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Accelerate your innovation with the SME Innovation Voucher

For many startups and scale-ups, the step from laboratory research to commercially viable products is a critical but challenging phase. Scaling often requires access to advanced pilot, demo or test facilities, specialised equipment and technical expertise; resources that are typically costly and difficult to access independently.

The SME Innovation Voucher programme is designed to remove these barriers. By offering financial support for the use of shared facilities, the programme enables innovative food and agrifood companies to accelerate development and reduce risks. This helps them take important steps towards commercialisation across protein transition, food and health, circular agrifood and regenerative agriculture.

This subsidy was made possible by the Regiodeal Foodvalley.

Application form

Why apply for an SME Innovation Voucher?

  • Access to advanced facilities: Use pilot, demo, and testing infrastructure that would otherwise be financially out of reach
  • Faster R&D and scaling: Shorten development timelines by moving quickly from lab results to pilot- or demo-scale validation
  • Reduced financial risk: Test, optimise, and upscale processes without bearing the full cost and risk of scaling alone
  • Specialised expertise on demand: Work with experienced engineers, scientists, and process specialists linked to the facilities
  • Better market readiness: Validate technologies, ingredients or processes under realistic conditions, increasing readiness for customers, partners, and investors

Curious about the impact of the SME Innovation Voucher in practice? Read our latest Impact Report to see how companies have used the programme to accelerate innovation and scale-up.

Application conditions

The subsidy provides SMEs with a unique opportunity to access the facilities they need to develop (TRL 4-6) and demonstrate (TRL 7-8) innovative products.

The subsidy covers:

  • Max. 50% of eligible costs
  • Minimum subsidy amount of €10,000
  • Maximum subsidy amount of €50,000
  • Required co-financing from the applicant:
    • 50% of the total eligible project costs
    • Maximum in-kind contribution of 12.5% of total eligible project costs
  • Support for phased innovation or scaling trajectories through multiple vouchers, with a maximum of €100,000 per SME and up to four applications

The SME Innovation Voucher is intended to subsidise expenses related to the use of a research or production facility, including the facility’s expertise, staff, and operating expenses necessary for the execution of the proposed project.

Vouchers will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The application will be open until June 2029 or until the subsidy’s budget has been exhausted. The SME Innovation Voucher will be issued under the AGVV-art. 25 clearances or – if not eligible – under the de miminis.

Read all conditions in the application form.

Application form

What companies gain in practice

  • Accelerated progression from proof of concept to near-market application
  • Improved product performance, quality or consistency through advanced testing
  • Clearer insights into scalability, costs and technical feasibility
  • Increased confidence when engaging customers, investors or strategic partners
  • Long-term value beyond a single project, as knowledge and learnings remain applicable as the company grows

A catalyst for sustainable growth

The SME Innovation Voucher is more than a one-off subsidy. It functions as a catalyst helping startups and scale-ups professionalise their R&D, strengthen their technological foundation, and accelerate time-to-market. At the same time, participation in shared facilities connects companies to a broader innovation ecosystem, opening doors to future collaborations and opportunities. In many cases, this enables companies to make better-informed decisions earlier, preventing costly missteps later in the scaling process.

Take the next step

Applying for an SME Innovation Voucher gives your company practical access to the facilities and expertise needed to turn innovation into impact. It enables you to move faster, smarter, and with greater confidence towards market readiness, without having to build everything from scratch.

Complete the application form and send it to facilities@foodvalley.nl. After receiving your application, we will contact you about the details.

Application form

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