# Take-off Phase 1 – Feasibility Studies

**Funder:** NWO
**Budget:** Up to €60,000
**Deadline:** 10 December 2026 (14:00:00 CET; continuous submission until deadline or until maximum 200 applications (5 batches of 40) reached)
**Duration:** Up to 6 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage; applications assessed in batches of 40, with 15 funded per batch (max 5 batches)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/take-off-phase-1-feasibility-studies-wo-2026
**Last verified:** 12 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to researchers at Dutch universities (incl. UMCs), KNAW/NWO institutes, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, NCB Naturalis, ARCNL, and Princess Máxima Center. Funds feasibility studies for commercial application of innovative knowledge. Covers product, process, care, or service innovation across all scientific fields. Submit via ISAAC.

## Summary

NWO Take-off Phase 1 funds feasibility studies for commercialising innovative research across all scientific fields, with grants up to €60,000 over six months. The call is open to researchers at Dutch universities, UMCs, KNAW/NWO institutes, and partner institutions, and targets projects exploring product, process, care, or service innovations with commercial potential. Up to 200 applications are assessed in batches of 40, with 15 funded per batch.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at NWO-eligible Dutch institutions (universities, UMCs, KNAW institutes, and designated research centres)
- Project teams exploring product, process, care, or service innovation with commercial application
- Early-stage commercialisation ideas needing proof-of-concept work
- Researchers across all scientific fields with innovation potential

## Key dates

- Deadline: 10 December 2026, 14:00 CET; continuous submission until reached 200 applications (5 batches of 40)
- Single-stage application; assessed in batches with 15 funded per batch
- Project duration: up to 6 months

## Tips for applicants

- Applications are assessed in rolling batches of 40 (max 5 batches); submitting early does not confer advantage, but the call closes at 200 applications total, so budget and timeline accordingly.
- Use ISAAC for submission; ensure your host institution is on the eligible list before preparing the application.
- Frame the feasibility study as a bridge to commercial viability, panels want clarity on how six months of work reduces risk for a follow-on development phase.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the NWO Take-off Phase 1 grant pay?

Up to €60,000 per project.

### How long is the NWO Take-off Phase 1 project?

Up to 6 months.

### Can I apply to NWO Take-off Phase 1 if I'm at a Dutch university?

Yes, if your institution is a Dutch university, UMC, KNAW/NWO institute, or one of the designated research centres (Netherlands Cancer Institute, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, NCB Naturalis, ARCNL, Princess Máxima Center).

### How many applications does NWO Take-off Phase 1 fund?

Up to 75 projects across five batches of 40 applications (15 funded per batch).

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nwo-take-off-phase-1-feasibility-studies-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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