Use grants for your AI project
As an SME owner, you're probably aware of the costs involved in implementing AI technology. Fortunately, Dutch grant schemes such as WBSO and MIT can ease that financial burden. This article covers how both schemes can support your AI project.
What is the WBSO scheme?
WBSO (Wet Bevordering Speur- en Ontwikkelingswerk) is a tax credit for companies carrying out R&D work. SMEs can claim a 36% deduction on their AI projects, covering a significant share of wage costs, materials and other expenses on innovative work.
To qualify, your project must target technical innovation — the work has to be genuinely new and technically challenging. Projects that simply implement existing technology with no innovation angle don't qualify.
The MIT scheme for AI
Alongside WBSO there's the MIT scheme (MKB Innovatiestimulering Regio en Topsectoren), aimed at financing innovation projects that contribute to regional and national priority sectors. AI projects with a custom, innovative angle can qualify here too, under certain conditions.
MIT grants are usually awarded to projects run through partnerships involving multiple parties. Applying starts with a clear project description and financial case. Submitting on time matters — there's typically a fixed application window.
Practical tips for grant applications
- Start early gathering the documentation you'll need, such as project plans and budgets.
- Consider teaming up with other companies in your sector for an MIT application.
- Check that your project is genuinely innovation-focused before claiming WBSO.
- Use the expertise of a consultancy like AI Advies Bureau to improve your odds of success.
Check the conditions and deadlines for both schemes regularly, since they can change from year to year.
Book a call and find out how AI Advies Bureau can help you get the most out of these funding opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between WBSO and the MIT scheme?
WBSO is a Dutch tax credit for R&D work, worth up to 36% of wage and project costs. The MIT scheme is a grant for innovation projects within regional and national priority sectors, usually aimed at collaborations between multiple parties.
Does my AI project qualify for WBSO?
Only if the project is technically new and challenging — simply implementing existing AI tools without an innovation angle doesn't qualify. An AI readiness scan can check this upfront.
When do I need to submit an MIT application?
The MIT scheme runs on fixed application windows each year. Submit on time with a clear project description and financial justification, ideally together with other parties in your sector.