Agrifood SME Innovation Voucher unveiled

Many promising agrifood startups and scale-ups struggle to make a significant impact due to limited opportunities for real-world application and upscaling. With this voucher, the two parties aim to propel SMEs towards success and drive transformative change within the industry. The scheme will help accelerate the commercial introduction of breakthrough innovations in the agriculture, food, and health sectors.

“The scaling up of agrifood innovations is paramount to driving innovation and sustainability in our industry. This voucher scheme represents a unique opportunity for SMEs to overcome the hurdles that have hindered their growth. By providing access to pilot facilities and invaluable support, we empower these businesses to bring their game-changing solutions to the forefront. Now is the time for collaboration, innovation, and accelerated progress in the agrifood sector.” – Emmanuel Anom, Shared Facilities Lead at Foodvalley NL.

This subsidy aligns seamlessly with the broader mission of Foodvalley, which aims to foster innovative, sustainable food production via a systematic approach. It seeks to strengthen SMEs and ensure a thriving agrifood economy, underlining Regio Deal Foodvalley’s unwavering commitment to fueling innovation both within the Netherlands and internationally.

Application details

Targeting SMEs that are operating at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-8, the initiative facilitates access to scientific talent, capacity, and necessary facilities to develop (TRL 4-6) and demonstrate (TRL 7-8) innovative products. The SME Innovation Voucher offers up to 50% co-financing, with funding allocations ranging from €10,000 to €50,000 for each eligible project. The total budget for this subsidy amounts to an impressive €950,000.

To qualify for this subsidy, applicants must be incorporated and registered to conduct business in the Netherlands or EU, qualify as an SME, and have at least 12 months of operating history.

SMEs can apply from July 1, 2023, with Food Valley NL accepting applications until June 30, 2026. The approval process takes approximately 6-8 weeks from the submission date.

Interested SMEs can submit their completed forms by mail to ATTN: SUBSIDY INNOVATION FOR SME, Bronland 10F, 6708 WH, Wageningen, The Netherlands, or electronically to facilities@foodvalley.nl.

Project proposals are expected to exhibit a robust business case and demonstrate strong market potential and commercial and financial feasibility. They must also show the capacity to generate a lasting competitive advantage. They must also demonstrate potential for economic impact in the provinces of Gelderland and Utrecht. Importantly, alignment with at least one of the following Foodvalley NL innovation areas is required: Circular Agrifood, Food & Health, and Protein Transition.

Application form and Eligibility Requirements

SME Innovation Voucher Procedure and Guidelines

For more details, please contact Emmanuel Anom, Lead Shared Facilities Foodvalley NL, at emmanuel.anom@foodvalley.nl.

More about Foodvalley NL can be found on their website.