AI Subsidies Netherlands 2026: Complete Guide for Dutch SMEs
Many Dutch SMEs that qualify for AI-related subsidies simply never apply, usually 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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Tell us where the time goes →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 to May 4, 2026) has closed. Round 2 opens August 10 and closes September 7, 2026.
Budget: Round 1 held EUR 11 million. The Round 2 budget will be announced later by the ministry. If applications exceed the budget, a lottery decides.
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.
Round 2 is the remaining SLIM window for 2026
Round 1 closed on May 4. Round 2 runs from August 10 to September 7, 2026, so it is the last individual SLIM round this year. If you want to use SLIM for AI training in 2026, now is the time to prepare the application. See what to get ready now for the timeline, the checklist, and the most common rejection reasons.
The EU AI Act's transparency obligations, such as telling people when they are interacting with AI, apply from August 2, 2026. The obligations for high-risk AI systems were postponed in the summer of 2026 to December 2, 2027. See what actually changes on August 2 for the risk-tiered breakdown.
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. See WBSO for AI development for what qualifies, the application mechanics, and common rejection reasons.
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: The spring round has closed (Feasibility opened April 7 via the provincial office; R&D AI ran through May 26). The next round is not yet set; check rvo.nl for current dates.
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, so apply as early as you can.
| 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 | 2026 window | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLIM Round 2 | Up to EUR 24,999 (60%) | Aug 10 – Sep 7, 2026 | Opens Aug 10 |
| WBSO | 36% payroll costs | Rolling (through Sep 30) | Always open |
| SLIM Round 1 | Up to EUR 24,999 (60%) | Apr 7 – May 4, 2026 | Closed |
| MIT Feasibility | Up to EUR 20,000 | Provincial, from April 7 | Spring round closed |
| MIT R&D AI | EUR 200K-350K | Through May 26, 2026 | Closed |
| MIT General R&D | Varies | See rvo.nl | See rvo.nl |
| EU AI Act transparency | N/A | August 2, 2026 | High-risk postponed to Dec 2027 |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a registered subsidy advisor?
"Subsidy advisor" is not a protected profession in the Netherlands, so no license is required to apply. However, a specialist can help prepare a stronger application and improve 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: book a free workflow audit. We talk it through and flag which programs fit your case.
Find out which subsidies fit your case
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