North Holland startups can apply for €5 million innovation fund to boost growth
Starting today, innovative startups in North Holland can apply for a share of a new €5 million fund. The Early Stage Financing fund offers up to €450,000 per company, helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable products and services, supporting the region’s economy and job creation.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total fund size | €5 million |
| Maximum investment per startup | €450,000 |
| Eligible companies | Startups up to 5 years old |
| Sectors supported | Life Sciences & Health, Hightech, Climate Tech, Digital |
| Application opens | March 17, 2026 |
| Fund managers | Innovation Fund North Holland |
| Co-financiers | Ministry of Economic Affairs, Province of North Holland, EU |
| Previous fund beneficiaries | 23 companies |
The Province of North Holland, through Innovation Fund North Holland, plays a key role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation by providing financial support to early-stage startups. This initiative aligns with broader economic goals to strengthen regional competitiveness and sustainability.
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Read the full translated article below
Innovation Fund North Holland launches new €5 million fund for innovative startups
Publication date: March 17, 2026
Last modified: March 17, 2026
Innovation Fund North Holland is opening a second Early Stage Financing (VFF) fund. This fund will provide €5 million for startups working on new products and services.
Quick overview of the fund:
- €5 million for innovative startups in North Holland
- Maximum investment of €450,000 per company
- Applications open from March 17, 2026
The fund is designed for young companies (up to 5 years old) developing new technology or innovative ideas. Securing financing at this early stage is often challenging. With a convertible loan of up to €450,000, entrepreneurs gain the opportunity to test, refine, and further develop their ideas.
Boost for innovation
With this new fund, North Holland builds on the experience gained from the first VFF fund. Through that fund, 23 companies have already received financing. They operate in sectors such as Life Sciences & Health, Hightech, Climate Tech, and Digital. The new fund will enable more innovative companies to further develop their ideas into proven concepts.
Deputy Esther Rommel: “Good ideas often fail to get off the ground due to a lack of financing in the early stages. With this fund, we give entrepreneurs in North Holland the push they need to further develop their innovations and contribute to a strong and sustainable economy.”
Financing and collaboration
Half of the fund is financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The other half comes from the Province of North Holland, with support from the European Union via the European Regional Development Fund. Innovation Fund North Holland manages the fund. In doing so, the province collaborates with the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, and Sanquin.
Proof of Concept 2 fund
Innovation Fund North Holland also manages the Proof of Concept 2 (POC2) fund. This fund is intended for academic startups from the University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, and Sanquin. This fund also offers a maximum investment of €450,000 and is open for applications.
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