Dutch Government Launches Innovation Call for Societal Challenges
Netherlands, Tuesday, 30 July 2024.
The Dutch government has opened applications for the KIC-program, inviting consortia to tackle pressing issues like cybersecurity, climate change, and circular economy. This initiative, part of the mission-driven innovation policy, aims to foster public-private partnerships and drive impactful research for economic and societal benefits.
Focus Areas and Funding Details
The KIC-program, which stands for Knowledge and Innovation Covenant, provides funding for collaborative research that addresses critical societal challenges. The key areas of focus for this call include cybersecurity, climate change, and the circular economy. The Dutch government’s initiative is designed to stimulate innovation through public-private partnerships, with consortia of knowledge institutions and private businesses encouraged to apply. The funding available ranges from a minimum of €250,000 to a maximum of €750,000 for each project, depending on the scope and impact of the research proposal.
Application and Information Session
To provide detailed information about the application process and requirements, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) will hold an online information session on 26 September 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30. Interested parties can register for this session through the NWO website. This session aims to guide potential applicants in preparing their proposals and understanding the expectations of the KIC-program. The deadline for proposal submissions is set for later in the year, allowing ample time for consortia to develop their research plans.
Strategic Objectives
The strategic objectives of the KIC-program align with the Dutch government’s mission-driven innovation policy, which seeks to create economic opportunities, enhance broad prosperity, and generate significant societal impact. By fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, the program aims to leverage scientific research to address urgent challenges. Proposals must align with one or more of the Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs) to ensure they contribute effectively to the overarching goals of the policy.
Broader Context and Related Initiatives
This call for proposals is part of a broader effort by the Dutch government and various European initiatives to promote sustainable development and technological innovation. For example, the EIT RawMaterials Fast-Track Innovation Call, launched in July 2024, focuses on segments like Booster, Education, Upscaling, and the Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS), with maximum funding of €500,000 per project. Similarly, the AI, Data, and Robotics Association (ADRA), in collaboration with EIT Digital, is organizing events to explore funding opportunities within the Horizon Europe Cluster 4 ‘Digital, Industry and Space’ Work Programme.