One year of INDUSTR_I4.0: 34 grants provided for digitization in border region

Digitalization boring or complicated? Not for the 58 companies and knowledge institutions that joined INDUSTR_I4.0 last year. Thanks to this European grant program, they are taking concrete steps toward smart innovation and more efficient processes.

Highlights of the first year

From the official kick-off at the Digital Summit Euregio in Münster, 42 grant applications were submitted, of which 34 were eventually awarded. These were divided between:

• 14 explorations of cross-border cooperation
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• 10 feasibility studies
• 10 innovation projects

A total of 58 companies and knowledge institutions are involved in the projects. This has created a basis for cross-border cooperation and digital acceleration in the region. SMEs therefore know how to find their way to the project.

For example, Pentas from Hengelo is working with two other companies on the application of AI in their order and resource management systems. Ultimately, this should lead to more efficient use of resources less energy consumption.

Subsidy opportunities INDUSTR_I4.0

To provide targeted support to SMEs, INDUSTR_I4.0 offers three low-threshold grant opportunities:

1. Verkenning samenwerking Nederland-Duitsland A grant of €1,250 is available for companies wishing to cooperate across borders to make initial contacts and explore opportunities.
2. Feasibility Studies Companies can be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost of a feasibility study, with a maximum of €10,000. This helps to gain insight into the technical and economic feasibility of digitization projects.
3. Innovation projects For the actual implementation of digitization projects, SMEs can receive up to €50,000 grant (50% of the project costs). This enables them to make real strides in, for example, smart industry, AI, automation or data integration.

Looking ahead to year 2: 80% budget still available

With a nice initial foundation in place, INDUSTR_I4.0 now enters the phase of scaling up. In 2025 there is still plenty of room and budget to continue building digital innovation in SMEs. A clear opportunity for companies that want to grow, innovate or collaborate across borders.

Are you curious what INDUSTR_I4.0 can do for your company? Then get in touch with an advisor from your region.

The small projects fund INDUSTR_I4.0 is implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI program Deutschland-Nederland and is co-financed by the European Union, the MWIKE NRW, the Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Bundes-und Europaangelegenheiten und Regionale Entwicklung, Ministry of Economic Affairs and the provinces of Fryslân, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, Gelderland, Noord-Brabant and Limburg. INDUSTR_I4.0 is implemented by the following partners: NOM/TCNN, BOM, LIOF, Emsland GmbH, FH Munster/TAFH, HS Niederrhein, WIR4/MCC and Oost NL.