Innovation Credit
Innovatiekrediet
Up to 45% of project costs for small firms (35% medium, 25% large; SMEs 50% with collaboration); max EUR 10M technical / EUR 5M clinical; at least 55% from other financing. 3% fixed compound interest plus a one-off 15% (technical) / 25% (clinical) surcharge; repaid after the project from commercial results. Provided by RVO.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to 45% of project costs for small firms (35% medium, 25% large; SMEs 50% with collaboration); max EUR 10M technical / EUR 5M clinical; at least 55% from other financing. 3% fixed compound interest plus a one-off 15% (technical) / 25% (clinical) surcharge; repaid after the project from commercial results
- Duration
- Project-based (market-ready within 5 years)
- Type
- Loan
- Who receives it
- Company
- Equity
- Conditional
- Repayable
- Yes
- Stages
- Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- Yes
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- NL, EN
- Location
- Dutch company
Who can apply
- Innovative project with high technical/clinical risk
- Market-ready within 5 years
- Other financing for at least 55%
- Financing of project and company fully secured for the whole project before the credit is granted
- SMEs and large companies; free Quick Scan recommended
What usually blocks applicants
- Too early or too small to raise 55% co-financing
- Risk not technical enough
- Co-financing not yet backed by term sheets or letters of intent
What the official documents say
- Application = 1-page summary, business plan, project plan and financing plan (p. 4)
- Project budget must use RVO's mandatory Excel format (p. 17)
- Credit granted only when the rest of the financing is fully secured; show term sheets or letters of intent (p. 18)
- Uncertain sales revenue counted as financing requires a shareholder guarantee (p. 18)
- Repayment normally starts within 6 months after the project; one-off surcharge 15% technical / 25% clinical (p. 20)
- No interest, loan repayments or dividends to shareholders until the credit is fully repaid (p. 20)
Deadline and timing
Next deadline: 31 December 2026
Opens: 1 January 2026
Open 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2026; EUR 50M total budget. 2027 round not yet announced.
Frequently asked
How much does Innovation Credit pay?
Up to 45% of project costs for small firms (35% medium, 25% large; SMEs 50% with collaboration); max EUR 10M technical / EUR 5M clinical; at least 55% from other financing. 3% fixed compound interest plus a one-off 15% (technical) / 25% (clinical) surcharge; repaid after the project from commercial results
Who can apply for Innovation Credit?
Innovative project with high technical/clinical risk Market-ready within 5 years Other financing for at least 55% Financing of project and company fully secured for the whole project before the credit is granted SMEs and large companies; free Quick Scan recommended
When is the Innovation Credit deadline?
Open 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2026; EUR 50M total budget. 2027 round not yet announced.
Where do I apply for Innovation Credit?
On the official page: https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/innovatiekrediet. Applications are accepted in NL, EN.
Do I have to pay back Innovation Credit or give up equity?
Yes, it is repayable. Equity terms depend on the case; check the official conditions.
Can solo founders apply for Innovation Credit?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Netherlands
- WBSO R&D tax credit (self-employed / starter)Self-employed 2026: S&O deduction EUR 15,979 from taxable profit, plus starter extra EUR 7,996 (2027 amounts to be published end of 2026). Employers: payroll-tax reduction 36% of first EUR 391,020 (50% for starters), 16% above; same rates announced for 2027, hourly forfait rises from EUR 29 to EUR 33
- Early Phase Financing (VFF) - RVOInterest-bearing loan EUR 50,000-450,000: innovative starters up to EUR 450,000 (100% of costs), small SMEs up to EUR 202,500 (45%), medium SMEs up to EUR 157,500 (35%); interest 7.71% from 1 Sep 2026; repayment starts after 3-5 years
- MIT R&D Collaboration Projects35% of eligible costs; small projects EUR 50,000-200,000, large projects EUR 200,000-350,000 per project (EUR 25,000-175,000 per participant)
- Rabobank Start and Development Contribution (Noord-Holland Noord)EUR 2,500-10,000 non-repayable contribution; most awards EUR 2,500-5,000, above EUR 5,000 only with clear scale-up potential
- Rabo Innovation LoanEUR 25,000-200,000 as two equal subordinated loans; 10% fixed interest, 7-year term, no collateral or arrangement fee
- Dutch Start-up Residence PermitNot funding: 1-year permit, application fee EUR 423 (2026)