The MIT scheme is intended for SMEs working on innovative products, processes, or services that align with national innovation priorities, as defined in the Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs), covering the following themes:
The scheme offers two types of support: a feasibility study and an R&D collaboration project.
With a feasibility study, an individual SME can assess the technical and economic feasibility of an innovation. Small-scale industrial research and development activities may form part of this.
In an R&D collaboration project, at least two independent SMEs jointly develop a new technical solution. Each partner must contribute substantially and in a balanced way to the project.
For feasibility studies, the grant amounts to 35% of the eligible costs, with a maximum of € 20.000 per project. This type of project is assessed on a first come, first served basis, meaning applications are evaluated in order of submission until the available budget is exhausted.
For R&D collaboration projects, the grant also covers 35% of the eligible costs, with a maximum of € 350.000 per project. These projects are assessed through a tender procedure, where applications are ranked based on quality and only the highest-scoring projects receive funding.
Eligible costs include, among others, internal labour hours, external hiring, and—specifically for R&D projects—development costs directly related to the innovation project.
The MIT scheme aims to accelerate innovation within SMEs and reduce technical and economic risks in an early stage of development.
A feasibility study focuses on gaining substantiated insight: is the proposed innovation technically feasible and economically viable? It represents a preparatory phase in which key uncertainties are systematically assessed.
An R&D collaboration project goes a step further and focuses on the actual development of a new technical solution. It must involve demonstrable technical innovation and a substantively complementary collaboration between the participating SMEs.
A strong MIT application combines technical innovation with a convincing demonstration of economic potential and a clear contribution to the relevant Knowledge and Innovation Agenda.
Would you like to know whether your project fits within the MIT scheme and how best to position it within the call? Feel free to contact us so we can explore the possibilities together.