Proof-of-concept Funding: Conditions
Last checked on: 29 April 2026
Are you an SME owner or an innovative startup? If so, you may be eligible for an interest-bearing loan under the Proof-of-concept Funding scheme. To qualify, you must meet certain conditions.
Academic innovative startups can find more information on the website of the NWO Domain Applied and Engineering Sciences (AES). AES administers the scheme for this target group.
SMEs or innovative startups
View the eligibility criteria for SMEs or innovative startups:
Quick Scan
Are you considering applying for Proof-of-concept Funding? If so, we recommend that you first use the Proof-of-concept Funding Quick Scan to briefly outline your plan. Based on this, one of our advisers will make an initial assessment of your chances of a successful application.
Loan amount
| Type of business | Small SME | Medium-sized SME | Innovative startup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan as % in the costs | 45% | 35% | 100% |
| Minimum costs for the early/renewal phase process | €110,000 | €142,000 | €50,000 |
| Maximum costs for the early/renewal phase process | €450,000 | €450,000 | €450,000 |
| Minimum loan | €50,000 | €50,000 | €50,000 |
| Maximum loan | €157,500 | €122,500 | €450,000 |
| Project costs | Small SME | Medium-sized SME | Innovative startup |
|---|---|---|---|
| For project costs of €100,000, you can borrow up to: | not applicable (minimum cost is €110,000) | not applicable (minimum cost is €142,000) | €100,000 |
| For project costs of €200,000, you can borrow up to: | €90,000 | €70,000 | €200,000 |
| For project costs of €450,000, you can borrow up to: | €157,500 | €122,500 | €450,000 |
- Ministry of Economic Affairs