# Open Technology Programme

**Funder:** NWO
**Budget:** Up to €950k (up to €1,050k for projects with investment character)
**Deadline:** 11 December 2026 (OTP 2026 round closed 4 July 2026; next call expected to open 11 January 2027)
**Duration:** Up to 6 years
**Consortium:** Required - co-funding and collaboration with knowledge users from public and/or private sector
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-01
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/researchprogrammes/open-technology-programme
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds free and independent research developing technology with impact on society, requiring collaboration with public/private knowledge users. Open to researchers with tenured or tenure-track positions at eligible Dutch research organisations; co-funding of 25% required above €700k total project costs.

## Summary

The NWO Open Technology Programme funds free and independent technology research with societal impact, for up to €950k (or €1,050k for projects with investment character) over as long as six years. It is open to researchers in tenured or tenure-track positions at eligible Dutch research organisations, and requires a consortium with public and/or private knowledge users, with 25% co-funding on project costs above €700k. NWO runs the call annually, with the 2026 round already closed and the next expected to open in January 2027.

## Who should apply

- Researchers in tenured or tenure-track positions at eligible Dutch research organisations
- Teams able to form a consortium with public and/or private sector knowledge users
- Projects proposing free and independent technology research aimed at societal impact
- Applicants able to secure 25% co-funding once total project costs exceed €700k

## Key dates

- 2026 round closed 4 July 2026; next call expected to open 11 January 2027
- Single-stage application process
- Up to six-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Secure letters of commitment from knowledge-user partners early, since co-funding and collaboration are required, not optional, elements of the proposal.
- If total project costs exceed €700k, budget for the 25% co-funding requirement from the outset rather than adding it after review.
- Consider whether your project has investment character, as this raises the funding ceiling to €1,050k.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the NWO Open Technology Programme provide?

Up to €950k, or up to €1,050k for projects with investment character.

### Who can apply for the NWO Open Technology Programme?

Researchers holding tenured or tenure-track positions at eligible Dutch research organisations.

### Does the Open Technology Programme require a consortium?

Yes, applicants must collaborate and co-fund with knowledge users from the public and/or private sector.

### When is the next Open Technology Programme deadline?

The 2026 round closed 4 July 2026, and the next call is expected to open 11 January 2027.

### How long can an Open Technology Programme project run?

Projects can run for up to six years.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nwo-open-technology-programme-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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