Dutch SMEs Invited to Apply for MIT Feasibility Subsidy
Utrecht, Thursday, 6 March 2025.
The MIT feasibility subsidy, offering up to €20,000, opens on 8 April 2025, urging swift action due to its first-come, first-served model and rapid budget allocation.
Program Overview and Eligibility
The MIT feasibility subsidy enables Dutch SMEs to explore the technical and economic viability of innovative projects, offering a 35% subsidy of total project costs up to €20,000 [1]. Eligible activities include literature research, patent searches, market exploration, and competitor analysis to validate new products, processes, or services [3]. Projects must align with the Netherlands’ Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs), focusing on key technological advances and societal challenges [2].
Application Process and Important Changes
Applications open at 9:00 AM on April 8, 2025, through regional MIT offices [2]. Notable changes for 2025 include restrictions limiting companies to one feasibility project subsidy per calendar year and one application per day [1]. Applicants must submit their proposals through the appropriate regional portal using e-Herkenning authentication [2]. A notary will conduct a lottery for all complete applications submitted on the opening day, eliminating the need for immediate submission at 9:00 AM [2].
Financial Framework and Project Requirements
With the maximum subsidy set at €20,000, businesses should anticipate total project costs of approximately €50,000 given the 35% funding rate [3]. The program specifically targets projects that have not yet commenced, and applications must include comprehensive documentation covering technical feasibility, market analysis, and project planning [3]. Regional authorities collaborate with external experts, such as OostNL, for project evaluation, with decisions typically announced within 13 weeks [2].