The KIC call Robust and Resilient Space Infrastructure for a Safe Netherlands focuses on fundamental and applied technology development, with explicit attention to strategic security, legal, and ethical implications of this technology. NWO invites consortia of researchers, companies, and social organizations to submit joint research proposals for this call. A total of 7,000,000 euros is available.

About the call

Space technology plays an important role in our daily lives. It supports processes such as electricity supply, internet connections, drinking water provision, and payment transactions. This dependency also makes the Netherlands and the EU vulnerable. Geopolitical tensions make it increasingly easy to inspect, damage, hijack, or destroy space systems. This call therefore aims to stimulate new research into robust, secure, and strategically deployable space technologies. Additionally, the program focuses on maintaining and strengthening the technological and scientific capacity of the Netherlands within the space domain.

Budget and deadlines

For this call for proposals, a total of 7,000,000 euros is available. It is expected that five applications will be granted. Per application, a minimum of 1,000,000 euros and a maximum of 2,000,000 euros can be requested from NWO funding. NWO finances up to 85% of the total project size. The rest of the project budget is contributed through mandatory co-financing.

The deadline for submitting applications is April 2, 2026, before 14:00:00 CEST.

Meetings

To support consortium formation, NWO organizes a matchmaking meeting for this call. During this meeting, interested parties can get to know each other, exchange ideas, and discuss possible collaboration. When registering, it is possible to submit a research idea in advance. These will be shared with the participants of the matchmaking prior to the meeting.

Additionally, NWO organizes an information meeting for this call. Participants receive more explanation about the call, the submission process, and there is an opportunity to ask questions.

NWO-KIC: innovation programs in the knowledge and innovation covenant

NWO develops innovation programs aimed at the social challenges of the Netherlands with the goal of creating impact for the economy, people, and society. These programs emphasize collaboration between knowledge institutions, private parties, and government. The results contribute to realizing economic opportunities. It is therefore essential that private parties invest in every research project.