# KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI

**Funder:** Regieorgaan SIA
**Consortium:** Required - partner SME(s) and/or public organizations providing the practice case
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.regieorgaan-sia.nl/financiering/kiem/kiem-arbeidsbesparende-ai
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds explorative applied research into practice-oriented AI use cases for labor savings/productivity in organizations (SMEs and/or public bodies); research is carried out with a practice partner. Further details and application via the Regieorgaan SIA website.

## Summary

KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI funds applied research exploring existing AI applications for labour savings and productivity gains in Dutch SMEs and public organisations. The call requires a consortium approach, with research embedded directly within partner organisations and focused on testable, practice-oriented use cases. This is a competitive call for applied AI research teams ready to work across industry and public sectors.

## Who should apply

- Research teams with expertise in applied AI and systems deployment
- Applicants hosting partnerships with at least one Dutch SME or public-sector organisation
- Groups experienced in practice-oriented, collaborative research environments
- Teams able to embed research in partner organisations where the AI will be tested in operation

## Key dates

- Applications submitted via Regieorgaan SIA (verify deadline on SIA or NWO portal)

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium composition is gating, clearly name and secure letters from SME or public-sector partners before drafting the research proposal.
- Emphasise the testability and current maturity of the AI application you will study; KIEM funds exploration of existing tools, not AI development from scratch.
- Frame the research question in terms of labour savings or productivity measurable in the partner environment; vague applied-science language will not score well.

## Frequently asked questions

### What kind of AI projects does KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI fund?

KIEM funds explorative applied research on existing, testable AI applications aimed at labour savings or productivity increases in Dutch SMEs and public organisations. The research must be practice-oriented and conducted directly with the partner organisations where the AI is deployed.

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

Yes, research must be carried out with and at partner organisations (SMEs and/or public organisations).

### Who can partner on a KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI project?

Partners must be Dutch SMEs or public-sector organisations where the AI application will be tested and implemented as part of the research.

### Can I apply to KIEM Arbeidsbesparende AI as a solo researcher?

No, the call requires a consortium with at least one SME or public-sector partner; solo academic applications are not eligible.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nwo-kiem-arbeidsbesparende-ai-2026) — 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).