What is VInnovate and who can participate?
The VInnovate scheme is intended for SMEs that want to collaborate with other SMEs and/or knowledge institutions such as research and technology centres, universities or large companies in other European regions. The focus is on innovation projects that are in the higher development stages (TRL 5 to 8, with more than 50% of activities in TRL 6-8). Collaboration must take place in consortia of at least two organisations from different countries - at least one of which must be an SME from the East Netherlands.
Themes: from AI to bio-economy and smart health
Projects must contribute to a smarter, more sustainable and/or more autonomous industry and focus on at least one of the following themes:
- New nano-active products
- Bio-economy
- Efficient, sustainable production
- High-performance production via 3D printing
- Advanced production for energy applications under harsh conditions
- Smart health
- Artificial intelligence
- Hydrogen
In addition, projects must be in line with priority 1 (A smarter East Netherlands) or priority 2 (A greener East Netherlands). The maximum duration is 36 months, and projects must start within three months of being granted funding.
Financial frameworks
For VInnovate, East Netherlands will make a budget of €750,000 available from the ERDF budget. The total project costs (eligible costs) of an application are at least €100,000 per project. State aid can be applied on the basis of Articles 22, 25, 26a, 29, 36, 36a, 38, 38a, 41, 46, 47, 48 or 56 of Regulation 651/2014. The information and requirements around the opening (such as assessment criteria and mandatory documents) can be found on our website: efro-oost.eu
Important dates
Opening call: 2 May 2025
Online information session: 6 May 10:00 - 11:30
Deadline submission Project Fit Form: 15 September 2025
Deadline submission full project proposal: 15 October
Sign up for the online information session
On Tuesday 6 May 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 we will organise an online information session about the grant scheme. Registration is required for this. Click here to register for the info session
Questions?
Do you have questions about VInnovate or are you curious about the possibilities for your innovation? Please contact Ingrid Meijer: ingrid.meijer@oostnl.nl
