Innovation Impact Challenges

What is an Innovation Impact Challenge?

The Innovation Impact Challenge (formerly SBIR) is a way for the government to challenge entrepreneurs through an innovation competition.

Companies develop solutions for societal challenges in the form of new products or services.

How does a challenge work?

The Innovation Impact Challenge is a phased innovation competition. Companies with the best proposals move on to the next phase.

It is a way for the government to procure research and development. This helps create a market in which the government can later act as a buyer.

Phases

Phase 1: feasibility study
The best submissions receive a paid contract to test whether their idea is feasible (technically, legally, financially, and commercially).

After this, the contracting authority decides which projects move on to phase 2.

Phase 2: development
The best projects from phase 1 develop a prototype and test it in practice.

RVO and the contracting authority work together with the entrepreneur to support successful delivery.

What does participation deliver?

For companies:

• an R&D contract with the government (not a subsidy)
• revenue and a clear assignment
• faster innovation and development
• chance to gain an initial customer (the government)
• collaboration with other companies and knowledge institutions
• support with barriers such as regulation or certification
• access to new markets
• intellectual property usually remains with the company

For governments:

• access to innovative solutions
• collaboration with companies
• testing prototypes in practice
• faster contact with the market
• room for experimentation and innovation
• opportunities for (young) innovative companies