The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) is working on four new so-called call for proposals within the Mission main line of the NWO-KIC programme. The calls focus on circular economy, use of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, horticulture, food and water, system design for mechatronics and optomechatronics, and reducing the use of critical raw materials in the energy transition, among others.
NWO annually develops a number of research programmes within the so-called Mission funding line, which fit within the themes of the Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs). The eight KIAs are:
- Climate and Energy;
- Circular Economy;
- Agriculture, Water, Food;
- Health & Care;
- Security;
- Key technologies;
- Digitisation;
- Social Earning Capacity.
Fund impact-driven research
The call for proposals now announced by the NWO are intended to fund impact-driven research conducted by consortia consisting of knowledge institutions, companies and civil society organisations. Researchers from knowledge institutions can apply for funding on behalf of these consortia. They can submit proposals for collaborative projects, with a budget of 750,000 to 4 million euros.
The call for proposals the NWO is working on focus on four themes:
- Collaborative business models for chain collaboration in a circular economy
- Artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, horticulture, water and food
- System design of mechatronics and optomechatronics
- Fewer critical raw materials in energy transition
Collaborative business models for chain collaboration in a circular economy
The theme 'Collaborative business models for chain cooperation in a circular economy' is aimed at formulating and valuing circular business models at the knowledge level. The aim here is to tilt the perspective from 'individual organisation' to 'collaborative cycle'.
These include a focus on research around the organisation of new (cycle) collaboration in relation to a positive (economic) business model. However, also consider research into valuing (sub)services that the cooperation will provide and financing this recycling cooperation. An important objective is learning together with co-financing parties such as industry organisations and financiers.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, horticulture, water and food
With the theme 'Artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, horticulture, water and food', the NWO focuses on research into the development of AI for use within various application areas within the sectors of the KIA Agriculture, Water and Food (KIA LWV). As an example, the NWO cites research into AI technology for improving the modelling of biological systems, food systems or in relation to water management.
System design of mechatronics and optomechatronics
This theme focuses on design principles for (opto)mechatronics. Key Technology Mechatronics & Optomechatronics is part of the National Technology Strategy (NTS). It focuses on the design and construction of systems and machines that are crucial for parrying societal challenges facing the Netherlands. The most important of these in the field of (opto)mechatronics stem from the growing complexity of high-tech equipment and continuous need to improve its performance. However, also consider the increasing interactions that need to be combined in a system engineering solution. This ranges from concept and basic architecture to the smallest component level. Working out a balanced design is thereby increasingly a multidisciplinary task.
Fewer critical raw materials in energy transition
The equipment and installations that make the energy transition possible require the use of critical raw materials. However, these raw materials are scarce, while demand is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. In addition, the vast majority of raw materials come from a limited number of countries, many of which the NWO describes as 'geopolitically unfriendly regions'. These raw materials may be imported as raw materials, but are in many cases part of imported semi-finished or finished products.
This theme focuses on reducing the use of critical raw materials in the Dutch energy system, covering both the generation, transport and use of renewable energy. This includes different design choices for equipment and systems. As examples, the NWO mentions research into MW+-scale electrolysers, wind turbines or other components of the future Dutch energy system. Research on solar energy or batteries does not fall within the scope of the theme.
Calls open from autumn
NWO expects to open the calls in autumn 2025. Seven million euros of funding is available per call. More information on the NWO's KIAs can be found here.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
