NWO

Take-off Phase 1 – Feasibility Studies WO 2026

Up to €60,000| Deadline: 10 December 2026 (134 days)|Maximum 6 months

14:00 CET; continuous submission until deadline or until maximum number of applications (5 batches × 40 = 200) is reached

Last verified: 18 June 2026

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NWO Take-off Phase 1 funds feasibility studies exploring the commercial potential of innovative knowledge at Dutch research institutions, with grants up to €60,000 over a maximum of six months. The call is open to researchers across all scientific fields at universities, university medical centers, KNAW/NWO institutes, and selected research centers. Applications are reviewed in batches throughout 2026, with 15 projects funded per batch of 40.

Details

Funder	NWO
Budget	Up to €60,000
Deadline	10 December 2026
Duration	Maximum 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

Eligibility & scope

Open to researchers at Dutch universities, university medical centers, 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. Submitted via ISAAC. All scientific fields eligible.

Who Should Apply

•Researchers at eligible Dutch institutions (universities, UMCs, KNAW/NWO institutes, and select research centers)
•Early-stage researchers with innovative knowledge of potential commercial value
•Projects targeting proof-of-concept or market validation, not full product development
•Applicants with interest in technology transfer and industry engagement

Key Dates

•Deadline 10 December 2026, 14:00 CET; continuous submission until deadline or 200 applications received (whichever comes first)
•Single-stage review; applications assessed in rolling batches of 40 (15 funded per batch)
•Maximum 6-month project duration

Tips for Applicants

✓This is a batch-review call with a hard cap of 200 applications across the year, submit early to avoid reaching the ceiling.
✓Focus on feasibility and de-risking over technical depth; Phase 1 funds exploration of commercial path, not comprehensive R&D.
✓Clarify the specific commercial application and potential user/market; vague 'innovation' claims do not score well in this scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I request in NWO Take-off Phase 1?

Up to €60,000 per project for a feasibility study of up to six months.

Who is eligible for NWO Take-off Phase 1?

Researchers at Dutch universities, university medical centers, KNAW/NWO institutes, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (Nijmegen), NCB Naturalis, ARCNL, and Princess Máxima Center.

How competitive is the NWO Take-off Phase 1 deadline?

Applications are assessed in rolling batches of 40, with 15 funded per batch; the call closes on 10 December 2026 or when 200 applications are reached, whichever comes first.

Can I apply to Take-off Phase 1 if I'm not in a technology-transfer office?

Yes, the call is open to researchers across all scientific fields; you do not need prior industry experience or formal tech-transfer affiliation.

nwotake-offfeasibility-studynetherlandscommercializationinnovation-transferall-fields

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