The application period for the MIT R&D Cooperation Projects will open soon. From 9 June 2026 at 09:00, SMEs can apply for funding for joint research and development projects. The scheme supports SMEs that collaborate on the development or renewal of products, production processes or services. The application period closes on 15 September 2026 at 17:00.

What are MIT R&D Cooperation Projects?

An MIT R&D Cooperation Project focuses on industrial research and/or experimental development. The project must be carried out by at least two SMEs that jointly work on technological innovation or a substantial improvement of an existing product, process or service.

For many companies, this scheme is relevant when an innovation is too risky, costly or complex to develop independently. Collaboration allows companies to combine knowledge, market insight, technical capacity and development risks.

How much funding is available?

Both national and regional budgets are available for R&D Cooperation Projects. The national budget for 2026 is €3,000,000, of which a maximum of 50% is available for large R&D Cooperation Projects.

The subsidy rate is 35% of eligible costs. Small R&D Cooperation Projects can receive between €50,000 and €200,000 per project. Large R&D Cooperation Projects can receive between €200,000 and €350,000 per project.

Key conditions for applicants

A strong innovation idea is not sufficient on its own. The scheme sets clear conditions for the collaboration, budget and project structure. The cooperation must be balanced in terms of both cost distribution and partner contribution. One participant may not bear more than 70% of the project costs. Only costs incurred by SME participants are eligible, and the maximum project duration is two years.

This means that the quality of the consortium directly affects the strength of the application. The proposal must clearly explain not only what will be developed, but also why the collaboration is logical, necessary and feasible.

How are applications assessed?

MIT R&D Cooperation Projects are assessed through a tender procedure. This means that applications must meet the formal requirements and are then ranked based on quality. RVO assesses applications on four criteria: innovation, economic value, quality of the collaboration and positive societal impact. Each criterion can receive a maximum of 25 points.

Projects that contribute to a priority mission or a technology from the Dutch National Technology Strategy may, under certain conditions, receive additional scoring through the societal impact criterion. Minimum quality requirements still apply.

Why a strong application requires more than a strong idea

In practice, the main challenge is often not the technology itself, but the translation of that technology into a convincing subsidy proposal. Evaluators must be able to understand:

• what the technological innovation is;
• why the project is innovative and sufficiently risky;
• which concrete R&D activities will be carried out;
• what role each partner has;
• how the results will create economic value;
• what societal or strategic impact the project will deliver.

A strong MIT R&D application therefore, requires a clear work package structure, specific deliverables, a realistic planning, a solid budget and a convincing explanation of the collaboration.

How The Future supports MIT R&D Cooperation Projects

The Future supports companies in developing, structuring and writing subsidy applications. We help translate technical ideas into clear project plans that align with the assessment criteria of the scheme.

Our role goes beyond writing. We advise on project strategy, innovation positioning, consortium roles, work package structure, budgeting and the substantiation of economic and societal impact.

By doing so, we remove the writing-related and application-related complexity from the process. This allows entrepreneurs to focus on the actual research, technical development and cooperation with their partners.

Preparing an MIT R&D application? Now is the time to act!

Because MIT R&D Cooperation Projects are assessed through a tender procedure, timely preparation is essential. A strong application requires more than completing forms. It requires a well-structured innovation project, a convincing consortium and a proposal that clearly explains why the project deserves funding.

Are you preparing an innovative R&D project together with other SMEs? This is the right moment to explore the subsidy opportunities.

The Future can support you in assessing feasibility, structuring the project and preparing a complete MIT R&D application. Reach out to us below.