MIT feasibility grant 2021

The feasibility project is one of the instruments of the SME innovation stimulation Region and Top Sectors (MIT). In addition to the MIT feasibility subsidy, you can also apply for a subsidy for MIT collaboration projects.

Which projects are eligible for subsidy?

Grants are provided to SMEs to carry out an MIT feasibility project. An MIT feasibility project consists of a feasibility study or possibly a combination between a feasibility study, industrial research and/or experimental development. Note that at least 60% of the costs of the MIT feasibility project consists of a feasibility study.

MIT Feasibility study

A feasibility study mainly consists of desk research. Building a prototype therefore does not fall under the eligible costs of an MIT Feasibility Study. When you combine a Feasibility Study with experimental research, the development of a prototype is eligible. In an MIT Feasibility Study you can think of:

• Literature review
• Patent investigation
• Inventory of available technologies and potential partners
• Market exploration
• Competition analysis

Experimental development

Do you want to develop new services, products or processes or improve existing ones? In contrast to a feasibility study, the development of a (commercially useful) prototype in experimental development is eligible for subsidy.

Industrial research

This is about acquiring new knowledge and skills through research, with which products, processes or services can be improved or developed.

How much is the subsidy?

The subsidy amounts to 40% of the eligible costs, up to a maximum amount of € 20,000 per feasibility project.

MIT mission-driven policy

Would you like to apply for the MIT Feasibility subsidy in 2021? The project must be in line with the mission-driven top sector policy. In addition to the Top Sectors, this policy also focuses on key technologies, social challenges and social earning capacity. These are expressed in 4 themes which are divided into 25 missions. Within the missions, the Top Sectors have jointly drawn up Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs) and key technologies. You can submit an application via the regional counter. This must link up with one or more missions and associated KIAs. Provinces have adapted their economic policies to these missions and drawn up new Regional Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization (RIS3). The KIAs are the same for every province from now on.

Conditions of MIT feasibility of the subsidy

Do you meet the conditions to be eligible for a MIT grant? Below are a number of criteria:

• The project must be in line with the missions, KIAs and key technologies of the Mission-driven Top Sectors and Innovation Policy
• The hours and costs of the applicant are eligible (including hiring an external consultant)
• The duration of the feasibility project is a maximum of 1 year
• You will start implementing the project within 4 months of submitting the grant application
• The accountability for the performance delivered is available

Deadline MIT feasibility grant

Grants for MIT feasibility projects could be applied for again from April 20, 2021. The first come, first serve principle applies to this arrangement. This means that applications are assessed on the basis of receipt, until the budget is exhausted. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that the subsidy is applied for in good time. Please contact one of our experienced consultants about this.

Example

Company X wants to develop an innovative tool through an R&D project. This is a risky project, which is why the company decides to research the technical, economic and feasibility of this tool first. For example, the developers of the company design a quick-and-dirty prototype and perform tests on it. A marketing agency is engaged to research the target market. In addition, they have a lawyer investigate whether a patent can be applied for. The costs incurred by the organization with this are subsidised by 40%. This includes the hourly wages of employees, hiring an expert and costs for the development of a prototype. Due to these savings of up to € 20,000 euros, the company decides to investigate the R&D process.

MIT R&D collaboration projects

The MIT R&D collaborative project is another instrument of the MIT scheme. This grant is intended for a partnership of at least two SMEs.