EU Dual-Use Funding for Dutch Companies: The Complete Guide

The Netherlands punches well above its weight in EU funding. Dutch companies have among the highest success rates in Horizon Europe, and the country's deep-tech ecosystem in photonics, semiconductors, AI, and maritime is world-class. Here is the full dual-use funding landscape for Dutch companies.

EU programmes

Programme	Funding	Dutch NCP / Contact
European Defence Fund	Up to €5M (100%)	Ministerie van Defensie
Horizon Europe	€500K to €4M (70-100%)	RVO NCP network
EIC Accelerator	€2.5M grant	RVO NCP EIC
Digital Europe	50-75%	RVO
EU Chips Act	Various	EZK

Dutch national programmes

RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland): the main gateway for Dutch companies to EU funding. Provides guidance, matchmaking, and pre-screening for EU proposals. Runs the national NCP network.

Ministry of Defence Innovation: runs innovation challenges, connects startups with operational end-users, and supports Dutch participation in EDF consortia.

TNO: the Netherlands' applied research organisation. Frequently partners with SMEs in EU-funded projects. Strong in cybersecurity, autonomous systems, sensors, and communications. Having TNO as a consortium partner strengthens any Dutch proposal.

DSTI (Defence, Safety and Security Top Consortium): industry-government partnership that coordinates Dutch defence innovation priorities and connects SMEs to funding opportunities.

Dutch strengths in dual-use

• Eindhoven: semiconductors (ASML ecosystem), photonics, AI
• Delft: quantum technology, aerospace, autonomous systems
• The Hague: cybersecurity, security technology
• Enschede: photonics (MESA+ Institute), sensors
• Rotterdam: maritime, port technology, logistics

How to start

Contact RVO for general EU funding guidance. For EDF specifically, reach out to the Ministry of Defence innovation team. Consider TNO as a research partner to strengthen your consortium. Check eligibility across all programmes.