Top 10 Equity-Free Startup Grants in the Netherlands in 2025

Top 10 Equity-Free Grants in the Netherlands in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

The Netherlands is a thriving hub for innovation, offering a wide range of equity-free grants to support startups, SMEs, and research initiatives.

These grants are designed to foster innovation, sustainability, and economic growth without requiring founders to give up equity.

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Below is a curated list of the top 10 equity-free grants in the Netherlands for 2025, complete with details on funding amounts, conditions, topics, requirements, and links to their official websites.

1. WBSO (R&D Tax Credit)

Funding Amount: Up to €1,582 million allocated for 2025, a significant increase from 2024.
Conditions: Supports research and development activities, reducing wage costs for R&D staff and providing tax credits for prototypes or research equipment.
Topics: Innovation in technology, engineering, and science.
Requirements: Open to companies engaged in R&D activities, including startups and SMEs.
Website: WBSO Scheme

2. Innovation Box

Funding Amount: Reduced corporate tax rate of 9% on profits derived from innovative activities.
Conditions: Applies to profits from patented inventions or technical software.
Topics: Intellectual property and technological innovation.
Requirements: Companies must demonstrate qualifying innovative activities.
Website: Innovation Box

3. MIT (SME Innovation Stimulation Region and Top Sectors)

Funding Amount: Varies by project, focusing on mission-driven innovation.
Conditions: Supports R&D collaboration, feasibility studies, and knowledge vouchers.
Topics: Technology, sustainability, and sector-specific innovation.
Requirements: Open to SMEs and startups aligned with national technology strategies.
Website: MIT Program

4. EIA (Energy Investment Allowance)

Funding Amount: 40% tax deduction on energy-saving investments.
Conditions: Applies to investments in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy.
Topics: Sustainability and green energy.
Requirements: Companies must invest in qualifying energy-saving technologies.
Website: EIA Scheme

5. MIA/Vamil (Environmental Investment Deduction)

Funding Amount: Tax deductions for environmental investments, with streamlined application processes in 2025.
Conditions: Supports investments in eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices.
Topics: Environmental sustainability and circular economy.
Requirements: Companies must invest in qualifying environmental technologies.
Website: MIA/Vamil

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6. DEI+ (Demonstration Energy and Climate Innovation)

Funding Amount: Up to €30 million per project, with an additional €84 million allocated for 2025.
Conditions: Supports energy and climate innovation demonstrations.
Topics: Renewable energy, carbon reduction, and climate solutions.
Requirements: Open to companies and consortia working on innovative energy projects.
Website: DEI+ Program

7. AanZET (Zero-Emission Trucks Acquisition)

Funding Amount: Over €90 million allocated for zero-emission trucks in 2025.
Conditions: Supports the acquisition of zero-emission vehicles, including hydrogen-powered trucks.
Topics: Sustainable transportation and clean energy.
Requirements: Companies must invest in qualifying zero-emission vehicles.
Website: AanZET Scheme

8. SLIM (Stimulation of Labor Market Position)

Funding Amount: Extended for five years, with specific conditions to be announced.
Conditions: Supports employee training and development in SMEs.
Topics: Workforce development and skills enhancement.
Requirements: Open to SMEs investing in employee training programs.
Website: SLIM Regulation

9. Proof of Concept (PoC) Programme by KWF

Funding Amount: Varies by project, focusing on translating impactful innovations into clinical applications.
Conditions: Supports projects related to ongoing or recently completed KWF-funded research.
Topics: Healthcare, biotechnology, and medical innovation.
Requirements: Applicants must align with KWF’s research priorities.
Website: KWF PoC Programme

10. Consortium Grant by Longfonds

Funding Amount: €1.4 million total, with €700,000 per consortium.
Conditions: Supports collaborative research into chronic lung diseases.
Topics: Medical research, lung health, and patient-centered innovation.
Requirements: Projects must align with Longfonds’ research themes and involve patient input.
Website: Longfonds Consortium Grant

Conclusion

These 10 equity-free grants provide invaluable support to startups, SMEs, and researchers in the Netherlands, enabling them to innovate, scale, and make a meaningful impact.

For more details, visit their websites and explore the wealth of opportunities they offer.

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