MIT arrangement

Innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises can once again apply for grants this spring through the SME Innovation Incentive Scheme for Top Sectors (MIT scheme). Grants provided through the scheme may be used for the following: knowledge vouchers, innovation consultancy projects, feasibility studies and R&D joint ventures (small and large).

The exact structure of this year’s grant scheme and the amounts available per component will be announced later this year. The application date windows are as follows (subject to the publication of the MIT scheme, provisionally in mid-March):

Knowledge vouchers
An SME entrepreneur can present a knowledge voucher to a centre of expertise for a scientific inquiry into a research question. Applications will be processed in order of receipt. Application window: 10 May to 1 September 2016.  

Innovation consultancy projects
For obtaining advice and recommendations on innovation from a centre of expertise or independent consultancy. This may involve finding the answer to a research question or addressing a request for advice. Applications will be processed in order of receipt. Application window: 10 May to 1 September 2016.  

Feasibility studies
For identifying the technical and financial risks potentially involved in a proposed innovation project. Applications will be processed in order of receipt. Application window: 10 May to 1 September 2016.

R&D joint venture
For working with at least one other SME to innovate or develop a product, production process or service. Application window: 5 July to 1 September 2016. The structure is a call for tenders.

Any questions?
If you have questions, are looking for partners, or if you would like advice on your ideas for an innovative project, please call the Customer Contact Centre of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency: 088 042 42 42.

Entrepreneurs’ experiences
The ‘Mkb innoveert’ booklet (only available in Dutch) contains testimonials by entrepreneurs who have made use of the facilities provided by the MIT scheme. In many cases, the scheme provided that extra push in the right direction to help them gain momentum and get their innovation projects off the ground.

We will soon be updating the information on the MIT scheme on our website with details about the scheme in 2016, and the new one-stop MIT assistance page will also soon be up and running. This page will help entrepreneurs find their way when it comes to submitting applications in their own region or to national agencies.

Source: RVO

MIT arrangement

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