The call for proposals “Photonic Technologies” is now open for applications. NWO and the PhotonDelta foundation aim to further stimulate research into photonic technologies at an early stage. This could eventually lead to groundbreaking photonic materials, photonic chips, devices, and systems. A total of 7 million euros is available from the National Growth Fund program PhotonDelta.
This first call for proposals within the National Growth Fund program PhotonDelta specifically focuses on financing scientific research at an early stage. The program particularly aims to contribute to academic research in applied and theoretical physics, electrical engineering, chemical technology, materials and life sciences. The outcomes of these studies could provide valuable contributions to the further development of photonic chips and applications in markets such as Agrifood, Data and Telecom, Automotive, Computing (quantum and AI), and Healthcare sectors.
NWO and PhotonDelta aim to stimulate topics in photonics that are not yet strongly represented in existing funded projects of PhotonDelta. Examples include photonics in healthcare, sustainable photonic technologies, and optical cables. The full list of topics can be found in the call text.
Budget and Deadlines
It is possible to apply for a subsidy of at least €400,000 and at most €1,200,000 per project. The maximum duration of a project is 6 years.
Co-financing is not mandatory in this call for proposals when project costs are below €700,000. However, it is possible to add co-financiers in the application.
If the total project costs exceed €700,000, a cash or in-kind contribution by one or more user(s) is mandatory. This contribution must be 25% of the amount the project costs exceed the limit of €700,000.
It is mandatory to first submit a letter of intent before the applicant submits a full application. Both the letter of intent and the full application are submitted via ISAAC.
- The deadline for submitting letters of intent is March 27, 2025, before 14:00:00 CET.
- The deadline for submitting applications is April 29, 2025, before 14:00:00 CEST.
About the National Growth Fund Program PhotonDelta
This call for proposals is part of the National Growth Fund project PhotonDelta. The program aims to make the Netherlands a leader in the global chip industry, with hundreds of companies and customers worldwide. Photonic chips make it possible to build smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices. They also enable earlier disease diagnostics, safe self-driving vehicles, and more efficient food production.
Programs for the National Growth Fund
NWO implements thematic programs for research, knowledge development, and innovation funded by the National Growth Fund. The results are applicable in innovations and organizations and thus contribute to the sustainable earning capacity and broad prosperity of the Netherlands. In the programs, parties from the entire knowledge chain collaborate, both public and private.