# KIC Societal Earning Capacity Top-up Call: Connection, Synthesis and Knowledge Utilisation

**Funder:** NWO
**Budget:** €55,555–€111,111
**Deadline:** 21 January 2027 (14:00 CET; final of three collection dates (previous: 23 January 2025, 22 January 2026))
**Duration:** At most 1 year
**Consortium:** Required — main applicant, one or more co-applicants and a partnering organisation; current/completed KIC project consortiums only
**Application:** Continuous submission with three fixed collection/assessment dates
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/kic-societal-earning-capacity-connection-synthesis-and-knowledge-utilisation
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Top-up call open only to project leads of current or completed projects funded under three specific KIC Mission calls (2020, 2021, 2022). Funds connection, synthesis and knowledge utilisation activities distinct from already-planned project activities.

## Summary

The NWO KIC Societal Earning Capacity Top-up Call funds activities focused on connection, synthesis, and knowledge utilisation for project leads of current or completed KIC Mission-funded projects (2020-2022). Grants of €55,555-€111,111 per project are available for work distinct from already-planned activities, with maximum duration of one year. Joint applications by multiple KIC projects are permitted and multiply the allowable grant amount.

## Who should apply

- Project leads of current or completed NWO KIC Mission-funded projects (2020, 2021, or 2022 calls)
- Applicants based at Dutch research or partnering organisations
- Teams proposing connection, synthesis, or knowledge-utilisation work beyond existing project scope
- Joint applications combining multiple eligible KIC projects to increase funding pool

## Key dates

- Final deadline 21 January 2027 (14:00 CET); continuous submission open until this date
- Continuous assessment with three collection rounds (January 2025, January 2026, January 2027)
- Projects may run up to one year in duration

## Tips for applicants

- Assessors weight consortium strength, impact, and implementation plan equally (33% each); invest in both the letter of commitment from your partner organisation and a clear collaboration structure.
- Work must be genuinely distinct from your current KIC project plan, frame it as synthesis or knowledge-utilisation activity that builds on but extends beyond your funded scope.
- Joint applications from multiple KIC projects can stack allowable grants, making this a lever for larger consortia; coordinate early to align timelines and partner buy-in.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for the KIC Societal Earning Capacity Top-up Call?

Project leads of current or completed NWO KIC Mission-funded projects from the 2020, 2021, or 2022 calls are eligible. Proposals require a consortium including at least one co-applicant and a partnering organisation.

### How much can I request from the KIC Top-up Call?

Up to €111,111 once, or €55,555 twice per project; joint applications by multiple KIC projects multiply the allowable grant.

### What activities does the KIC Top-up fund?

Connection, synthesis, and knowledge-utilisation activities that are distinct from already-planned project activities and align with the societal earning capacity theme.

### Is this a recurring call?

No, this is a one-off call with a final deadline of 21 January 2027; earlier rounds closed in January 2025 and January 2026.

### Can I apply jointly with another KIC project?

Yes, joint applications by multiple KIC project leads are permitted and increase the allowable grant per consortium.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nwo-kic-societal-earning-capacity-top-up-call-connecti-2027-01) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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