"It’s brilliant that a new round of funding is being opened. The NGF is a unique instrument through which a great deal of valuable experience has already been gained in its implementation. The NGF strengthens innovative ecosystems and large-scale public-private partnerships. As the advisory committee, we look forward to receiving the proposals!”
Ingrid Thijssen, chair of the National Growth Fund advisory committee:
Strategic industrial policy
The new call for proposals focuses on the four areas set out in the coalition agreement and is aligned in substance with the six programmes of the strategic industrial policy: innovative chemicals, biotechnology, mechanical engineering, semiconductors, digital services and defence-related applications. The six priority markets are important for the Netherlands’ earning capacity and economic resilience, and contribute to addressing societal challenges.
Grant scheme and conditions
The Government is making the funds available through the National Growth Fund Grant Scheme. Consortia comprising businesses, research institutions and other parties may apply for grants under this scheme. Government departments support these projects where necessary through accompanying policy measures, but do not submit projects themselves.
For this call for proposals, the minimum project size and contribution is €30 million, and the maximum contribution is €100 million. Projects are assessed against the existing NGF criteria: investments must contribute to sustainable earning capacity and, for example, be additional to private investment. The National Growth Fund’s advisory committee assesses grant applications against these criteria and provides the fund managers with authoritative advice on the matter.
Timeline
Preparations are now under way for the new call for proposals. From this autumn, interested parties will be able to submit their initial draft plans to RVO for feedback. In the run-up to the summer of 2027, they will finalise their plans for a grant application. From the fourth quarter of 2027, funding will become available for the implementation of the projects.
Read the September letter from the Taskforce on Future Prosperity and the Business Environment for the full explanation:
