€13.8 Million Made Available For Startups From Research Institutions

The Ministry of Defence aims to encourage research institutions to bring their dual-use knowledge to market, ultimately benefiting the armed forces as well. A total of €13.8 million has been made available to support the creation of dual-use startups. These startups will focus on high-tech developments with both military and civilian applications. Consortia of knowledge institutions can submit their applications for a TTT programme until 15 April 2026.

The new startups must align with one of the five defence themes: smart materials, space technology, quantum technology, intelligent systems, and sensors. Within the programme, multiple knowledge institutions will collaborate. By leveraging each other’s expertise, they will be able to accelerate the route from innovation to market.

From knowledge to practice

The funding falls under the existing Thematic Technology Transfer (TTT) scheme, which is designed to translate research knowledge into practical solutions more quickly. Through the programme, innovation vouchers will be awarded to early-stage entrepreneurs, for example to further develop their innovation into a market-ready product. In addition, the new companies will receive guidance and support in entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, a fund will be established in collaboration with private investment firms, from which startups can receive an initial investment. This seed capital will enable them to continue developing their technology and scale their businesses. Consortia of knowledge institutions can submit their applications for a TTT programme until 15 April 2026.

The two pillars of the TTT scheme

Pillar 1: Joining forces for knowledge transfer

The objective of Pillar 1 is to encourage research organisations to join forces in a thematic approach to knowledge transfer. Research organisations that collaborate within the selected knowledge transfer theme may apply for funding to implement a knowledge transfer plan. To carry out a knowledge transfer plan, research organisations must form a partnership, referred to as a TTT consortium. For clarity: universities of applied sciences that qualify as ‘research organisations’ are also eligible to participate in a TTT consortium.

Funding granted to a TTT consortium for activities arising from the knowledge transfer plan may also be used by research organisations that are not part of the consortium. This applies exclusively to the use of funds for activities that form part of the approved knowledge transfer plan. Resources or vouchers from Pillar 1 may also be used to access research facilities.

Pillar 2: Risk financing for start-ups

The objective of Pillar 2 is to increase the availability of risk financing for knowledge-based start-ups operating within the theme of Pillar 1. This will be achieved by providing a loan to a thematic technology transfer fund (hereafter: TTT fund) composed of independent private investors. These funds invest in knowledge-based start-ups at the earliest stages of development.

More information

The TTT Defence tender is a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). More information about the scheme and its conditions can be found via RVO.

Source: Ministerie van Defensie