NWO funding instruments KIC 2020-2023

The NWO instruments for the Knowledge and Innovation Covenant (KIC) 2020-2023 provide funding for fundamental and practical research in a public-private partnership (PPP). The set of instruments consists of four main lines, for which 118 million euros has been reserved annually.

Main line 1: MISSION
Mission-driven calls
Within this main line, a limited number of major thematic calls are developed each year, with a volume of between 5 and 15 million euros. The choice of subject is determined on the basis of priority topics from the KIAs. Researchers submit proposals for collaborative projects, with a budget of 750,000 to 4 million euros per proposal. A co-funding percentage is set per call. Depending on the subject, this percentage is either 10 or 30%, of which the half in cash.
Annual budget: 55 million euros .

Main line 2: DEMAND
Partnerships
Through this main line, a number of research issues from external private and/or public partners are elaborated each year, with a size of between 3 and 10 million euros. The partner(s) matches the NWO contribution in cash, which is between 1.5 and 5 million euros. Researchers can initiate or participate in projects in a partnership. NWO sets up a transparent process for the selection of partnership topics.
Annual budget: 15 million euros.

Main line 3: STRATEGY
Strategic collaborations
The KIC will set up a limited number of long-term programmes (LTP) over a 10-year period. NWO will establish a transparent process for the application of initiatives. An LTP will provide a powerful stimulus for the development of a scientific field focused on a societal theme and/or key technology. NWO funds 25% to 33%. The other private and public partners finance the remaining part.
Annual budget: 30 million euros.

Main line 4: PRACTICE
Practice-oriented instruments
This will enable practice-oriented researchers to build up innovation networks and collaborate with partners from the region and SMEs. Cooperation between universities of applied sciences and universites is possible. Annual budget: 18 million euros.

Changes in PPP instruments
Due to the new structure of the funding instruments for PPP many existing programmes will land in one of the main lines of the KIC.

More information about NWO funding instruments.

Please contact ChemistryNL if you have any questions about missions, themes etc. with regard to your research.