Digital Holland Awards Nearly €5 million to SME Innovation Projects and Announces New Funding Call

Digital Holland has awarded over €4.8 million to 11 digital innovation projects through its 2025 SME call, aimed at stimulating public-private partnerships in the Netherlands. The funding is provided via the PPS Innovation Scheme, which supports collaboration between businesses and research institutions in the field of ICT and cybersecurity innovation. The new funding round will open in the first half of April 2026, with a deadline for preliminary proposals set for 28 May 2026 at 15:00.

The initiative, previously known under Topsector ICT, encourages SMEs to invest jointly in research and development (R&D) alongside knowledge institutions. With a total budget of €4 million available for SME-led consortia, the scheme focuses on developing, sharing and applying high-quality knowledge to strengthen the Dutch digital innovation ecosystem.

Awarded projects

Among the 11 selected projects of the 2025 SME call are among others:

• DEEPTRUST: A consortium of DuckDuckGoose, HSD partner Leiden University of Applied Sciences, and Stichting Verzekeringsbureau Voertuigcriminaliteit
• BASTION: A consortium of Eaglescience, and HSD partners TNO and Leiden University
• AAPIE – AI-driven Anti-Phishing Intelligence Engine: A consortium of HSD partners CFLW Cyber Strategies BV and Delft University of Technology.

New funding round in 2026

Alongside the announcement of the 2025 results, Digital Holland has confirmed that a new SME call will open in the first half of April 2026, with at least €4 million available for new R&D consortia. SMEs with innovative ideas aligned with the national action agendas for AI/Data and Cybersecurity Technologies are encouraged to apply. Initial proposals must be submitted by 28 May 2026 at 15:00 CET.

Supporting activities, including an online webinar and matchmaking event, will be organised to help applicants form strong partnerships and prepare competitive proposals.

With these initiatives, Digital Holland continues to play a key role in accelerating digital innovation, fostering collaboration and strengthening the Netherlands’ position as a leading hub for cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

Source: Digital Holland

Photo: Istock.com/peshkov