The ‘Demand-driven Research by Consortia – XL’ call is open to both new and existing consortia. Proposals must be related to research collaborations with public-private partners and aim to develop innovative solutions for the well-being of society. Applicants have considerable freedom in terms of their chosen theme and coordinating their research questions with their collaboration partners.
However, as ‘KIC Demand-driven Research by Consortia – XL’ is linked to the central government’s Mission-driven Innovation Policy, research proposals must align with one or more Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs) under this policy, such as KIA Digitalisation. Large public-private consortia covering all KIAs may propose their own research topic.
Co-design, co-creation and co-production
Consortium partners play an essential role in research in terms of formulating the research question (co-design), collaborating during research (co-creation) and creating knowledge together with knowledge users (co-production). Collaborations between researchers, businesses and social partners can lead to the creation and implementation of innovative solutions, delivering innovations that truly benefit the economy, people and the planet.
Deadlines and funding
The call provides an extended timeline, giving consortia ample time to mature and establish direction. To participate in the call, applicants are required to submit a pre-proposal first. The deadline for pre-proposals is 14:00 CET on Tuesday 10 March 2026. The deadline for the full application is 14:00 CET on 12 November 2026.
Applicants may request a minimum of 1.4 million euros and a maximum of 7 million euros in NWO funding for each proposal, meaning NWO funds at least 50% and at most 70% of the total project scope. The remaining budget is provided by mandatory co-funding. Of this minimum 30% co-funding, at least half must consist of co-funding from private entities. The consortium is free to arrange and provide evidence of the outstanding co-funding as it sees fit.
Information session
On 19 September 2025, NWO will hold an online information session to provide participants with more information about the call and submission process. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Participation is not compulsory. You can sign up until Friday 19 September using the registration form.
Sign up to the information session