Once again the Topsector Energie will make available a subsidy for the hiring of an ‘innovation broker’ by SMEs. The compensation for hiring an innovation broker will be 80% of the costs incurred, up to a maximum of 10,000 euros (incl. VAT) per SME.
Entrepreneurs active in the field of TKI Urban Energy, TKI New Gas, TKI Energy & Industry and TKI Wind op Zee - being part of the Topsector Energie – can make use of this scheme.
“Start-ups and SME entrepreneurs are often leaders in innovation. They regularly face many challenges, like hiring external expertise in certain areas because they have limited financial resources”, says Martin Weissmann, of the Financing Desk (FinancieringsLoket), "The Innovation Brokers subsidy scheme is therefore welcome to accommodate innovative companies active in the energy transition."
An innovation broker can assist SME-entrepreneurs in, among other things: developing a business plan, patent advice, attracting investors, deal closing around financing or setting up consortia with other companies and / or knowledge institutions*.
Applications for the subsidy can be submitted to the Topsector Energie from 25 January 2021. The activities of the innovation broker can start from 1 February 2021, after approval of the application by the Topsector Energie. Subsidy awarding takes place via the "first come, first served" principle. In the event of oversubscription of the scheme (on one and the same day), the allocation will take place through drawing lots.
For specific questions please contact Martin Weissmann.
Or you can find more information here.
* Excluded of the subsidy is hiring of an innovation broker for the specific purpose of having a subsidy application drawn up. Out of pocket costs, such as patent filing costs, travel costs etc. are also excluded.