⚠ Summarised by AI based on an external source. Last updated: 9 Mar 2026. Starthubs is not liable for any inaccuracies. Always consult the official challenge information.
NWO launches an NWA call for research into the security and resilience of digital ecosystems in the Netherlands. Citizens, governments and businesses are deeply interconnected in complex digital systems — and this makes society vulnerable to disruptions, incidents and cyber attacks. The call funds socio-technical innovations using a security-by-design approach. Up to €1.875 million per project is available in phase 1, with 4–5 projects expected. A second phase brings all findings together in one overarching project (€1.2M). Unlike most KIC calls, co-funders are optional — cooperation partners are sufficient. An online info session takes place 19 March 2026 and a matchmaking event on 23 April 2026. The deadline is 15 September 2026.
What is NWO looking for?
NWO seeks socio-technical research proposals that increase the security and resilience of digital ecosystems. The call has a two-phase structure:
- Phase 1 (4–5 projects, up to €1.875M each): research into sector-specific digital ecosystems — understanding vulnerabilities, developing security-by-design solutions and testing interventions within specific sectors
- Phase 2 (1 overarching project, €1.2M): translating sector-specific insights into cross-sector guidelines for government and stakeholders, enabling scaling up of interventions and design of new secure-by-design digital ecosystems
A security-by-design and security-by-default approach is strongly encouraged. Research should address both technological and social dimensions — including governance, trust, behaviour and legal frameworks. Full details are available in the official call for proposals on the NWO website.
Who is this for?
- Main applicant: researcher at a Dutch university, UMC, KNAW/NWO institute or university of applied sciences
- At least one co-applicant from an eligible research organisation
- At least one cooperation partner (company, government body or societal organisation) is required
- Co-funders are optional (unlike most KIC calls) — making this more accessible for smaller consortia
- Startups and SMEs in cybersecurity, secure software development, digital trust and threat intelligence can participate as cooperation partners or co-funders
- No mandatory workshops for phase 1 — matchmaking on 23 April 2026 is recommended but optional
What's in it for you?
- Up to €1.875 million NWO funding per project in phase 1, with 4–5 projects funded
- Lower barrier than KIC calls: co-funding is optional, cooperation partners are sufficient
- Addressing a top national security priority — the Netherlands Cybersecurity Strategy and NIS2 directive are driving urgent demand for resilient digital infrastructure
- Two-phase structure creates long-term engagement: phase 1 projects feed into a cross-sector phase 2 project (2029), providing years of collaboration opportunity
- Upcoming matchmaking event (23 April 2026) is an ideal opportunity to find consortium partners in cybersecurity research
- Knowledge security statement is required — signalling the strategic importance of this research domain