Innovation Brokers Scheme

Innovation Brokers Scheme

Offers Dutch small and medium businesses advisory vouchers and partner matching for high-tech collaborations in KET fields.

The Innovation Brokers Scheme is a rolling advisory voucher program administered by Holland High Tech for Dutch high-tech SMEs active in Key Enabling Technology (KET) domains within the HTSM topsector. Holland High Tech reimburses 80% of the cost of engaging an approved innovation broker, up to a maximum of €8,000 per year. The SME pays the remaining 20%. The maximum approved hourly broker rate is €120 including VAT; costs above that rate are not reimbursed. The scheme is funded through RVO's PPP-I mechanism, with Holland High Tech processing applications directly.

Eligibility is strictly limited to SMEs: companies must have fewer than 250 employees, annual turnover not exceeding €50 million, and a balance sheet not exceeding €43 million. The company must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and have a clear focus on Key Enabling Technologies. Each project must be completed within one year, and a single SME may use the scheme for a maximum of three years in total across all projects. For-profit companies exclusively qualify; research organisations, universities, and non-profits are not eligible under this instrument.

SMEs engage an approved innovation broker for advisory services — which may include innovation strategy, technology transfer guidance, or HTSM network facilitation — and then apply to Holland High Tech for reimbursement via an online application form. The programme contact is Programme Manager Daniëlle Kroonenburg. The rolling nature of the scheme means there is no fixed annual deadline; applications can be submitted throughout the year as projects are initiated. The scheme is well-suited for SMEs that need structured access to the HTSM ecosystem before committing to a larger collaborative R&D project such as the SME Hightech or SME Defence calls.