It is essential for the Netherlands to remain a leader internationally in the field of high-tech equipment. To stimulate the development of the next generation of high-tech equipment, NWO and NXTGEN Hightech are launching the call ‘Strengthening the Knowledge Position of the Dutch High-Tech Equipment Sector’. Research proposals can be submitted from now until September 11, 2025. This is the second call within the National Growth Fund Program NXTGEN Hightech.
About the Call for Proposals
The Netherlands is among the world leaders in high-tech equipment. This equipment is important for the production of, for example, semiconductors and medical instruments and has a substantial impact on the Dutch economy. With this call, NWO and NXTGEN Hightech finance consortia that collaborate on research into the next generation of high-tech equipment. The call offers not only established parties but also new companies and knowledge institutions the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research.
Application Domains and Key Technologies
The program aims to develop, deploy, and apply new knowledge within six promising application domains. These domains are:
- Laser Satellite Communication
- Energy Conversion and Storage
- Biomedical Production Technology
- Semicon Equipment for Heterogeneous Integration
- Flexible Microfactories for Composites
- Handsfree Agrifood
Within this call, seven key technologies are prioritized. These technologies have a wide range of applications and form the scientific basis for addressing the crucial knowledge questions from the aforementioned application domains.
- Cyber Physical Systems / Robotics
- (Opto)mechatronics
- Semiconductor Devices / Lithographic Systems
- Thin Film / Plasma Technology
- Bionanotechnology
- Smart Industry
- Systems Engineering
Read more about the key and system technologies on the NXTGEN Hightech website.
Deadlines and Duration
The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, September 11, 2025, before 14:00:00 CEST.
For each project, a minimum of €1,000,000.00 and a maximum of €4,000,000.00 can be requested. The maximum duration of the proposed project is 5 years.
Matchmaking
To support consortium formation, NWO and NXTGEN Hightech are organizing a public matchmaking event. Here, those interested in this call can meet, exchange research ideas, and make new connections. The matchmaking will take place on May 14 at the NWO office in Utrecht.
Register for the matchmaking
About the National Growth Fund Program NXTGEN Hightech
This call for proposals is part of the National Growth Fund Program NXTGEN Hightech. This program develops a new generation of high-tech equipment in six essential domains. Thus, the program makes a significant contribution to structural and sustainable economic growth in the Netherlands and offers solutions for major societal challenges in the fields of energy transition, health, safety, and food.
Programs for the National Growth Fund
NWO implements thematic programs for research, knowledge development, and innovation funded by the National Growth Fund. The results are applicable in innovations and organizations, thus contributing to the sustainable earning capacity and broad prosperity of the Netherlands. In the programs, parties from the entire knowledge chain work together, both public and private.