Boosting Innovation: Dutch R&D and SME Business Support in 2025
R&D tax relief, low corporate rates, and startup grants—here’s how the Netherlands is helping businesses innovate and go global.
Hey there, entrepreneurs and innovators! Whether you're running a tech startup, a deep-science lab, or scaling a hardware product abroad, the Dutch government has rolled out powerful support for 2025. From tax credits for development work to subsidies that help SMEs enter foreign markets, it’s an exciting time to build and scale here in the Netherlands. This post outlines the four major programs: WBSO, the Innovation Box, the MIT SME support scheme, and the DHI subsidy for international expansion.
Table of Contents
WBSO Tax Relief for R&D
The R&D tax credit (WBSO – Wet Bevordering Speur- en Ontwikkelingswerk) continues to be one of the Netherlands’ most impactful incentives. For 2025, the government has increased its budget to €158.2 million. This scheme allows businesses to deduct a portion of their R&D wage costs and other qualifying expenses, significantly lowering the cost of innovation. Both startups and large corporations can apply.
Innovation Box: 9% Tax on IP Profits
The Innovation Box regime offers a major tax break for profits derived from innovative activities. Companies that generate income from patented technologies, software, or R&D-certified IP can benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate of 9%, instead of the regular 25.8%. This is especially beneficial for scale-ups commercializing new products or licensing out technology.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Income | IP-based profits (software, patents, innovations) |
| Tax Rate | 9% (vs. normal 25.8%) |
| Admin Requirements | WBSO registration or patent required |
MIT SME Innovation Support
The MIT program (Mkb-Innovatiestimulering Regio en Topsectoren) helps small and medium-sized businesses kick-start innovation. In 2025, this includes grants for feasibility studies, R&D collaboration, and knowledge vouchers. If you’re an SME building something new, the MIT program could be your gateway to external expertise and funding support.
- Project feasibility study grants up to €25,000
- Collaborative innovation grants with other firms or research institutions
- Knowledge vouchers to fund external expert advice
DHI Grant for International Expansion
The DHI scheme (Demonstration, Feasibility, Investment) is tailor-made for Dutch SMEs aiming to go global. It supports companies planning to introduce their technology, products, or services to international markets. Whether it's launching a demo project in Asia or funding a market entry study in South America, DHI can cover key costs. The grant is open to both individual firms and partnerships.
Startup Success Stories
GreenTech B.V., a clean energy startup from Eindhoven, used WBSO to cut R&D costs on its thermal battery prototype. Once certified, they shifted IP income into the Innovation Box, slashing corporate taxes. Meanwhile, BioLink, a biotech SME in Utrecht, received MIT support to partner with a German lab for DNA sequencing tech. Later, they tapped into the DHI grant to demo their solution in Southeast Asia. Each step was backed by Dutch policy—making these big leaps both possible and profitable.
| Company | Support Used | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| GreenTech B.V. | WBSO, Innovation Box | R&D scaled, corporate tax down 65% |
| BioLink | MIT, DHI | Joint development and global pilot in Asia |
Eligibility and How to Apply
All four programs—WBSO, Innovation Box, MIT, and DHI—are managed via RVO.nl. Applications are generally submitted online using eHerkenning (for companies). To boost your chances, clearly describe your innovation, include partner commitments, and track deadlines, as calls are often oversubscribed.
- Visit www.rvo.nl and select the relevant grant or tax scheme
- Log in with eHerkenning or DigiD (for solo founders)
- Prepare detailed financial and technical documentation
- Submit before the deadline and track your status online
Any company registered in the Netherlands with R&D staff—whether startup or multinational—can apply for WBSO tax relief.
Not always. A WBSO declaration may also qualify as long as it covers the income-generating innovation.
Yes, if you have a registered business and meet R&D or export criteria, you can apply—especially for WBSO and DHI.
Feasibility studies, innovation partnerships, and expert consultancy costs for SMEs looking to test or scale new tech.
Yes, WBSO can be combined with the Innovation Box or MIT—but make sure to clarify overlapping costs in your budget.
Visit www.rvo.nl for the latest calls, deadlines, and program updates.
Innovation is more than just an idea—it's about turning that spark into something real. The Dutch government understands this, which is why they’ve built such a robust ecosystem of support. From WBSO to DHI, these programs help you save on tax, launch abroad, and collaborate faster. If you’re building the next big thing, now’s the time to act. Share this post with fellow founders, and let’s make 2025 the year of Dutch innovation!
WBSO, InnovationBox, DutchStartups, SMEgrants, RVOsubsidies, MITsupport, DHIgrant, TechTaxRelief, RnDfunding, NetherlandsInnovation
