In short
The Take-off scheme consists of two phases, each focused on a different stage of innovation. Phase 1 supports feasibility studies (max. 6 months). Phase 2 focuses on early-stage trajectories (max. 24 months). Below you see the main features of both phases in one overview.
Phase 1
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Maximum amount
60.000
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Remaining budget
At start 1.800.000
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Applications open from
1 September 2025
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Applications open until
2 December 2025
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Subsidy percentage
100%
Phase 2
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Maximum amount
250.000
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Remaining budget
At start 4.950.000
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Applications open from
1 September 2025
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Applications open until
2 December 2025
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Subsidy percentage
100%
The scheme:
- Stimulates innovative enterprises based on scientific research.
- Open to academic researchers, start-ups and spin-offs.
- Managed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).
- The scheme is available for researchers from universities (WO) and TO2-institutions.
Purpose: Promotion of commercialization of innovative technology
The purpose of NWO Take-off is to stimulate scientifically innovative entrepreneurship.
The program supports academic researchers, startups and spin-offs in the early phase of their business development, and is aimed at commercializing innovative technologies.
For: early stages of business development
NWO Take-off is available for researchers who are affiliated with Dutch research institutions and who are in the process of setting up a business.
It concerns researchers in an early stage of their business development, focusing on commercializing innovative technologies.
Provided by NWO
The Take-off is granted by NWO. This means that you submit your application via the official NWO website.
Subsidisable amounts: €60,000
For Phase 1 you can receive up to €60,000 subsidy, and this may cover 100% of the costs. In the (full) call of 2025, a total of €1.8 million is available.
In Phase 2 you may apply for a loan up to a maximum of €450,000 for early-stage projects based on knowledge innovations. For the spring call of 2025 the available budget is €4,950,000.
Take-off Phase 1 Feasibility studies
The Take-off program, feasibility studies component, provides subsidies to founders of a startup who have transferred or possess knowledge from recognized HBO, WO or TO2 institutions. The amount of subsidy is up to €60,000. The budget available in the now published call is €500,000.
Note: as of 1 July 2025 the Take-off scheme has been changed. The registration and assessment process for Phase 1 (feasibility studies) has been adjusted. For more information contact us.
Take-off Phase 2 Early-stage financing
The Take-off program, early-stage financing component, provides subsidies to founders of a startup who have transferred or own knowledge from Dutch universities, research institutes recognized by NWO, recognized TO2 institutions, and Dutch universities of applied sciences. The subsidy takes the form of a loan up to a maximum of €450,000 for execution of early-stage trajectories based on knowledge innovations. The budget available in the now published call is €2,250,000.
About this text: To make it clear and readable for you we have rewritten the legal text of the scheme. That implies that no rights can be derived from this text. Better safe than careful.
Tip from Enablemi
Have you already had a Take-off Phase One subsidy, and is it now getting serious? Then also consider Take-off Phase 2: this is a loan of up to €450,000, which can be a nice addition to your private investment portfolio.
Advice on this scheme? Contact Jeroen!
