The MKB-Innovation Stimulation Region and Top Sectors (MKB-Innovatiestimulering Regio en Topsectoren, MIT) is of interest to SME entrepreneurs who are involved in innovative projects that link up with the national innovation missions and regional innovation strategies. The MIT instrument offers various opportunities.
MIT Instruments∗
Below, we present an overview of the various MIT instruments.
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MIT feasibility studies: Assessing the technical and economic risks of a proposed innovation project can be achieved in a feasibility study, potentially supplemented with industrial research or experimental development. The grant covers 40% of project costs, with a maximum of €20,000. The project may run for a maximum of 1 year and the total available budget differs per province.
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MIT-R&D cooperation projects: Consortia must consist of at least 2 SMEs that are willing to innovate. The grant covers 35% of project costs. There are two variants: small and large. For the small variant, the grant comprises between €50,000 and €200,000 per project, with a minimum of €25,000, and a maximum of €100,000 per participant. For large projects, the grant amounts to €200,000 – €350,000 per project, with a minimum of €25,000, and a maximum of €175,000 per participant. The cooperation must have a well-balanced contribution of costs (no more than 70% by a single participant). The maximum duration is 2 years. The total budget differs per province to province, but the national budget (for cross-regional projects) is €2.9 million.
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MIT knowledge vouchers: As an SME entrepreneur, you do not always have the capacity to research knowledge questions yourself when it comes to the innovation of products, production processes or services. Therefore, MIT offers the possibility of obtaining a so-called ‘knowledge voucher’, allowing you to give a research assignment to a knowledge institution. A distinction is made between small knowledge vouchers (maximum value €7,500 with a grant value of 70%) and large knowledge vouchers (maximum value €22,500 with a grant value of 40%). The total budget is €2 million.
- TKI Networking Activities and TKI Innovation Brokers: Top Consortia for Knowledge and Innovation (TKIs) can apply for a TKI Innovation Brokers grant in order to offer advice to SMEs who are willing to innovate. They can also request a TKI Network Activities grant for activities related to knowledge dissemination and networking. The budget is 2.2 million.
Target group
This instrument is specifically aimed at SME entrepreneurs with a specific focus on cooperation in partnerships. SMEs often have fewer opportunities to carry out research than larger companies. MIT provides SMEs with the opportunity to innovate and develop new products, processes, or services.
Conditions
Whilst the conditions differ for each MIT instrument, there are a few common denominators:
- The applicant(s) is (are) (an) SME entrepreneur(s).
- The (proposed) project aligns with the national innovation missions and a regional innovation strategy.
- R&D cooperation projects must yield a lasting benefit for all cooperating parties.
The Application Process
The following revised conditions for submission apply:
- Subsidy for feasibility projects must always be applied for in the region.
- Applications for R&D cooperation projects must also be submitted in the region, unless the projects transcends regional boundaries. In the latter case, the application must be submitted nationally (to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency).
Deadlines 2023
The preliminary deadlines for 2023:
| Instrument | Open | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| R&D cooperation projects AI | 14 March 2023 | 5 May 2023 |
| Feasability studies | 4 April 2023 | 12 September 2023, but in practice overloaded already on the day of opening |
| Knowledge vouchers | 4 April 2023 | 31 October 2023 |
| TKI Networking Activities and TKI Innovation Brokers | 4 April 2023 | 29 June 2023 |
| R&D cooperation projects | 6 June 2023 | 12 September 2023 |
What Can We Do For You?
If you are an SME entrepreneur involved in an innovative project that aligns with the national innovation missions and a regional innovation strategy, Evers + Manders is ready to support your MIT application. Part of the service we offer is advice on project formation. With our strong network within both government and industry, we are always keen to seize opportunities when they arise, for example, in finding project partners.
Especially in the first-come-first-serve MIT feasibility projects, a smooth submission process is key to obtaining the grant! Evers + Manders can help you to achieve this. With more than 25 years of experience, we have grown into a leading company with regional, national and international clients, both in the business community and government. Our specialist knowledge increases the success rate of your MIT application. Are you interested? Then contact us today!
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