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 2026 funding round will open in the first half of April, 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.

2025 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 2026 funding round

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. This new call encourages businesses, particularly SMEs, and research organisations to jointly invest in R&D, with the aim of developing sustainable, innovative products and services within the ICT sector and related industries. These PPS-i funds are intended for both existing and new consortia, led by an SME.

Deadlines

Initial proposals must be submitted by 28 May 2026 at 15:00 CET. The final application must be submitted by Tuesday, 27 October 2026, no later than 15:00. Supporting activities, including an online webinar and matchmaking event, will be organised to help applicants form strong partnerships and prepare competitive proposals.

Matchmaking event

Want to learn more and connect with potential partners? Join the matchmaking event in The Hague (7 May) or attend the webinar (12 May 2026). Click here to register for the matchmaking event on 7 May.

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