Proof-of-concept Funding

A crucial phase in the process is the step from idea to starting up product development: creating and verifying commercial concepts, identifying suitable markets and developing the right patents (IPs as defined by Bradley et al. 2013). For innovative startups, we call this phase the proof-of-concept phase. For existing SMEs, this phase is called the innovation phase. Proof-of-concept funding is there to ensure that an idea develops from the planning phase into the startup phase.

What is Proof-of-concept funding?

Startups and SMEs can use a loan from the Proof-of-concept funding scheme to examine whether their idea is potentially feasible in the market. The loan plus the interest have to be repaid. The interest rate is 9.11% (as of 1 January 2024). The EU-reference percentage is variable and is set by the European Commission.

Target groups

Both startups and established businesses can benefit from the Proof-of-concept funding. Proof-of-concept funding is aimed at three target groups:

• SMEs
• innovative startups (max 5 years old)
• academic, hbo (polytechnic) and TO2 innovative startups (whose economic activities directly and immediately benefit from research by a university or academic hospital)

Budget via Technology Foundation TTW

For academic, polytechnic and TO2 start-ups there is € 2.25 million available for the period 8 January 2024 up to and including 5 March 2024.

Regional application

Is your company established in one of the following provinces or will you establish your company there? If so, you must submit your application to the regional office. You should contact the regional office directly:

• Gelderland (only in Dutch)
• North Holland (only in Dutch)
• South Holland
• North Brabant (only in Dutch)
• Limburg
• Overijssel (only in Dutch)
• Utrecht
• Zeeland

National application

Is your province not included in the above overview? Only then can you apply to the national office (Netherlands Enterprise Agency). You can apply for subsidy from 1 January 2024 until 1 December 2024, 17:00 CET. Or as long as there is a budget available.

Applications are evaluated by the proof-of-concept funding advisory committee. We deal with applications in the order they are submitted and evaluate each application individually as to whether it meets the requirements. If it does, you will receive the requested loan (if there is still budget available). Our decision period is limited to a maximum of 13 weeks.

Academic, hbo and TO2 startups must submit their applications to the Technology Foundation TTW.

Quick Scan

Do you want to determine whether your plan is eligible? Fill in the Quick scan first.

Conditions

There are various conditions attached to the use of Proof-of-concept funding. Three important conditions are:

• You write a business plan showing you will grow substantially.
• You set out an innovation plan or proof-of-concept plan geared to the preconditions of the investor.
• You have a declaration of intent from the future investor, who will finance your proof-of-concept/innovation phase on the basis of you meeting the preconditions set by him. This has to at least equal the amount you receive from the government.

Background

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has developed Proof-of-concept funding to help businesses in the proof-of-concept phase or the innovation phase. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency and the Technology Foundation TTW implement this scheme. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency takes care of its implementation for SMEs and innovative startups. Technology Foundation TTW implements it for innovative academic, 'hbo' (university of professional education) and TO2 startups.