SME support from the AiNed Programme

AI applications contribute directly to economic prosperity, social welfare and solving major societal challenges. SMEs, including many startups, have an important economic and innovative role in this. Research shows that SMEs face many barriers in applying AI. To bridge the gap for SMEs between the knowledge base and application in AI innovations, the MIT scheme is supported from the AiNed Programme.

What does the scheme entail?

Do you, as an SME entrepreneur, want to get started with innovation projects in the field of AI? Then the MIT scheme might be something for you. More information about the approach and the process can be found on this page of the implementing organization RVO. Here you will also find more information about the support provided by RVO and, for inspiration, an overview of projects of entrepreneurs who have previously used this scheme.

Information conditions from RFO

You can apply for the AI theme grant for a small or a large collaboration project. The general conditions are the same as the generic conditions MIT R&D collaboration projects. For AI, the definition of the European Commission is used: "AI refers to systems that exhibit intelligent behavior by analyzing their environment and - with a certain degree of autonomy - taking action to achieve specific goals." You can find more information on the RFO website about the conditions, including:

• Appendix 3.4.1 section 5.a (Digital Technologies: Artificial Intelligence) lists the themes on which MIT projects can focus. To qualify for funding, the project contributes to the generic development of AI through the use of machine learning including supervised learning, unsupervised learning and reinforcement learning.
• In addition, the project's approach should be mindful of reliable and human-centered AI. Stakeholders in the AI application (e.g., citizens and/or workers) are involved as much as possible in making choices about its development and use.
• The project further provides a demonstrably new solution for one or more application areas of the Netherlands AI Coalition. This is a collaborative effort aimed at developing knowledge and innovation about AI.

Planning and support

The MIT scheme starts on March 15, 2022, the deadline for submitting your application is May 10, 2022, 5 p.m. Please refer to the detailed up-to-date information on the conditions and schedule of the scheme on the website of RFO. The Netherlands AI Coalition supports participants with up-to-date information on the approach and procedure to submit successful project proposals. From the AI hubs, this is also provided to parties in the relevant ecosystem.