Since 2019, 200 start-ups have raised more than €300 million in additional funding through the Thematic Technology Transfer (TTT) scheme, and that amount continues to grow. Of these 200 start-ups, over 70 have received extra funding via a TTT investment fund. Additionally, this autumn, 4 new TTT initiatives have started. Due to all the successful results of the TTT scheme, there will be a follow-up: the opening of a new tender specifically for defense themes.
From knowledge to promising start-up
Within the TTT scheme, research organizations receive subsidies to exchange knowledge and carry out projects that translate knowledge to the market, allowing them to develop and test their ideas. This lays the foundation for potential start-ups. Additionally, the scheme provides a loan to a TTT investment fund, enabling the fund to invest in the risky early phase of new companies. This investment fills an important financing gap, giving promising start-ups the opportunity to get a flying start.
New defense tender
On December 16, 2025, a new tender opened for applications in the field of dual use (suitable for both military and non-military use) and defense. Applications for this tender focus on at least one of the 5 National Long-term Defense Themes:
- smart materials;
- space technology;
- quantum technology;
- intelligent systems; and
- sensors.
The goal is to increase innovation power within the defense sector and strengthen the strategic, technological autonomy of the Netherlands. €13.8 million is available for the tender.
Peter Westerhuijs, Business Developer at IXA-UvA
4 new initiatives
This autumn, 4 promising new initiatives also started. Each received €10 million and follow the successful earlier TTT programs.
AI Rise
One of these initiatives is AI Rise, focused on projects developing innovative AI, especially for business applications. The innovation must be in the AI itself, not in the hardware. Peter Westerhuijs is Business Developer at IXA-UvA and program manager of the TTT-AI consortium on behalf of the UvA: Europes scientific excellence gives us a unique advantage in AI. TTT AI Rise turns that strength into start-ups with worldwide impact.
Green Tech, Deep Tech & RegMed
Furthermore, 3 other initiatives started. GreenTech focuses on circular technology, water, agriculture and food, bio-based materials, and energy. Its goal is to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy. DeepTech includes groundbreaking developments in optical systems and integrated photonics, quantum technology, mechatronics, and semiconductor technology. RegMed emphasizes medicines and medical technology for chronic diseases such as heart and kidney failure, brain and eye disorders, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
Robbert Lodewijks, CEO and co-founder of HULO
Innovations with impact
The start-ups that have existed a bit longer range from circular technology to artificial intelligence (AI). They contribute to solutions for major societal challenges.
The Time-travelling Milkman & HULO.ai
For example, The Time-travelling Milkman researches ingredients that make plant-based dairy products tastier and more sustainable. Another example is HULO.ai. This start-up develops AI technology that can detect leaks in water pipes. The technology enables water companies to drastically reduce water losses without costly infrastructure modifications.
Robbert Lodewijks is CEO and co-founder of HULO: The TTT scheme has been absolutely groundbreaking for HULO.ai. Thanks to the TTT scheme, we were able to raise investment early on from capital fund LUMO Labs and gained access to the Dutch innovation and AI ecosystem. This is among the international top. From this solid foundation, we are now active internationally.
Want to know more?
Read more about the defense tender and the TTT scheme.