The NWO is developing four new Calls for proposals within the main line Mission of the NWO-KIC program. These calls finance impact-driven research by consortia of knowledge institutions, businesses, and social organizations focused on various societal challenges.
The themes include collaborative business models, (opto)mechatronics, and critical raw materials in the energy transition. To inform potential applicants and interested parties of upcoming calls, NWO is publishing the themes that will be programmed. These calls are expected to open in the fall of 2025, with seven million euros available per call. Additionally, a percentage of in-kind or cash co-financing is required. Further information for each Call will be available in the Calls for proposals.
Read more about the main line Mission of NWO-KIC 2024-2027
Four Themes of the Calls in Preparation
The goal is to formulate and value circular business models at the chain level, shifting the perspective from individual organization to collaborative cycle. The theme focuses on research into:
- the organization of new (cycle) cooperation in relation to a positive (economic) business model,
- valuing (sub)services provided by the cooperation, and
- financing this cycle cooperation.
Of particular importance are the cross-organizational level of circular, collaborative business models and joint learning with co-financing parties such as industry organizations and financiers.
This theme focuses on research into the development of artificial intelligence with a view to future deployment within various application areas across the sectors of the KIA Agriculture, Water, and Food (KIA LWV). For example, research into AI technology to improve modeling of biological systems, food systems, or in relation to water management. This theme cuts across the various missions of the KIA LWV.
This theme focuses on design principles for (opto)mechatronics. The key technology Mechatronics & Optomechatronics is part of the National Technology Strategy (NTS) and focuses on designing and building systems and machines that are essential to counter the societal challenges currently facing the Netherlands. The main challenges in the field of (opto)mechatronics arise from an increasing complexity of high-tech equipment and the continuous need to improve its performance. But also from the increasing interactions that must be combined into one ultimate system technical solution: from concept and basic architecture to the smallest component level. Many things need to be combined to obtain a working system, and developing a balanced design is becoming an increasingly multidisciplinary task.
The equipment and installations for the energy transition require the use of critical raw materials. These materials are scarce, while demand is expected to increase sharply in the coming years. Moreover, the vast majority (as imported raw materials, but much more often also as part of semi-finished products or end products) comes from a limited number of countries or geopolitically unfriendly regions. This theme focuses on reducing critical raw materials in the Dutch energy system (generation, transport, and use of renewable energy) through other design choices at the level of equipment and systems. For example, research into MW+ scale electrolyzers, wind turbines, or other components of the intended Dutch energy system in 2050. Research into solar energy or batteries is not within the scope of this theme.
Knowledge and Innovation Agendas
NWO develops several thematic programs annually within the main line Mission for consortia working on innovative research for societal challenges. The themes are derived from the mission-driven innovation policy of the Dutch government, particularly the Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs) that are part of this.
The eight KIAs are as follows:
- Climate and Energy;
- Circular Economy;
- Agriculture, Water, Food;
- Health & Care;
- Safety;
- Key Technologies;
- Digitization;
- Social Earning Capacity.
NWO-KIC: Innovation Programs in the Knowledge and Innovation Covenant
NWO develops innovation programs aimed at the societal challenges of the Netherlands to achieve impact for the economy, people, and society. These programs emphasize collaboration between knowledge institutions, private parties, and government. The results thus contribute to realizing economic opportunities. It is therefore essential that private parties invest in each research project.
Disclaimer
This is solely an announcement of a proposed research program by NWO. The possibility of applying for funding is open after publication of a call for proposals in the Government Gazette.