NWO

Open Technology Programme

Up to €950k (up to €1,050k for projects with investment character)| Deadline: 11 December 2026 (in 54 days)|Up to 6 years

OTP 2026 round closed 4 July 2026; next call expected to open 11 January 2027

Last seen in a scan/import: 18 Oct 2026.

Catalog updated: 18 Oct 2026.

These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.

Closes 11 Dec 2026. Add it to your calendar, then see what else you're eligible for. Check my fit for this call →

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.

Details

Funder	NWO
Budget	Up to €950k (up to €1,050k for projects with investment character)
Deadline	11 December 2026
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

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.

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.

nwotechnology-researchnetherlandstenured-facultyconsortium-requiredindustry-partnershipannual-calltranslational-research

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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.