The European subsidy project INDUSTR_I4.0 is one year old. SMEs in the Dutch-German border region can take steps in the digital transition with the grant project. The project is part of the Interreg VI program Germany-Netherlands. A total of about 10 million euros is available to accelerate digitization of the (manufacturing) industry.
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 finally awarded. These were divided between:
- 14 explorations of cross-border cooperation
- 10 feasibility studies
- 10 innovation projects
A total of 58 companies and knowledge institutions are involved in the projects. This has laid a foundation 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 to apply AI in their order and resource management systems. Ultimately, this should lead to more efficient use of resources less energy consumption.
Grant opportunities INDUSTR_I4.0
To provide targeted support to SMEs, INDUSTR_I4.0 offers three low-threshold grant opportunities:
- Exploration cooperation Netherlands-Germany
A grant of €1,250 is available for companies wishing to cooperate across borders to make initial contacts and explore opportunities. - 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 understand the technical and economic feasibility of digitization projects. - Innovation projects
For the actual implementation of digitization projects, SMEs can receive up to €50,000 in funding (50% of the project costs). This makes it possible to take real steps 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 is now entering the phase of scaling up. In 2025 there is still plenty of room and budget to continue building on 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 contact Maria Martirosyan, T. +31 6 27 13 74 67 or E. mariamartirosyan@tcnn.nl.
The small project fund INDUSTR_I4.0 is implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI program Deutschland-Nederland and is co-financed by the European Union, 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.