Innovation Vouchers: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how small and medium-sized agricultural businesses in the Netherlands can use Innovation Vouchers to fund external expertise for new projects.
Innovation Vouchers are a financial tool designed to help businesses bridge the gap between a new idea and a practical solution by bringing in outside knowledge.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically intended for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that operate within the agricultural sector. It is built for businesses that need to navigate complex challenges—such as implementing new technologies or meeting changing environmental standards—but may lack the specialized in-house expertise to do so alone. If your business falls under the SME classification and works in agriculture, you may be eligible to apply.
What you get
The primary benefit of this scheme is financial support for hiring external expertise. Instead of trying to solve a complex technical or innovative problem with your current staff, the voucher provides the funds necessary to contract specialists. This external support can help you conduct research, test new agricultural methods, or implement high-tech farming solutions that require knowledge beyond your immediate team's capabilities.
What it costs you
While the voucher provides a significant portion of the funding needed for your innovation project, it is not entirely free. You will be required to provide a small amount of co-financing. This means your business must be prepared to cover a portion of the costs out of its own pocket to complement the support provided by the scheme.
The catch to know
The most important thing to keep in mind is that these vouchers are issued in limited quantities. Because demand for specialized agricultural knowledge is high, the available funds are often claimed very quickly. If you wait too long to organize your project or your external partner, you may find that the current round of funding has already been exhausted.
How to apply
- Confirm that your business meets the specific SME definitions used for the agricultural sector.
- Identify the specific external expert or specialized knowledge provider you intend to hire for your project.
- Outline the specific innovation goal you hope to achieve through this external expertise.
- Monitor the official RVO resources to ensure you apply during an active period and before the limited supply is gone.