DHI

Do you want to carry out a project abroad, invest in a company or conquer the international market? Then you may be eligible for a grant from the DHI grant scheme. The DHI scheme is for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and focuses on promoting exports and investments by Dutch companies.

DHI grant stands for Demonstration Projects, Feasibility Studies and Investment Preparation Studies. It is a Dutch grant program with the aim of supporting Dutch companies explore new markets and realize international projects.

Is your company involved in research, technological development and innovation at an European level? Then the Eurostars-program or EIC Accelerator might suit your organization.

In some cases, these grants can be combined with a DHI grant and applied for separately. We are also happy to help you with these two programs.

The grant can be used for four types of projects:

• Demonstration projects: This involves demonstrating a self‑developed Dutch technology in a foreign market in a real‑life operational setting, in order to demonstrate its added value, remove a market entry barrier, and show its technical and commercial feasibility. A working prototype, ready for commercial application, is required, and results are shared with a broad group of potential customers. A grant of up to 50% of the eligible project costs, with a maximum of € 200,000. For projects that contribute to greening, the grant may amount to up to 70% of the eligible costs.

• Feasibility studies: These studies assess whether an investment by a foreign end‑customer in the applicant’s technology in the target country is technically and/or commercially feasible. The final output is a report intended to convince the customer to purchase the technology. Where justified, two investments for two potential customers may be assessed within one study. A limited test may be included if necessary. A grant of up to 50% of the eligible project costs, with a maximum of € 100,000.

• Investment preparation studies: Investment preparation projects: These projects are intended for applicants that plan to invest abroad themselves, by setting up a new production or service facility (excluding sales offices). The investment must logically follow from the applicant’s core business and strategy. A small test or pilot production may be included if necessary. A grant of up to 50% of the eligible project costs, or up to 70% for projects that contribute to greening, with a maximum of € 100,000.

• Market validation for startups: an activity in the target market that enables startups with a fully developed and proven effective technology to remove a specific barrier to market entry. The validation is carried out in cooperation with a local partner and may include technical, commercial, legal and/or economic validation. The project may not include R&D, promotional or sales activities (with the exception of prototype testing). The grant amounts to up to 50% of the eligible costs, with a maximum of € 25,000.

Grants can be applied for by individual Dutch SMEs or by consortia of two or more Dutch companies, including at least one SME. Larger companies may participate where this is necessary for the SME and where the focus of the collaboration lies with the SME. Applicants must generally have at least three employees in the Netherlands and have generated substantial turnover.

Applicants often consider whether to submit a Demonstration, Feasibility, Investment Preparation or Market Validation project; we also support applicants in making this choice.

• The project has potential for Dutch export, investment or internationalisation.
• The project contributes to sustainable local development in the country where it is implemented.
• The project is focused on one of the DHI target countries, often emerging markets and developing countries.
• The project has a strong business case and is financially feasible.

In 2026, a grant can be applied for from March 2nd to December 31, 2026. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thanks to our 25 years of experience, we can optimize your grant process and take it almost completely off your hands.

What to think about in terms of work?

• Assess whether your internationalization project related to Demonstration, Feasibility or a foreign Investment is eligible for the DHI grant.
• Preparing, drawing up and submitting a quick scan of the project, so that RVO can substantively assess the framework of the project.
• If RVO provides a positive response to the quick scan after a few weeks, you will receive support in writing and submitting the project plan, the budget and the mandatory appendices.
• Submitting the grant application on time and in accordance with the latest grant legislation and terms to the grant provider.
• Act as a contact person for the grant provider and provide support in answering any questions.
• If desired, setting up the project administration and providing support in maintaining the grant administration;
• If desired, support in determining the DHI grant after the end of the project period.
• Identify additional grant options and/or map out the follow-up of the project.