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
MimeCure heeft een investering van 3 miljoen euro binnengehaald voor de ontwikkeling van een regeneratief geneesmiddel voor de behandeling van chronische longziekten, zoals longfibrose. Dankzij deze financiering kan MimeCure de afronding van de preklinische fase versnellen en beginnen met de voorbereidingen voor klinische proeven, die volgens planning eind 2027 van start zullen gaan. De investeringsronde wordt geleid door Addington Investment Group en ondersteund door mede-investeerder Apsara Investments.
Turning plans into results: that is the central focus of the fifth LIFE Science Conference, taking place on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at Forum Groningen. The LIFE Cooperative will bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers from the life sciences and health sector around one key question: how do we translate vision into concrete impact? The keynote speaker will be Peter Wennink, former CEO of ASML and one of the most influential leaders in the Dutch technology sector. In 2025, he presented his advisory report ‘The Road to Future Prosperity’, in which he advocates targeted investments in innovation to strengthen the Netherlands’ long-term earning capacity.
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.
