Northern Dutch SMEs can apply for innovation grants starting April
Entrepreneurs in Groningen, Fryslân, and Drenthe can soon apply for grants to test and develop innovative ideas. With up to €20,000 available per project, these subsidies help small businesses assess feasibility and collaborate on new products or services.
| Grant Scheme | Opening Date | Max Grant Amount | Coverage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIT Feasibility | 7 April 2026 | €20,000 | 35% of costs | Feasibility study for innovative ideas |
| MIT R&D Collaboration | 9 June 2026 | Up to 35% of costs | 35% of costs | Joint R&D projects for new products/services |
| Total Budget | €6.4 million | Available for northern provinces |
The Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN) administers these grants as part of the national MIT program, which aims to stimulate innovation and economic growth in regional SMEs. The Dutch government supports such initiatives to strengthen competitiveness and foster collaboration between businesses.
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MIT grant for SMEs available again from 7 April
SME entrepreneurs in the three northern provinces can once again make use of two subsidy schemes from the SME Innovation Stimulation Region and Top Sectors: the MIT Feasibility and the MIT R&D Collaboration. The MIT Feasibility opens on 7 April, the MIT R&D Collaboration on 9 June.
SMEs with an innovative idea can apply for the MIT Feasibility grant to conduct a so-called feasibility study. With this study, entrepreneurs can assess whether an idea is economically and technically viable before starting a development project. SMEs themselves determine which research questions they focus on. They attempt to answer these questions in the feasibility study, giving them an overview of the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and risks of the project. The outcome of the feasibility study determines whether the innovative idea will be further developed.
MIT Feasibility opens 7 April
With the MIT Feasibility, entrepreneurs can receive up to 35% of the costs reimbursed for, for example, materials, hours and hiring an expert. The maximum grant amount is €20,000 per project.
All information for a grant application can be found on the website of the Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN). Applications can be submitted from 7 April 2026 at 09:00.
MIT R&D Collaboration opens 9 June
The MIT R&D Collaboration opens on 9 June and is intended for entrepreneurs working together on a research and development project. The grant is meant for jointly developing a new (prototype) product, service or process that is close to market. A prototype is a first version or design.
A grant of up to 35% of the costs is available for, among other things, staff, equipment and materials. More information about this grant can be found on the SNN website.
A total of over €6.4 million is available for both subsidy schemes in the three northern provinces.