Big Chemistry Startup Program
Kickstart your startup with the Big Chemistry Startup Program. Receive funding, expert guidance and access to a strong network to build or apply AI-, data- and robotics technologies for predicting complex mixtures, and designing better-performing formulations.
Duration
May 2026 - June 2030
Subsidy
€125.000 to €200.000
The chemical industry is facing a fundamental transition. The development of new, sustainable materials, energy-efficient data storage and safe formulations requires an acceleration of molecular research. Traditional, laboratory processes currently fall short in terms of speed, scale and predictability. Big Chemistry is set to change this. By combining chemistry with robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), a new approach to molecular research is emerging: faster experimentation, larger datasets and better predictive models.
For startups, this means: faster development, less trial and error, and a stronger business case for investors and industry.
What is Big Chemistry?
Driving formulation innovation with data, AI and robotics
Big Chemistry is a Dutch National Growth Fund program (€97 million) which includes the creation of a fully robotised laboratory at the Novio Tech Campus in Nijmegen. In this lab, companies can carry out vast numbers of experiments accurately and automatically. This scale and precision generate unique datasets, which are used to train new algorithms to predict the properties of formulations, such as:
- Solubility
- Phase behaviour
- Critical micelle concentration
- Odour
- Toxicity
- Reaction rates
This accelerates the development of new materials, formulations and applications.
The Big Chemistry Startup Program builds on this. Under a mandate from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Oost NL implements this national grant scheme, which supports startups at the intersection of chemistry, AI and robotics. Selected participants will receive not only funding, but also tailored guidance and access to a relevant ecosystem to accelerate bringing their technology to market and enhance its investment readiness.
Who is the program intended for?
The program supports startups that develop or apply AI, data and robotics technologies to measure, predict and improve formulations in areas such as polymers, coatings, emulsions, fragrances and adhesives. Examples include solutions that automate experiments using robotics, or make properties such as stability, odour, solubility or functionality predictable via AI.
The program is aimed at startups as defined under the AGVV 22 that:
- Are less than five years old
- Are no larger than a small enterprise (< 50 employees, and < €10 million turnover or balance sheet total).
The program at a glance
Funding for technological breakthroughs
Through the Big Chemistry Startup Program you can receive a grant of:
- €125,000 to €200,000 per project
- Up to 90% of the eligible costs of the project budget
- With a minimum own contribution of 10% (may also be in kind)
The total grant ceiling is €4 million and the maximum project duration is 2 years. All projects must be completed by 26 May 2030 at the latest. This means that projects starting from mid-2028 onwards will have a shorter implementation period.
The program at a glance
Where and when can you apply?
Applications can be submitted from May 2026. An application form will be available on this page shortly. Are you already interested, or would you like to explore whether the program is a good fit for your startup? Please feel free to contact Marieke Smidt or Annette Schumer. They will be happy to inform you about the possibilities and next steps.
Applications will be assessed in the order in which complete applications are received, provided the funding ceiling has not been reached.
Assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against five substantive criteria:
- Contribution to the Big Chemistry objective of accelerating and making chemical innovations more sustainable with the help of automation and AI
- Innovation & integrated approach
- Technological, economic and organisational future prospects
- Sustainable development & societal impact
- IP strategy & contribution to the ecosystem and knowledge sharing
Each application must score at least ‘sufficient’ on all criteria.
Do you want to learn more about Big Chemistry?
Button tekstInterested in discussing your innovation?
Would you like to explore whether the Big Chemistry Startup Program is a good fit for your technology or development plans? Please feel free to contact one of our colleagues. They will work with you to explore the possibilities, the funding scheme and the next steps towards submitting an application.
