Dutch Government Opens Call for Collaborative Research Proposals
The Hague, Friday, 1 August 2025.
The Netherlands seeks research projects focusing on societal challenges, requiring consortia to align with six key innovation agendas. Proposals foster sustainable development and competitiveness.
Introduction
The Dutch government has announced an open call for demand-driven research projects through large-scale public-private consortia. This initiative aligns with the Netherlands’ mission-driven innovation policy and focuses on addressing societal challenges. The research proposals must be linked to one of the six Knowledge and Innovation agendas (KIA) designated by the government to foster innovative solutions that enhance sustainability and global competitiveness [1].
Encouraging Collaboration
The call emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors, encouraging stakeholders to engage in co-design, co-creation, and co-production processes. By allowing consortia to shape their project proposals in close consultation with partners, the initiative seeks to inspire innovative solutions that address human, economic, and environmental needs in a cohesive manner [1].
Funding and Deadlines
To support these research endeavors, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) is offering between €1.4 million and €7 million per project. NWO will fund 50–70% of each project, with at least 30% co-financing from other sources, of which half must be from private entities. An initial application must be submitted by 10 March 2026, with full proposals due by 12 November 2026 [1].
Upcoming Information Session
An online information session hosted by NWO is scheduled for 19 September 2025. This session provides an opportunity for potential applicants to gain detailed insights into the proposal process and ask any pertinent questions. Registration remains open until the day of the event, allowing participants to engage in this crucial orientation phase [1].