One year of INDUSTR_I4.0: 34 grants for digitalisation in the border region
The European funding project INDUSTR_I4.0 officially celebrated its first anniversary on 17 April 2025. SMEs in the German-Dutch border region can use the funding project to take steps towards digital transformation. The project is part of the Interreg VI programme Germany-Netherlands. A total of around 10 million euros is available to accelerate the digitalisation of the (manufacturing) industry.
Highlights of the first year
Since the official launch at the Euregio Digital Summit in Münster, INDUSTR_I4.0 has received 42 funding applications, of which 34 have been approved. These are divided into:
- 14 grants for ‘Exploration Cooperation Netherlands-Germany’
- 10 feasibility studies
- 10 innovation projects
A total of 58 companies and educational institutions are involved in the projects. This has created a foundation for cross-border cooperation and digital acceleration in the region. SMEs now know how to find their way to the project.
Pentas from Hengelo, for example, is working with two other companies on the application of AI in their order and resource management systems. Ultimately, this should lead to more efficient use of resources and lower energy consumption.
Funding opportunities INDUSTR_I4.0
To provide targeted support to SMEs, INDUSTR_I4.0 offers three low-threshold funding opportunities:
- Exploration Cooperation NL-DEFor companies that want to cooperate across borders, a grant of €1,250 is available to establish initial contacts and explore opportunities.
- Feasibility studiesCompanies can be reimbursed up to 50% of the costs of a feasibility study, up to a maximum of €10,000. This helps to determine the technical and economic feasibility of digitisation projects.
- Innovation projects For the actual implementation of digitisation projects, SMEs can receive grants of up to €50,000 (50% of the project costs). This enables them to make real progress, e.g. in the areas of smart industry, AI, automation or data integration.
Outlook for year 2: 80% of funds still available
With a good starting point, INDUSTR_I4.0 is now entering its development phase. In 2025, there will be plenty of scope and budget to further expand digital innovation in SMEs. This is a clear opportunity for companies that want to grow, innovate or collaborate across borders.
Are you curious about what INDUSTR_I4.0 can do for your company? Then get in touch with one of our consultants in your region.
The INDUSTR_I4.0 small project fund is implemented as part of the Interreg VI programme Germany-Netherlands and co-financed by the European Union, MWIKE NRW, the Lower Saxony Ministry for Federal and European Affairs and Regional Development, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the provinces of Fryslân, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, Gelderland, North Brabant and Limburg. INDUSTR_I4.0 is implemented by the following partners: NOM/TCNN, BOM, LIOF, Emsland GmbH, FH Münster/TAFH Münster GmbH, HS Niederrhein, WIR4/MCC and Oost NL.
Source: INDUSTR_I4.0