# Open Competition

**Funder:** ZonMw
**Budget:** €800k, up to €1,050k with optional investment module
**Deadline:** 15 September 2026 (14:00 CEST)
**Duration:** 4-5 years
**Consortium:** Required — collaborative team science with principal and co-applicants from complementary research groups
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal (already closed) → full proposal, followed by rebuttal and interview
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.zonmw.nl/en/subsidy/zonmw-open-competition-2026
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Curiosity-driven, collaborative team-science proposals in fundamental (bio)medical health research with no thematic restriction. Full proposal submission only allowed for applicants invited after a positive pre-proposal decision; optional investment module of €100k-€250k available on top of base grant.

## Summary

ZonMw's Open Competition funds ambitious, curiosity-driven team science projects in fundamental biomedical and health research, with up to €800,000 over four to five years and an optional investment module (€100k-€250k) for up to €1,050,000 total. Researchers must work in collaborative multi-group consortia and be hosted at Dutch knowledge institutions. This annual call is open to any research theme and runs a two-stage process with rebuttal and interview components.

## Who should apply

- Research leaders heading teams at Dutch academic or medical institutions
- Consortia with multiple research groups across institutions (collaboration is mandatory)
- Fundamental biomedical or health research projects with no thematic restriction
- Applicants with positive pre-proposal decisions (must be received before full proposal submission)

## Key dates

- Full proposal deadline: 15 September 2026, 14:00 CEST
- Two-stage process: rebuttal window November 2026, interview 3 February 2027 (physical attendance required in Utrecht)
- Final decision: end of March 2027; project duration 4-5 years

## Tips for applicants

- Pre-proposal is gating: without a positive decision, you cannot submit a full proposal. Recheck your pre-proposal decision status before 15 September.
- Consortium composition matters for scoring, clarify each partner's distinct contribution in the full proposal; ZonMw values genuine intellectual collaboration, not co-signed tokenism.
- The interview is in-person and mandatory in Utrecht; prepare the lead speaker to defend feasibility and risk mitigation to a panel with both fundamental and clinical expertise.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget limit for ZonMw Open Competition grants?

Up to €800,000 over four to five years; an optional investment module adds €100,000-€250,000 (maximum total €1,050,000).

### Do I need a positive pre-proposal decision to submit a full proposal?

Yes. Only teams with a positive pre-proposal decision can proceed to the full proposal stage on 15 September 2026.

### Is consortium participation mandatory?

Yes, the call requires collaborative team science across multiple research groups; solo or two-institution applications do not meet the eligibility criteria.

### Is the interview mandatory for ZonMw Open Competition?

Yes, shortlisted proposals go to interview on 3 February 2027, and physical attendance in Utrecht is required.

### Can I apply for the optional investment module without the base grant?

No, the investment module is available only on top of the base grant, for a maximum combined total of €1,050,000.

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

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