FOM sets up second instrument for collaboration SME: LIFT-HTSM
The second new call by FOM opens this autumn in order to stimulate collaboration between researchers and SME: LIFT-HTSM. Aim of the LIFT-HTSM call is to facilitate public-private collaboration and knowledge transfer on topics suited to the Topsector HTSM, that is, on collaboration with SME in particular. Projects should have the potential to realise scientific breakthroughs and/or to lead to innovations. The scope of projects is k€ 150 to k€ 300. Industry contributes a minimum of 25 percent in-cash. All proposals should fit within the roadmaps of the Topsector High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM), to be judged by the TKI HTSM. The deadline will be set at the beginning of 2017.
As of 2004, FOM has offered the possibility to apply for an Industrial Partnership Programme (IPP). FOM has created this instrument in order to strengthen the connection with industry and to have FOM research contribute thus to the Dutch knowledge economy, besides its contributions to science. In its Strategic Plan 2015-2019, FOM has incorporated that it wishes to dedicate more attention to the involvement of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) in fundamental research. The possibilities offered by LIFT-HTSM and the recently opened call KIEM-HTSM puts FOM's ambitions into practice. KIEM-HTSM offers the means to have collaborations start small. LIFT-HTSM offers the means to start long-term projects. FOM is thus building its own portfolio of instruments within the Topsector HTSM. It offers opportunities for smaller companies and smaller collaboration projects besides the already existing Industrial Partnership Programmes. In this way FOM contributes to demand-driven, explorative, precompetitive research with a physical research question, bearing in mind the opportunities for economic and social growth.
A 'call for porposals' is expected to be announced this autumn with a deadline for submitting proposals at the beginning of 2017. For more information on the LIFT-HTSM instrument (and also on KIEM-HTSM), please contact Jeroen van Houwelingen, (030) 6001 217.