Still € 250,000 in vouchers available for care technology companies

Healthcare technology companies from the province South Holland can still make use of European subsidy funds through ‘Kansen voor West’ in the coming months until the amount is forgiven. The vouchers reimburse up to € 25,000 for participation in an Investor Readiness Program or up to € 10,000 for external advice.

Already 25 companies have applied successfully. The vouchers are intended to help companies accelerate the application and scale-up of their technological solution in healthcare. The ZorgTech innovation program helps companies with this scheme.

How to receive a voucher?

If you are interested, you can submit an application through the web portal 'van Kansen voor West . The innovation program ZorgTech holds an online consultation hour every Monday. Companies with questions about this scheme can sign up for this. We can tell you more about what programs exist, connect you to experts, and help sharply formulate your consulting needs. The scheme is open until the budget of €500,000 is spent and runs until June 30, 2023 at the latest.

"Because we work with consultation hours, the number of rejected applications is low. We already check there whether the content of the application fits and make adjustments where necessary. The few companies that were not awarded a voucher were either in financial difficulty or did not submit all the requested documents. I therefore advise companies to read the conditions carefully before submitting their application," says Marieke Kodde, ZorgTech program manager.

Who is this scheme for?

This scheme is for companies working on technological solutions for healthcare. Both startups and scale-ups working towards an investment can apply. The focus here is on products and systems used for diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of diseases. The main focus is on the deployment of innovative technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics or 3D printing.

What can you do with the vouchers?

With the program voucher (up to €25,000) you can participate in a so-called Investor Readiness Program (IRP). An IRP helps strengthen companies and increase their chances of success for financing. During the program you receive theory, assignments, conversations with peers and 1-on-1 coaching by experts. After an IRP, you will have a better idea of what you can still work on to increase your chances of success in obtaining financing.

"With the vouchers we have lowered the threshold for participating in an IRP. For example, we have been able to support companies to participate in the Health Tech Accelerator, the IBE Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate Program and the Market Access & Reimbursement Program," Kodde said.

If you have a specific question or no need to participate in a program, you can also apply for an advisory voucher (up to €10,000). You can use this to pay for the hiring of an expert. Kodde: "These vouchers are popular. We have already seen many applications. Most companies are looking for advice on certification, funding their solution, sharpening their business case or market positioning. We have compiled a list of approved service providers. You can also propose a party yourself and they will be assessed by us first."

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The ZorgTech innovation program is made possible by the Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag (MRDH), the province of South Holland, TNO, InnovationQuarter and Medical Delta; implementation is in the hands of InnovationQuarter and Medical Delta.