Innovation Credit (Innovatiekrediet)
Funds Dutch firms developing high-risk new products or processes through repayable government loans covering project costs.
Innovation Credit (Innovatiekrediet) is a Dutch government repayable loan for companies developing technically novel products, processes, services, software, AI systems, or clinical drugs and medical devices that carry significant technological or clinical risk and demonstrate strong market potential. RVO administers the program on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK). The 2026 annual budget is €50 million, split across three pools: €10 million for clinical development projects, €10 million for technical development projects, and €30 million for combined clinical and technical projects. Maximum individual awards mirror the pool ceilings — up to €30 million for combined projects.
Funding covers between 25% and 50% of total eligible project costs, depending on company size and whether a collaboration partner is involved. Small enterprises without a partner may receive up to 45%; small or medium enterprises with a collaboration partner may receive up to 50%; large enterprises cap at 25% solo or 40% with collaboration. The credit is repayable: technical projects carry a 15% markup over principal, and clinical projects carry a 25% markup, with repayment beginning three to five years after disbursement. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout calendar year 2026 (open 1 January to 31 December 2026).
Eligibility requires the applicant to be a Dutch-based company conducting significant activities in the Netherlands, with a demonstrated plan to bring a marketable product to market within five years. Applicants must show systematic reduction of technical or clinical risk through the proposed development work. Authentication via eHerkenning at Level 2 or above is required to submit. Because this is a loan rather than a grant, founders should model repayment obligations against projected revenue timelines before committing to large project budgets funded through Innovatiekrediet.
Repayable government loan covering 25–50% of project costs, from a €50 million annual budget, for Dutch companies developing technically novel products, processes, software, AI systems, or clinical drugs and devices.
Sign up free to see the funding breakdown
Sign up free to see the industries in scope
Sign up free to see the full eligibility
Sign up free to see how to apply
Sign up free to see what you submit