# KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI

**Funder:** NWO
**Budget:** €1,800,000
**Deadline:** 15 September 2026 (14:00 hrs)
**Consortium:** Required — practice-oriented research collaboration
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/kiem-arbeidsbesparende-ai
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports exploratory applied research on testable and existing AI applications (use cases) focused on labour-saving AI. Conducted through new practice-oriented research activities at universities of applied sciences.

## Summary

KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI funds exploratory applied research on labour-saving AI applications, offering €1,800,000 for practice-oriented research collaborations led through Dutch universities of applied sciences. The call targets researchers working with testable, existing AI use cases and requires a consortium approach connecting academic and practitioner partners. Applications are accepted continuously with the next deadline on 15 September 2026.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at Dutch universities of applied sciences (hogescholen)
- Applied research teams ready to engage practitioners and industry partners
- Projects focused on testable, real-world AI use cases for labour savings
- Applicants prepared to lead or co-lead a practice-oriented consortium

## Key dates

- Deadline: 15 September 2026 at 14:00 hrs
- Continuous rolling deadline; submit anytime before the cutoff
- Exploratory applied research projects spanning 1-3 years (typical duration)

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium structure is non-negotiable, outline your academic and practitioner co-investigators clearly; vague partnerships sink scores.
- Ground your AI application in a concrete, existing use case with measurable labour-saving outcomes; speculative or experimental AI features weaken feasibility.
- Position your university of applied sciences as the coordinating hub; NWO prioritises research that flows through and strengthens the applied-science sector.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI?

KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI is an NWO programme funding exploratory applied research on labour-saving AI applications through Dutch universities of applied sciences, with €1.8 million available and a requirement for practice-oriented research consortia.

### Who can apply for KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI?

Researchers and teams based at Dutch universities of applied sciences (hogescholen) leading or co-leading consortia with practitioners and industry partners.

### What is the deadline for KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI?

The next deadline is 15 September 2026 at 14:00 hrs; the call operates on a continuous rolling basis.

### Is a consortium required for KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI?

Yes, a practice-oriented research collaboration bringing together academic researchers, practitioners and/or industry partners is mandatory.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nwo-kiem-arbeidsbesparende-ai-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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