New R&D scheme for high-tech companies

About the program 

The scheme is part of the Einstein Telescope valorization program. Regional development company (ROM) LIOF is leading the national effort, also on behalf of the Ministries of EZK (economy) and OCW (including science) and Nikhef. With three service points at the ROMs in Brabant (BOM), South Holland (InnovationQuarter) and East Netherlands (Oost NL), a national connection is sought with high-tech ecosystems around the technical universities and consortia are built together with industry and knowledge institutions.  

Frameworks R&D Scheme 

The scheme will be open to individual companies and partnerships around five technology domains relevant to the Einstein Telescope. These domains are: 

• vibration-free cooling 
• vacuum technology 
• vibration damping 
• optics 
• thermal deformations. 

Consortia can include startups and SMEs, large companies (corporates) and knowledge institutions. By collaborating with these diverse parties, the scheme hopes to promote cooperation between different players in the innovation ecosystem and accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies. This includes looking at applications and uses in other areas and sectors.

Education, Culture and Science Minister Dijkgraaf said, "The arrival of the Einstein Telescope will provide scientific breakthroughs in how the world looks at the universe. Building an underground advanced observatory for gravitational waves also requires new technological breakthroughs. This scheme helps ensure that companies can work with research institutions and universities to develop and accelerate the necessary technology and innovation. Moreover, it helps position the Netherlands even more as an international hub for technological progress."
 
 
Program Manager Jorg van der Meij (LIOF): "The fact that there will now be an extra incentive specifically for high-tech companies is a very good addition to some extremely successful cross-border programs that have already supported companies in the development of innovative techniques for the Einstein Telescope. With the team, we think we can reach and facilitate interested companies very well."

Timing 

The scheme timeline: general information will become available in July 2023, followed by the expected opening of the first call (call) in the fall of 2023. Interested parties are encouraged to keep an eye on the announcements and guidelines for further details. They can also contact a business developer in various regions. More info can be found here.  

About the Einstein Telescope 

The Einstein Telescope will be an advanced underground observatory for gravitational waves. The border region of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany is an ideal location for this. This is because of its tranquility, stable soil, and strong ecosystem of knowledge institutions and high-tech companies. In 2025 or 2026 it will be known where this top facility will come. 

 
About the National Growth Fund 

With the National Growth Fund, the government is investing €20 billion between 2021 and 2025 in projects that will ensure long-term economic growth. These are targeted investments in two areas where there are the most opportunities for structural and sustainable economic growth. These are Knowledge Development and Research, Development and Innovation. The underlying idea is that economic growth also generates more income. This allows for continued investment in healthcare, education and the necessary measures to combat climate change.