AI Subsidies Netherlands 2026 — Complete Guide for Dutch SMEs
Dutch SMEs leave millions of euros in AI-related subsidies unclaimed every year. Not because they don't qualify, but because they don't know which programs exist, when the deadlines fall, or how to apply.
This guide covers every relevant AI subsidy for Dutch SMEs in 2026 — with amounts, deadlines, and concrete next steps.
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Start the free scan →1. SLIM Program — Up to EUR 25,000, 60% reimbursed
What: Subsidy for learning and development in SMEs — including AI training, workshops, and building internal AI workflows.
Amount: Up to EUR 24,999 per application. The government reimburses 60% of costs.
Who: SMEs (<250 FTE, <EUR 50M revenue).
Round 1: April 7 – May 4, 2026 (OPEN NOW). Round 2: Aug 10 – Sep 7, 2026.
Budget: EUR 11 million per round — first come, first served.
What does SLIM cover?
The official scope is broad: promoting learning and development in the workplace. For AI specifically, this includes:
Workshops and training on AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, MCP-based agents). Internal playbooks (how does our team use AI in our roles). Management coaching on supervising AI-assisted work. Workflow documentation so AI can be applied to them.
Not eligible: hardware, software licenses, or purely technical implementation without a learning component.
Why Round 1 matters more than Round 2
The EU AI Act enforcement begins August 2, 2026. SLIM Round 2 doesn't close until September 7 — too late to complete AI compliance training before the enforcement date. Round 1 is the window.
2. WBSO — 36% tax credit on R&D
What: Tax incentive that reduces payroll tax for companies performing technical R&D.
Amount: 36% on the first EUR 391,020 in R&D payroll costs. Starters: 50%.
Who: Companies with employees on payroll doing demonstrable technical development work.
Deadline: Rolling applications — at least 1 month before the R&D period starts. Final 2026 deadline: September 30.
When does AI work qualify as R&D?
Building your own AI models or workflows often qualifies as technical R&D. Simply using existing tools (typing into ChatGPT) does not. The dividing line: are you developing something technically new, or applying existing tools? WBSO is for the former.
3. MIT — Up to EUR 350,000 for innovation projects
What: Innovation subsidy for SMEs, often in collaboration with knowledge institutions.
Amounts: Feasibility studies up to EUR 20,000. R&D AI track: EUR 200,000-350,000.
Deadlines 2026: Feasibility opened April 7 (provincial office). R&D AI: open through May 26. General R&D: opens June 9.
Important: apply through your provincial office
MIT Feasibility is applied for through your regional development agency (ROM), not directly at RVO. These funds historically run out on day 1 — preparation is essential.
| Province | Office |
|---|---|
| Noord-Holland | NHN / Amsterdam Economic Board |
| Zuid-Holland | InnovationQuarter |
| Utrecht | ROM Utrecht Region |
| Noord-Brabant | BOM |
| Gelderland / Overijssel | Oost NL |
| Flevoland | GO Flevoland |
| Friesland / Groningen / Drenthe | NOM |
| Limburg | LIOF |
| Zeeland | Impuls Zeeland |
4. Other programs
MKB!dee
Innovation subsidy for SMEs: up to EUR 25,000 (feasibility) or EUR 50,000 (development). Note: no verified 2026 application window found on rvo.nl. Program may be paused or restructured. Check rvo.nl for current status.
Provincial digital innovation funds
Many provinces offer their own digital transformation subsidies separate from MIT. Amounts typically range from EUR 5,000 to EUR 25,000. Contact your provincial ROM (see table above) for specific programs.
EU Digital Europe Programme
EU-wide funding for digital transformation including AI. Amounts vary widely (EUR 50K to several million). Mainly relevant for larger projects or consortia. Most applicable to companies with 50+ FTE collaborating with other EU partners.
Timeline — All 2026 deadlines
| Program | Amount | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLIM Round 1 | Up to EUR 25,000 (60%) | May 4, 2026 | OPEN NOW |
| MIT Feasibility | Up to EUR 20,000 | Provincial, from April 7 | OPEN NOW |
| MIT R&D AI | EUR 200K-350K | May 26, 2026 | OPEN NOW |
| MIT General R&D | Varies | Opens June 9, 2026 | Coming soon |
| EU AI Act enforcement | — | August 2, 2026 | Compliance deadline |
| SLIM Round 2 | Up to EUR 25,000 (60%) | Aug 10 – Sep 7, 2026 | Coming soon |
| WBSO | 36% payroll costs | Rolling (through Sep 30) | Always open |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a registered subsidy advisor?
"Subsidy advisor" is not a protected profession in the Netherlands — no license is required to apply. However, a specialist can help prepare a stronger application, improving your chances for competitive programs.
Can I apply for multiple programs at once?
Yes, as long as costs aren't double-claimed. Many companies combine SLIM (training) with WBSO (R&D) — the activities rarely overlap.
How do I know if my company qualifies?
It depends on your company size, legal structure, sector, and current activities. The quickest way to check: take the free Orellis Subsidy Scan — 10 questions, 3 minutes, personalized report by email.
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