Do you have an innovative idea for the future of your company and for a more beautiful and stronger Northern Netherlands? Then it may be wise to first assess the feasibility of your idea. With the SME Feasibility Voucher subsidy (Mkb haalbaarheidsvoucher) from the ERDF program (European Regional Development Fund) for entrepreneurs in Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland, this is possible. The Northern Netherlands Cooperation Partnership (SNN) administers this subsidy. You can still submit your application until November 30, 2024, through SNN. So, seize your opportunity!
The SME Feasibility Voucher, with a budget of €2 million, is launched under the ERDF program 2021-2027. Within the ERDF program, the provinces of Drenthe, Fryslân, Groningen, and the Economic Board Northern Netherlands collaborate to strengthen and further develop the regional economy in the North.
Feasibility research to innovate furtherWith a feasibility study, an entrepreneur assesses whether their innovative idea is economically and/or technically feasible. Determining the right research questions and approach is not so straightforward. IkBenDrentsOndernemer (Drenthe), GroBusiness (Groningen), and Ynbusiness (Fryslan) can assist with that. Subsequently, the research is conducted with the help of a testbed in the Northern Netherlands. Based on this, an entrepreneur receives answers (and knowledge) to make a decision to proceed (or not) with the development of their idea or innovation.
Testing grounds have valuable knowledge, skills, and facilities available to help Northern Dutch entrepreneurs with innovation. The SME Feasibility Voucher supports innovative entrepreneurs and their collaboration with a testbed. And if an entrepreneur continues with the development of their idea, IkBenDrentsOndernemer, GroBusiness, or Ynbusiness is happy to assist further in the next development phase.
Through the LIFE Cooperative and Campus Groningen, you have access to various testing grounds, such as the laboratories of Innolab AgriFood (in Engineering or Chemistry), the facilities of ZAP for the bio-based economy, or the projects of the LIFE Cooperative focused on the development of Medical devices (AccelMed North), diagnostics (Open Diagnostics), or pharmaceuticals. Take advantage of this and qualify for this voucher! If you would like assistance or information from Campus Groningen on this matter, please contact Daan van Oldeniel, business developer at the LIFE Cooperative (d.van.oldeniel@triade.umcg.nl), or Sven Stielstra, business developer at the LIFE Cooperative (s.stielstra@triade.umcg.nl)
Starting from December 1, SMEs can submit their applications to SNN. When determining the right research questions and approach, it is advisable to consult with IkBenDrentsOndernemer, GroBusiness, or Ynbusiness. More information about the application process, the implementation regulations, and the conditions can be found on the SNN website: www.snn.nl/mkbhaalbaarheidsvoucher
Entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises located and active in Drenthe, Friesland, or Groningen.
Labor costs of employees and own hours
Engaging an (independent) testbed facility
Material costs exclusively necessary for the feasibility project
Rental costs of equipment and machinery
Engaging an independent advisory organization
Source article and image: snn.nl
In the North, and in Groningen in particular, there are dozens of companies working on innovations in the fields of life sciences and health. There are many hidden gems among them, says Ronald Hesse, director of the LIFE Cooperative partnership. “Millions of patients worldwide have already benefited from innovations developed here in Groningen,” he says.
Researchers at the UMCG and their spin-off CC Diagnostics, located on Campus Groningen, have developed a new test that could make cervical cancer screening more efficient and user-friendly.
A full house, sharp discussions, and an afternoon in which science and industry visibly strengthened one another. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon demonstrated that Groningen is not only a strong geographical spot, but also a substantive force within the Dutch life sciences landscape. The event, organized by FIGON (Federation for Innovative Drug Research Netherlands) in collaboration with LIFE Cooperative, brought professionals from across the Netherlands to the north. Researchers, entrepreneurs, developers, and clinical experts gathered around one shared ambition: to bring innovative medicines to patients faster, smarter, and better.Klaas Poelstra, Chair of FIGON, looks back positively on the event: “It was great to see local businesses in the health sector and leading academic scientists engaging in conversation with one another. They have so much to gain from each other.“From what to how What became particularly clear during the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon was how rapidly the field of drug development is evolving, and how essential collaboration has become. At a time when therapies are increasingly targeted, complex, and costly, the focus is shifting from only what we develop to how we do so: more intelligently, more sustainably, and better aligned with patient needs. This broader context was already reflected in the opening remarks by Klaas Poelstra, who emphasized the importance of continued innovation for the Netherlands’ competitive position and patient care. On behalf of the LIFE Cooperative, Robert Hof highlighted that regional collaboration is a decisive factor: by bringing science, entrepreneurship, and clinical practice closer together, real acceleration can be achieved. The first substantive contributions made it clear that innovation today is not only about new molecules, but also about new delivery methods. Rob Steendam demonstrated how long-acting microspheres can improve treatment adherence and reduce patient burden. Jaap Wieling showed how inhalation technology is evolving into a platform for both local and systemic therapies. Through her research on polyelectrolyte coacervates, Marleen Kamperman placed these innovations within a fundamental scientific framework. After the break, the discussion shifted to clinical translation and advanced nanomedicines. Flávia Sousa illustrated how polymer-based nanomedicines contribute to targeted brain delivery. Ad Roffel underscored the importance of robust pharmacokinetic studies in an era where the demands for evidence continue to increase. Erik Frijlink reflected on innovation within both existing and new delivery systems, while Helder Santos outlined the potential of RNA delivery via nanotechnology for cardiac tissue repair.More than a program During the closing networking reception, it became clear what participants had gained from the afternoon. As Robert Hof, Board Member of the LIFE Cooperative, put it: “The FIGON Winter Afternoon was an excellent event with distinguished speakers and strong engagement. We look forward to the next edition and extend our sincere thanks to Klaas Poelstra and FIGON for hosting the event in the Northern Netherlands.” The common thread throughout the afternoon was therefore unmistakable: the future of medicines does not lie within a single discipline, but in the connections between them. In a time of increasing healthcare pressure, rapid technological advancement, and international competition, such collaboration is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon showed that this collaboration is firmly rooted in the Northern Netherlands and that Groningen is positioning itself emphatically as a breeding ground and accelerator for innovative drug development.
