Thursday, March 28, 2024
Industry update

Unmanned Valley launches subsidy scheme for the development of promising innovations

To accelerate the development of promising innovations in unmanned technology, autonomous systems and sensors, Unmanned Valley – the field lab for sensor-based technologies located at the former Valkenburg naval air base, 16 kilometers north of The Hague in the Netherlands – is launching a subsidy scheme. Startups and scale-ups can apply for a subsidy of up to 25,000 euros. 

300,000 euros available

A total of 300,000 euros is available for several innovation projects. One of the conditions for awarding the grant is that the applicant himself co-finances 25% of the project. The subsidy scheme has been made possible by the Dutch municipality of Katwijk and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). 

It’s impossible to imagine many sectors today without drones and other sensor-based applications. The industry is developing at lightning speed and the potential for the Netherlands is enormous. In order to take full advantage of this, it is essential to speed up. 

Innovate faster to make an impact 

“Innovative ideas from young companies must become successful more quickly, be relevant and applicable, and thus create value,” says Theo de Vries, program manager at Unmanned Valley. “With this scheme, we want to make more use of the innovative power of start-ups and scale-ups and accelerate sensor-based innovation, thereby making the business climate at Unmanned Valley even more attractive and creating new high-tech employment in the region.” 

“Companies must demonstrate that the further development they envisage is feasible and practicable and which concrete results can be expected. This means that the assessment of the project plan weighs heavily. If the application fits within the set conditions for innovative strength, job creation and strengthening the business climate, this scheme will ease the financing needs of start-ups and scale-ups and create room for them to innovate and grow.” 

Other innovation incentive schemes 

Together with other initiatives, the subsidy scheme contributes to strengthening and renewing the Dutch economy in general, the aerospace industry, and the drone and sensor-based sector in particular. 

Recently, partner organizations InnovationQuarter and Do IoT Fieldlab also announced two new voucher schemes that stimulate the collaboration between young tech companies and end users, and are also relevant for companies active in the field of unmanned technology, autonomous systems and sensors; the voucher scheme of the AgriTech innovation program and the Do IoT voucher scheme. Unmanned Valley plays a role in both voucher schemes. 

Room Unmanned Valley and 2021 

Unmanned Valley is an initiative of Delft University of Technology and the municipality of Katwijk – made possible by the Dutch central and regional government as well as the EU’s Regional Development Fund (ERDF). 

In 2020 the first companies – all active in the field of aerospace, drones and sensors – moved to Unmanned Valley. For 2021 the priorities will be the further development of the housing and test facilities as well as strengthening the link between the business community, educational and knowledge institutions and governments. In time, Unmanned Valley must develop into a breeding ground for high-tech industry. 

For more information about the new subsidy scheme, visit our “Sneller innoveren met subsidie” web page (in Dutch).

(cover photo: Bas Kijzers)

Wiebe de Jager

Wiebe de Jager is the founder of Dronewatch (available in Dutch and English). Wiebe is an experienced drone pilot (EASA Specific category certified) and has published a number of bestselling books about drone photography and cinematography.

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