The KIC-call ‘System design in mechatronics en optomechatronics’, of NWO in collaboration with the Knowledge- and Innovation Agenda Key enabling Technologies (KIA ST), calls for research proposals that focus on optimising (opto)mechatronic (OMT) systems and their design. These technologies play an important role in various industries such as medical, agricultural and semiconductor. 7 million euros in funding is available within this research programme.
The Netherlands is a frontrunner in the field of complex high-tech equipment. However, innovation and research stimulation continue to be necessary to maintain this position , as increasingly high demands are being placed on this equipment and the technology itself is becoming more and more complex. With this call, NWO and KIA ST invite researchers to submit proposals for interdisciplinary research projects that bring together fundamental and practice-based approaches.
Research proposals can focus on one of the five sub-themes of this research programme, namely:
Design tools for OMT systems for optimising the design cycle with AI.
Actuator, sensor and control technology of OMT systems in advanced robotics and novel applications.
Metrology and optical technology in high-tech systems.
Miniaturisation of OMT systems.
OMT design tools for unstructured/extreme environments.
Consortium formation
To support consortium building, NWO is organising a matchmaking meeting on 11 December 2025. During this meeting, potential applicants, companies and civil society organisations can connect with each other and discuss opportunities for collaboration. You can register for the matchmaking meeting on the NWO website.
Budget en deadlines
A total of €7 million is available within this call for proposals. NWO will fund a minimum of €600,000 and a maximum of €3,200,000 per project. There is also a co-financing requirement of 20 percent of the total project budget. This co-financing can also be provided in kind.
The deadline for submitting proposals is 21 April 2026, before 14:00 PM.