SME challenge: free access to the experimental research facilities

Sign up for the mkb challenge

You can sign up again for the SME Challenge 2024! The 1st round of registrations is open from 1 March until 15 April 2024.

We warmly welcome innovative SMEs to our experimental testing facilities, to take the latest technologies and innovations a step further together with our experts. This way, also together with SMEs, we come closer to solutions for societal challenges.

Register directly for the 2024 SME Challenge

How does it work?

How does participation in the SME challenge at Deltares work? We follow a 4-step approach:

Step 1: Assessment

Want to know if you meet the requirements as an SME or startup? Read the 'SME brochure', where you will find what we can offer and the conditions your company and innovation must meet.

SME brochure

Step 2: Registration

As an SME or startup, you register for the ongoing SME challenge using the registration form. You fill it out with information about your company and innovation, and then send it to Sytse Riedstra: sytse.riedstra@deltares.nl.

Registration form

Step 3: Evaluation

All registrations will be assessed. Relevant registrations will be invited to present their innovation at Deltares. Deltares forms a jury, and depending on the question, the right experts will be asked to join. The jury evaluates the initiatives based on factors such as impact, feasibility, and relevance. Deltares also assesses whether the innovation fits within Deltares' expertise areas and if there is sufficient capacity available to start. The contribution of the innovation to societal goals (e.g., sustainability) also plays a role in the assessment.

Step 4: Start of the Challenge

Once it has been decided which initiatives will receive free access to our facilities, the SME (or startup) will be assigned a dedicated contact person within Deltares (the coach), and the guidance for the SME challenge begins.