WBSO for Agritech and Foodtech: Does Your Innovation Qualify?
Manna Team
The Netherlands is a global leader in agritech and foodtech. From precision agriculture to new protein sources, much of this innovation revolves around technical development with an uncertain outcome — exactly what the WBSO supports. This article explains when agri and food innovation qualifies. Want to apply right away? Start with the complete guide to applying for WBSO.
When does agri and food innovation qualify?
The WBSO reimburses developing a technically new product, production process or new software, or technical-scientific research. For agritech and foodtech this means you develop something yourself that is technically new for your company, with technical problems you have to solve.
Usually qualifies:
- Developing precision agriculture technology (sensors, robotics, data-driven cultivation)
- A new or substantially improved food production process (for example fermentation or preservation)
- Developing new protein sources or plant-based alternatives with technical uncertainty
- Software for cultivation optimisation, supply-chain monitoring or food safety
Usually does not qualify:
- Applying existing agricultural methods without your own development
- Routine cultivation or production without a technical problem
- Purely commercial or recipe-based changes without technical uncertainty
Examples from agritech and foodtech
- Precision agriculture: an algorithm that adjusts irrigation in real time based on sensor data, where it is uncertain whether the desired accuracy is achievable.
- Foodtech: developing a production process for a plant-based alternative with the right texture and shelf life.
- Robotics: a harvesting robot that selectively harvests a crop without damage, with uncertain technical feasibility.
Combining with other schemes
Agri and food innovation often fits multiple schemes. Alongside the WBSO you can consider thematic subsidies. Read for example about EIP: digitalization & robotization in agriculture and how to combine subsidies smartly without double-funding the same costs.
How do you describe an agri or food project?
Answer RVO's four questions technically and concretely: what are you developing, why is it technically new, which technical problems do you expect and how will you solve them? A worked WBSO application example helps you get started.
Get started
See RVO.nl/wbso for the official conditions.
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