Finding the right funding can make or break an early-stage company. While the Netherlands and the EU offer a wide range of subsidies, grants, and innovation programs to support founders, navigating this landscape often feels like entering a maze.
In 2025, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy continues to strengthen support for startups through RVO-managed initiatives such as the Innovatiekrediet, MIT-regeling (MKB-Innovatiestimulering Regio en Topsectoren), and the Nationaal Groeifonds, aligning with the EU’s Green Deal and Digital Europe priorities.
This is where GRNTS steps in — a new platform designed to bring clarity to the complex world of subsidies.
Why subsidies matter for startups
Subsidies are designed to accelerate innovation by giving founders access to non-dilutive funding. Programs such as the Dutch WBSO (supporting R&D activities), Horizon Europe, and Eurostars enable startups to fund product development, research, and scaling.
The EIC Accelerator under the European Innovation Council also funds high-risk, high-impact innovations with both grants and equity investments, further complementing Dutch subsidy frameworks.
Yet, despite their potential, many startups miss out. Deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application requirements can be overwhelming. Valuable resources remain unused — not because founders lack ambition, but because the process is simply too complex.
What GRNTS brings to the table
GRNTS is a subsidy search engine that gathers over 250 active subsidy schemes indexed from RVO, EU, and regional programs. Entrepreneurs can filter by sector, company size, and funding needs to quickly see what applies to them.
GRNTS sources real-time updates from RVO databases and EU open data feeds, ensuring current information on programs such as the SLIM, MIT, and DEI+ energy innovation schemes.
The platform also provides insights into application deadlines, requirements, and even the “hotness” of a subsidy (based on search trends). While still in beta, GRNTS is already helping founders discover opportunities they may not have known existed.
A step toward accessible funding
The bigger vision behind GRNTS is not just to inform but also to simplify applications. Over time, the team aims to automate sections of the application process — for example, pre-filling documentation for RVO-supported schemes such as the SLIM or MIT programs, which still require final submission through official portals. This could save startups both time and money, while increasing their chances of securing funding.
Why this matters for the 42workspace community
At 42workspace, we see first-hand how funding challenges impact startups. Many of our members are working on groundbreaking technologies, but access to funding is often a bottleneck.
Platforms like GRNTS provide a way forward — reducing complexity, saving time, and helping founders focus on what matters most: building their companies.
As many Rotterdam startups navigate green tech, AI, and maritime innovation, GRNTS complements the city’s growing focus on smart industry funding initiatives under the Greater Rotterdam – The Hague Innovation District (RHID).
And because our community thrives on shared knowledge and collaboration (discover our events), we believe tools like GRNTS align perfectly with the way we work: making innovation more accessible and transparent.
The Dutch subsidy landscape may remain complex, but initiatives like GRNTS show that simplification is possible. For founders, it’s a reminder that funding should empower innovation — not stand in its way!
With the ongoing digitalization under the Digital Government Agenda 2025, tools like GRNTS align with national policy goals for a streamlined and accessible public funding ecosystem.
Try GRNTS for free: https://grnts.app
