Dutch Government Boosts Start-Up Funding by €150 Million for 2025
Netherlands, Monday, 17 February 2025.
In 2025, the Dutch government will support startups with an extra €150 million, enhancing innovation across multiple sectors. Applications for funding are open via the National Enterprise Agency.
Major Funding Programs Launched
The Dutch government has structured this substantial funding across several key programs. The Innovation Credit scheme, with €50 million available, will cover up to 45% of project costs for innovative ventures [1][4]. The Seed Capital program has allocated €45 million, with €25 million specifically earmarked for deep tech startups [1][4]. Applications for these programs are now open through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), with deadlines set for December 31, 2025, and April 2, 2025, respectively [1].
Support for Business Angels and Research Collaboration
A notable component of the funding package includes the Seed Business Angel scheme, offering interest-free loans of up to €1 million to business angel funds [1][4]. This initiative allows investments ranging from €50,000 to €500,000 per startup, with €4 million available for 2025 [1]. Additionally, the Thematic Technology Transfer (TTT) program has launched its largest-ever tender of €40 million, aimed at fostering collaboration between research organizations and startups [1][4].
Special Focus on Pandemic Preparedness
The government has demonstrated forward-thinking by allocating €8 million specifically for Pandemic Preparedness projects through the TTT program [1][4]. This specialized funding aims to strengthen the Netherlands’ resilience against future health crises. For early-stage development, the Vroegefasefinanciering (VFF) program offers €2.25 million to help startups and SMEs validate their market ideas [1].
Strategic Positioning in European Startup Ecosystem
This funding initiative positions the Netherlands competitively within Europe’s vibrant startup landscape [2]. While other European cities are seeing significant startup activity - with recent funding rounds in Berlin, Cambridge, and Milan [2] - the Netherlands is strengthening its position as a leading innovation hub through these comprehensive support mechanisms [1][4].