# KIEM Defensie

**Funder:** NWO
**Budget:** €840,875
**Deadline:** 30 September 2026 (14:00 hrs)
**Consortium:** Required — links Defence units with universities of applied sciences
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/kiem-defensie
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Links questions from Defence units to practice-oriented research at universities of applied sciences. Supports exploratory practice-oriented research focused on Defence issues. Requires collaboration between Defence and applied research institutions.

## Summary

KIEM Defensie funds collaborative research linking the Dutch Defence Ministry with universities of applied sciences, providing up to €840,875 per project. The call targets practice-oriented, exploratory research addressing Defence priorities through partnerships that bridge military questions and applied-science expertise. Consortium participation is mandatory, and the call operates on a continuous basis.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at Dutch universities of applied sciences (hogescholen)
- Defence units and military institutions seeking collaborative research partners
- Teams proposing practice-oriented, exploratory research on Defence-relevant topics
- Applicants committed to Defence, academic consortium structure

## Key dates

- Continuous deadline; next round deadline 30 September 2026 at 14:00 hrs
- Single-stage application process
- Project funding up to €840,875 per consortium

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium eligibility is non-negotiable; ensure your Defence partner and applied-science institution are named and committed in writing before submission.
- Frame research as exploratory and practice-oriented; KIEM Defensie prioritises applicability to Defence operations over fundamental science.
- Clearly articulate the Defence unit's question and the applied-science contribution; panels assess fit between the two.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is KIEM Defensie funding?

KIEM Defensie funds collaborative research linking Dutch Defence units with universities of applied sciences on exploratory, practice-oriented Defence topics, with budgets up to €840,875 per consortium.

### Who is eligible for KIEM Defensie?

Dutch universities of applied sciences partnered with Defence units; consortium participation between Defence and applied research institutions is mandatory.

### When is the KIEM Defensie deadline?

KIEM Defensie operates on a continuous basis; the next round deadline is 30 September 2026 at 14:00 hrs.

### Is a Defence partner required for KIEM Defensie?

Yes, KIEM Defensie is designed as a Defence, university partnership; Defence unit involvement is a gating eligibility criterion.

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

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