About the call

Space technology plays an important role in our daily lives. It supports processes such as electricity supply, internet connections, drinking water supply and payment systems. This dependence also makes the Netherlands and the EU vulnerable. Geopolitical tensions make it increasingly easy to inspect, damage, hijack or destroy space systems. This call therefore aims to stimulate new research into robust, secure and strategically deployable space technologies. In addition, the programme focuses on maintaining and strengthening the Netherlands' technological and scientific capacity within the space domain.

Budget and deadlines

A total of 7,000,000 euro is available for this call for proposals. Five proposals are expected to be awarded. A minimum of 1,000,000 euros and a maximum of 2,000,000 euros of NWO funding can be applied for per proposal. NWO will thus fund a maximum of 85% of the total project size. The rest of the project budget will be contributed through mandatory co-funding.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 2 April 2026, before 14:00 PM.

Events

To support consortium formation, NWO is organising a matchmaking event on 4 February 2026 for this call. During the matchmaking, interested parties can get to know each other, exchange ideas and discuss possible collaboration. When applying, it is possible to send a research idea in advance. These will be shared with the matchmaking participants prior to the meeting.

NWO is also organising an information meeting on 16 December 2025 for this call. Here, participants will get more explanation about the call, the submission process and there is an opportunity to ask questions.