and Innovation Agenda (KIA). The Digitalisation KIA falls under the direction of Topsector ICT.
Two calls for proposals were opened on 8 April 2025. These are:
- MIT: R&D Collaboration projects - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This is a nationwide scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises that want to work together to develop or innovate products, production processes or services and contribute to the development of the Digital and Information Technology Artificial Intelligence (AI). The scheme will contribute to a strong knowledge and innovation base in AI for SMEs.
A total of €3,550,000 is available. The call will remain open until 6 May 2025.
More information on how to submit proposals for this funding scheme (Dutch)
- Regional scheme MIT feasibility studies
Regional funding for feasibility studies can be applied for from 8 April 2025. Projects submitted specifically for the Digitalisation KIA must contribute to one of seven Digital and Information Technologies and must take into account the following three aspects:- Innovating IN digital information technologies (DITs): How do we continue to innovate in technology so that we move it forward
- Innovating WITH digital information technologies: How can Information Technology contribute to innovations within the 5 central missions of innovation policy?
- Reflecting ON digital information technologies: Development and input of framework conditions to digitise responsibly.
SMEs may receive funding of up to 35% for experimental development. Funding for feasibility projects will not be granted nationwide this year, but by the provinces.
The call will remain open until 16 September 2025. Where to apply for the funding will depend on the location of the project's sponsor/applicant.
More information is available in the application guide (Dutch)
Upcoming schemes
Another two calls for proposals will be opening during the course of this year, for SMEs that want to work on digital innovation. These include a nationwide safety net for R&D Collaboration projects, for which €3,115,000 will be available. An R&D Collaboration Project is aimed at developing or innovating products, production processes or services. The project consists of industrial research and/or experimental development carried out by at least 2 SMEs. This call will open on 10 June 2025, and proposals can be submitted until 16 September.
Regional-level funding will also be available for R&D Collaboration projects in digital innovation. The application period will also run from 10 June to 16 September 2025. As soon as more information is known about this, we will let you know.
The announcement of the schemes in the Government Gazette can be viewed here (Dutch).