This initiative gives researchers two years and support to begin their entrepreneurial journey, creating impact from their research. This might include tools for behavioral change, tech innovations, or new business models. Researchers from all fields (humanities, sciences, and social sciences) can apply.
About the Program
Researchers who become fellows at the Faculty of Impact can blend entrepreneurship with scientific research. They receive a grant to develop their project while staying connected to their research institution. Additionally, they join a coaching program with other fellows, learning to turn their ideas into scalable startups.
The call targets PhD students nearing completion, postdocs, EngD and PD students, university lecturers, and other researchers with independent research experience from universities or scientific institutions.
Read the full call for proposals
Themes in This Round
Since 2024, each round of the Faculty of Impact focuses on two themes from the mission-driven innovation policy. This round offers most positions for proposals within these themes: Safety and Energy Transition.
- Safety: The Netherlands is secure against external threats and undermining crime, both physically and digitally.
- Energy Transition: The Netherlands aims to be climate-neutral by 2050.
Additionally, proposals on other themes are welcome:
- Agriculture, Water, and Food: Sustainable and healthy systems with resilient nature.
- Circular Economy: Fully circular Netherlands by 2050.
- Health and Care: Living 5 years longer healthily with reduced socioeconomic health disparities by 2040.
Budget and Duration
The proposal deadline is Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 14:00:00 CEST. Up to thirteen fellows can participate: five in safety, five in energy transition, and three in other themes. Each fellow can request up to €200,000, totaling €2.6 million.
During the application period, NWO and the Faculty of Impact will host webinars to provide more program details and answer questions. Information about these webinars will be available on the NWO site and the Faculty of Impact site. A FAQ is also available regarding the application process and program.
About Faculty of Impact
The Faculty of Impact is a collaboration between Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), Techleap, and NWO. More details about this partnership and the program can be found on the Faculty of Impact website.