Program OPZuid ERDF 2021-2027.

Subsidy to harness innovation power for economic and societal impact

South Netherlands' ambition with the ERDF program 2021-2027 (OPZuid) is to implement the RIS3-priorities and thus utilize and strengthen the regional strength on economy, entrepreneurship and innovation, with social and economic impact as a goal. This means contributing to innovative solutions to five major social transitions taking place in the southern Netherlands and globally and enabling market players to seize (inter)national market opportunities. The five transitions - energy, climate, raw materials, agriculture & nutrition and health - are in line with the Green Deal and European and national innovation policy. Technological knowledge is important to achieve breakthroughs, but not sufficient on its own. The challenge is to use the technological and non-technological strengths of the South, through cooperation within the region but also beyond its borders. In the ERDF program, the South of the Netherlands is shaping this commitment through the policy objectives of 'A Smarter Europe' and 'A Greener Europe'.

The structure of the openings in 2024 is different from the previous openings within OPZuid 2021 - 2027. Whereas previously the transitions with specific themes were opened separately, this year there are only two openings in two identical opening rounds (spring and autumn). By abandoning the division by transition and theme, it becomes possible to make cross-connections between the different transitions. Grants can therefore be provided within one of these two openings for innovation projects that contribute to one or more of the societal transitions. In doing so, the applicant can determine the way in which answers are given to the challenges listed under the transitions.

Opening 1: Climate, Agriculture and Food, Raw Materials and Health - Smarter Europe

This opening reads as follows: ''Promoting innovation with social and economic impact in the Southern Netherlands, thanks to the further development, demonstration and marketing of promising technological and non-technological innovations and strengthening of the Southern Netherlands innovation ecosystem'' and is intended for projects focused on the Climate Transition, Agriculture & Food Transition, Raw Materials Transition and Health Transition. Read the fact sheet for all the information about this opening in the next year.

Opening 2: Energy - Greener Europe

This opening reads as follows: ''Promoting the demonstration, marketing and upscaling of promising innovative solutions that advance the energy transition, in cooperation with SMEs and civil society in the Southern Netherlands'' and is intended for projects focused on the Energy Transition. Read the fact sheet for all the information about this opening in the next year.