The “Valorisation Capacity for SMEs” scheme forms part of the European innovation programme for the southern Netherlands (OPZuid). It has been observed that much of the knowledge generated is not brought to market due to various barriers. OP Zuid is therefore committed to the commercialisation of this knowledge.
What is ‘value creation capacity’ for SMEs?
The term ‘commercialisation capacity’ refers to the process of transforming existing and new knowledge and expertise into new products, processes or services. This scheme therefore enables companies to bring products, processes or services to market more quickly.
Who is the ‘Valorisation Capacity for SMEs’ programme aimed at?
OPZuid focuses on the provinces of Zeeland, North Brabant and Limburg. The project must therefore be carried out in one of these regions. Applications for the grant may be submitted by an individual SME or by consortia comprising one or more businesses, either amongst themselves or in partnership with one or more research institutions. A consortium must include at least one SME.
For what sort of projects can you apply for this scheme?
- This is a project that consists largely of experimental development (the development of new or improved products, processes or services).
- The project contributes to one or more societal challenges set out in the Regional Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisations:
- health, demography and well-being;
- food security, sustainable agriculture, marine and maritime research, and the bioeconomy;
- reliable, clean and efficient energy;
- smart, green and integrated transport;
- climate action, resource efficiency;
- inclusive, innovative and safe societies;
- safe societies.
- The project is a crossover between:
- two leading international clusters, namely: 1. High-Tech Systems & Materials; 2. Chemistry & Materials; 3. Agri-food and Horticulture & Raw Materials; or
- one or more leading international clusters and one or more leading national clusters, namely: 1. Logistics; 2. Life Sciences & Health; 3. Biobased; 4. Maintenance.
How much is the grant?
The grant for individual projects amounts to 25% of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of €250,000. There is no lower limit for individual projects. The grant for collaborative projects amounts to 35% of the eligible costs. The minimum grant amount for R&D collaborative projects is €350,000 (project costs must therefore be at least €1,000,000). The maximum grant that can be applied for in the case of collaborative projects is €750,000.
When can an application be made under this scheme?
Applications may be submitted between 15 May and 23 June 2017. A tender system is used, whereby projects are compared against one another on the basis of the OPZuid criteria. A key criterion here is the business case and the ability to successfully launch the product, process or service onto the market.
This article was produced in collaboration with Major Q. Major Q is a specialist in grant acquisition. You can find more information about Major Q here.
