The next submission deadline for the Innovation Fund is in 2026. Anyone wishing to apply for funding should start preparing now. But before you embark on the extensive application process, it is worth carefully reviewing your project. In an interview, Barbara Bendaoud, Innovation Fund expert at PNO Innovation, explains why good preparation is crucial and how PNO can provide you with optimal support with its Viability Assessment.
Barbara Bendaoud: “The Innovation Fund (IF) offers the chance of very high funding of perhaps over 100 million for your project, but the application process is also very comprehensive and will cost you many hundreds of hours of your own employees’ and additional consultants’ time. In addition, competition for IF funding is very high, meaning that only the best projects and applications have a good chance of success. That is why it is very important to think carefully before submitting an application. The project should be thoroughly reviewed before you begin and carefully checked against the requirements of the Innovation Fund. Only then should you decide to go ahead with the time-consuming application process.”
Barbara Bendaoud: “As a first step before submitting an application, PNO offers a Viability Assessment. Our experts assess your project against the Innovation Fund’s evaluation criteria and provide an estimate of the expected success rate of your project. In addition, they provide specific recommendations for the further development of the project and make suggestions for changes to better align the project with the requirements of the Innovation Fund. The Viability Assessment is intended as a basis for decision-makers in your company to make an informed decision for or against submitting an IF application.”
Barbara Bendaoud: “Start early! Good preparation is the key to success with the Innovation Fund. Starting early and following a structured approach ultimately saves time and resources and prevents disappointment. And of course, please contact us if you would like to know more. We will be happy to guide you on your way to a successful application. You can contact us using the form below or by calling us at +31(0)88 838 13 81“.
Barbara Bendaoud is Senior Consultant at PNO Innovation Germany.
28/10/2025
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