Northern Dutch SMEs gain access to €6.4 million in innovation subsidies starting April 2026
From April 7, 2026, entrepreneurs in Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen can apply for subsidies to explore and develop innovative ideas. This €6.4 million initiative supports feasibility studies and R&D collaborations, helping businesses grow while boosting the region’s economy and sustainability.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total subsidy budget | Over €6.4 million (shared by Drenthe, Friesland, Groningen, and Dutch gov) |
| Subsidy types | MIT Feasibility (starts April 7, 2026) & MIT R&D Collaboration (June 9, 2026) |
| MIT Feasibility coverage | Up to 35% of costs, max €20,000 per project |
| MIT R&D Collaboration | Up to 35% of costs for joint R&D projects |
| Eligible regions | Drenthe, Friesland, Groningen |
| Support organizations | Northern Netherlands Alliance (SNN), I Am a Drenthe Entrepreneur |
| Example project | MIS7’s LightTube: energy-efficient daylight solution via fiber optics |
The Province of Drenthe, alongside Friesland and Groningen, plays a key role in fostering regional innovation by co-funding and administering these subsidies. This initiative aligns with broader government efforts to strengthen the competitive edge of northern Dutch SMEs through research and development support.
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Province of Drenthe invests in innovation power of the north with MIT subsidies 2026
The SME Innovation Stimulation Region and Top Sectors (MIT) promotes innovative SMEs from the three northern provinces. In 2026, the provinces of Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen, together with the Dutch government, will make a total of over €6.4 million available for two subsidies: the MIT Feasibility and the MIT R&D Collaboration.
From Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 09:00, the first subsidy, MIT Feasibility, will be available. The MIT R&D Collaboration will follow on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 09:00.
Deputy Willemien Meeuwissen: “Drenthe-based SMEs working on a new process, product or service can use these subsidies to investigate whether their innovation is feasible. As a province, we believe it is important that Drenthe entrepreneurs continue to innovate and grow. That is why I am urging entrepreneurs to take advantage of these opportunities. The Northern Netherlands Alliance (SNN) and I Am a Drenthe Entrepreneur are ready to provide support.”
MIT Feasibility: subsidy for feasibility research
SMEs with an innovative idea can apply for the MIT Feasibility subsidy to conduct a feasibility study. A feasibility study maps out whether your innovative idea is economically and technically viable before you start a development project. You determine which research questions are central. These questions are addressed in the feasibility study. This gives you an overview of the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and risks of your project. The results of this study form the basis for deciding whether or not to further develop the innovative concept.
With this subsidy, you can receive up to 35% of the costs for, for example, materials, hours and hiring an expert. The maximum subsidy amount is €20,000 per project.
With MIT Feasibility subsidy, MIS7 explores innovative daylight solution
- With the development of LightTube, entrepreneur Martin Voorma, founder of MIS7, is taking an innovative step towards energy-efficient buildings (links to another website). He is doing this with the help of the MIT Feasibility subsidy. Starting from what appears to be a simple idea – smartly bringing daylight into spaces via fiber optic tubes – he is investigating whether artificial lighting in windowless rooms can be replaced by natural light. Thanks to the MIT Feasibility subsidy, Voorma has the opportunity to test the technical, financial and practical feasibility of LightTube. In collaboration with regional specialists, he is developing a modular and applicable system that contributes to energy efficiency and design freedom in buildings.
Prepare your MIT Feasibility application in advance
All the information you need for your subsidy application can be found on the website of the Northern Netherlands Alliance (SNN). Here you can prepare your application and submit it from April 7, 2026 at 09:00.
MIT R&D Collaboration
The MIT R&D Collaboration subsidy for northern entrepreneurs collaborating on a research and development project will soon be available. With this subsidy, you jointly develop a new (prototype) product, service or process that is close to the market. A subsidy of up to 35% of the costs is available for, among other things, staff, equipment and materials. More information about this subsidy will soon be available on the website of the Northern Netherlands Alliance (SNN).