Big Chemistry Startup Program
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 at most five years old. A company may not be older than five years at the time of granting. We allow a maximum of 13 weeks from the time a complete application is received until a decision is made.
- 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 for the entire term. 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?
Are you interested, or would you like to explore whether the program is a good fit for your start-up? Please feel free to contact Marieke Smidt or Annette Schumer. They will be happy to inform you about the possibilities and next steps. To make the introductory meeting as productive as possible, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the scheme in advance.
Applications will be assessed in the order in which complete applications are received, provided the funding cap has not been reached. The total funding cap is €4 million for the entire duration of the programme. In the first year, the funding cap is €1.5 million. Applications can be submitted via the button below.
Are you interested in the program?
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.
The Big Chemistry Startup Programme is funded by the National Growth Fund and implemented by Oost NL on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (official mandate, grant scheme), in close collaboration with Big Chemistry and partners such as the regional development agencies BOM, Horizon Flevoland, Impuls Zeeland, InnovationQuarter, LIOF, NOM, ROM InWest and ROM Utrecht Region.
Do you want to learn more about Big Chemistry?
Interested 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.
