MIT (SME Innovation Stimulation Top Sectors)

MIT SME Innovation Grants

Supports Dutch small businesses with MIT Innovation Grants for projects in priority sectors and practical technology development.

The MIT (MKB Innovatiestimulering Topsectoren) programme provides direct R&D grants to Dutch small and medium-sized enterprises working within the national top-sector innovation themes. It is a Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) policy instrument delivered operationally by RVO, with applications accepted on a rolling basis aligned to annual programme cycles. The grant supports feasibility studies and industrial research projects that connect SME innovation capacity to the priority technology and economic domains designated by the Dutch top-sector system — including agriculture and food, water and maritime, high-tech systems, energy, chemistry, logistics, and life sciences.

Eligibility is restricted to SMEs registered and operating in the Netherlands; large enterprises and universities cannot serve as lead applicants, though knowledge-institution partners may participate in collaborative projects. Award amounts, eligible top-sector themes, and precise deadlines change each annual call — current figures are published by RVO rather than EZK directly. Applications are submitted in Dutch through the RVO portal. SMEs participating in the programme are expected to demonstrate that the supported activity constitutes genuine R&D within one of the active top-sector themes and that results will be commercially exploited in the Netherlands.

The MIT programme is structured around two instruments: feasibility studies (typically smaller, shorter engagements) and R&D projects (larger awards, often requiring collaboration). Applicants should verify the currently open sub-instrument and thematic restrictions with RVO at the point of application, as the specific themes prioritised and the budget per theme vary each cycle. Policy authority rests with EZK; RVO is the sole submission and assessment body.