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SME Defence call 2025

Industrial research SMEs for dual-use for Defense

In this call, we challenge high-tech entrepreneurs to collaborate with research organizations over a two-year period on innovative dual-use projects in the Netherlands (NLD) areas of Space, Quantum, and Smart Materials, as defined in the Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation 2025-2029. The goal of this call is to connect more high-tech SMEs with the Ministry of Defence's innovation missions. The total budget for this call is €5 million. This call is closed.

The call at a glance

Status: call closed
Budget: €5 million

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Info, dates & budget
Call tekst (pdf)
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NLD areas

Space

The space domain is crucial to the strategic, operational, and tactical functioning of the armed forces. The Netherlands' reliance on sovereign satellite data makes it vulnerable in a rapidly changing threat landscape. Therefore, this program focuses on strengthening existing space capabilities and accelerating new technologies. Developments in this area focus on improved satellite protection, autonomous operations, and advanced information and communication technologies such as AI and quantum. These innovations should lead to more robust, smarter, and future-proof space assets with clear dual-use value.

Quantum

Quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms offer the potential to perform complex calculations much faster than conventional computers. This program focuses on scalable demonstrators applicable to defense, for example, for next-generation RF systems or for optimizing, predicting, and analyzing the behavior of smart materials. The algorithms must offer clear prospects for dual-use applications and be usable on gate-based or photonic quantum computers, or as a quantum-inspired variant of classical systems. Other quantum applications are also welcome if they contribute to the Dutch defense and security industry.

Smart materials

The Ministry of Defence needs materials that can withstand extreme conditions and be efficiently produced and repaired. This area focuses on high-performance materials and innovative production and analysis methods, including additive manufacturing. The goal is to develop multifunctional, lightweight, and strong materials with, for example, signature-reducing properties, integrated functions, or adaptive capabilities. Compact and portable production and repair concepts are also important to increase field deployment. The focus is on reliability, future-proofing, and cost and resource efficiency.

Target audience: hightech SME

This call is aimed at high-tech SME participants. These are innovative micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) focused on developing technologies that are in the growth phase (start-up or scale-up) and that focus on the development of technologies and applications of advanced (key) technologies. Further requirements and information can be found in the full call text. Please note: an SME declaration is required for this call.

What can be requested?

A project by a project consortium consisting of at least one SME and one research organization. The following applies:

  • Per SME (or consortium of SMEs): a maximum of €300,000 per project for two years (maximum one application per main applicant).

  • Per research organization (or consortium of research organizations): a maximum of €150,000 per project for two years.

  • An SME may finance a maximum of 50% of its eligible costs with a grant, with in-kind co-financing permitted for the remaining costs.

  • The SME (or multiple SMEs) must incur at least twice the costs of the research organization(s) involved.

  • A research organization may finance a maximum of 80% of its eligible costs with a grant.

Project proposal submission

This program has a phased submission process in two parts. More information:

  • Phase 1 consists of a short project proposal with appendices.

  • If 100 project proposals have been submitted, the submission deadline will close prematurely. 

  • The projects will be assessed by an evaluation committee of independent experts. 

  • A maximum of 30 project proposals with a positive recommendation will be asked to submit a full project plan and budget in phase 2 (see full call text for distribution across the NLD areas Space, Quantum and Smart Materials).

  • If a project application is rejected during phase 2, the next consortium on the list will be asked to submit a full project plan and budget. 

Please note: 

  • SMEs that received a grant in the SME Hightech call 2024 are excluded from participating in this call.

  • Project proposals submitted in the SME Defence call 2025 may not be submitted in the SME Hightech call 2025 (and vice versa).

Important dates

  • Online informationsession: wed 3 December 2025 12:30 PM - 13:30 PM

  • Apply for Holland High Tech portal user account: apply here, Wed 17 December 2025 at the latest

  • Phase 1: Project proposal submission period: Mon 5 January 12:00 PM – Fri 9 January 2026, 12:00 PM

  • Communication of first selection: Mon 23 to Fri 27 February 27 2026

  • Phase 2 Deadline for submitting the detailed project plan: Fri 27 March 2026, 12:00 PM 

  • Board decision: Mon 18 May 2026

  • Communication of second selection: Tue 19 toTue 26 May 2026

Budget

Holland High has allocated a budget of €5 million for this SME Defense call. Of this, €3.3 million is earmarked for SMEs. For both the NLD Space and Smart Materials areas, €2 million is available for consortia of SMEs with knowledge institutions. €1 million is available for the NLD Quantum area. The available budget falls within the framework of the PPP Innovation Scheme (Regulations from 2024) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

FAQs

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