Holland High Tech Holland High Tech

Strategic Trade Fair Programme: second round opens on 10 September

9 July 2026

An important tool for international cooperation in high-tech is the central government’s Strategic Trade Fair Programme (SBP). For more than ten years now, Holland High Tech has been bringing together the Dutch high-tech sector at the trade fairs that really matter. We utilise the SBP in line with our innovation domains, the National Technology Strategy (NTS), the KIA Key Technologies and the targeted programmes from the parliamentary letter on Industrial Policy with a focus, in consultation with the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Foreign Affairs, RVO, the key technology coalitions and the sectors.

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SME innovation
Nationale Technology Strategy
KIA Sleuteltechnologieën

The SBP provides funding for a collective Dutch presence at relevant international trade fairs, with the aim of promoting the sector as a whole and thereby increasing the opportunities and visibility of individual high-tech companies with international ambitions.

Which trade fairs matter varies by innovation sector, and the playing field is broad – ranging from semiconductor and photonics trade fairs to leading events in the fields of smart industry, security and quantum technology. Hannover Messe, SEMICON Europe and Photonics West are well-known examples, but the list goes on. Through NL Pavilions at these trade fairs, companies with international growth ambitions gain access to new markets, exchange knowledge and expertise, expand their networks and create new business opportunities.

The second round opens on 10 September: first come, first served

The second application round opens on 10 September. Be quick: in the first round, the budget was exhausted in no time at all. As a result, not all applications from the HTSM sector were successful in the first round. The SBP operates on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a high chance of the budget being oversubscribed – so prepare your application now and submit it as soon as the round opens.

Applications may be submitted by sector and member organisations and partners of Trade and Innovate NL; the application forms are available by category from RVO, and the grant covers 80% of the eligible costs. Applications can be submitted up to 18 months prior to the trade fair.

Want to find out more?

On 13 July 2026, RVO is organising a webinar from 12.30 to 1.20 pm to help participants prepare for the second call for proposals. For more information about the webinar and how to take part, please contact the Strategic Grants team at RVO.

Or send your question to our programme manager Ronald van Es.

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