# 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; further cut-offs already used 23 January 2025 and 22 January 2026) **Duration:** At most 1 year **Consortium:** Required — main applicant, one or more co-applicants and a partnering organisation; consortiums may jointly apply for a higher grant **Application:** Continuous submission with three assessment collection dates (23 January 2025, 22 January 2026, 21 January 2027) **Frequency:** Continuous **Eligible countries:** NL **Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/kic-societal-earning-capacity-connection-synthesis-and-knowledge-utilisation **Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Top-up call open only to current or completed project leads from three prior KIC Mission calls (2020, 2021, 2022) seeking extra budget for connection, synthesis and knowledge utilisation. Requires a consortium of main applicant, co-applicants and a partnering organisation; funding activities must be new, not already planned in the original project. ## 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. --- 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. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).