April 1, 2025 3 minutes reading time

Second call aimed at developing high-tech equipment open for applications

It is essential that the Netherlands remains an international leader in the field of high-tech equipment. To stimulate the development of the new generation of hightech equipment, NXTGEN Hightech and NWO are launching the call ‘Strengthening the knowledge position of the Dutch hightech equipment sector’. Research proposals can be submitted from now until 11 September 2025. This is the second call within the NXTGEN Hightech National Growth Fund programme.

About the call for proposals

The Netherlands is one of the world leaders in hightech equipment. This equipment is important for the production of semiconductors and medical instruments, for example, and has a substantial impact on the Dutch economy. With this call, NXTGEN Hightech and NWO are funding consortia that are collaborating on research into the next generation of high-tech equipment. The call offers not only established parties, but also new companies and knowledge institutions the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research.

Application domains and key technologies

Specifically, the programme aims to develop, utilise and apply new knowledge within six promising application domains. These application domains are:

  1. Laser satellite communication

  2. Energy conversion and storage

  3. Biomedical production technology

  4. Semicon equipment for heterogeneous integration

  5. Flexible microfactories for composites

  6. Hands-free agrifood

Five key technologies and two system technologies have been prioritised within this call. The technologies have a broad scope and form the scientific basis for addressing the crucial knowledge questions from the aforementioned application domains. 

The key technologies:

The system technologies:

Deadlines and budgets

The deadline for submitting proposals is Thursday 11 September 2025, before 14:00:00 CEST. A minimum of €1,000,000.00 and a maximum of €4,000,000.00 in grants can be applied for per project. The maximum duration of the proposed project is 5 years.

Matchmaking

To support the formation of consortia, NXTGEN Hightech and NWO are organising a public matchmaking event. This event allows those interested in this call to connect with each other, exchange research ideas and make new connections. The matchmaking event will take place on 14 May at the NWO office in Utrecht.