Shared Research Facilities Investment subsidy for Advanced Research Equipment

Advanced research equipment is essential for innovation, but often expensive and not always used to its full potential. To address this, Wageningen University & Research – Shared Research Facilities (SRF) offers companies and research institutions the opportunity to jointly invest in high-quality shared research equipment.

This subsidy is made possible through funding from the Province of Gelderland (2026–2027) and the Foodvalley Regional Deal (2028–2029). A total of €4 million in subsidies is available and can be utilized through 2029. Equipment may be installed either at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) or at external organizations in Gelderland, ensuring optimal alignment with users’ needs.

Sharing facilities is a proven way to make research equipment more accessible and cost-effective. Joint use leads to better utilization of capacity and creates opportunities for knowledge exchange among different users, further accelerating innovation.

Who can apply?

The subsidy is open to all applicants within the WUR research domain; no parties are excluded in advance. Both companies (including SMEs and startups) and knowledge institutions are eligible to participate. However, the equipment must be installed at organizations located in the province of Gelderland. The organization where the equipment is installed will act as the equipment manager.

Applicants are expected to actively pursue collaboration with WUR and involve companies as users and, where possible, as co-investors. SRF can support applicants in identifying other interested parties for joint investment.

What to apply for?

The subsidy covers up to 50% of the investment costs for research equipment. The remaining investment costs and all operational costs are covered through commitments from users.

Only investment costs are eligible for funding; maintenance and operational costs are excluded.
A maximum grant of €350,000 can be requested per piece of equipment.
In exceptional cases, a higher amount may be granted, provided this is well substantiated and approved in advance by the SRF Steering Committee, for example in cases of demonstrable use by companies.
The equipment will be purchased by SRF, which will also become the (legal) owner of the equipment.

Criteria for the investment

An important condition is that there must be demonstrated shared use of the equipment.

For each application, at least two parties must commit to using the equipment, preferably with at least one party being an organization outside WUR.
Commitments must have a minimum duration of two years.
Committed users pay cost-based rates. External users without a commitment are charged market-based rates.
The equipment must be made available for at least 15% of the available time to non-committed and external users.
Adequate support must be available, for example through an operator who can perform analyses for users and/or provide training.

Application and award

For each investment application, a comprehensive business plan will be prepared, including a pricing structure. The process is also described in this appendix. The assessment and awarding of the subsidy are managed through WUR, as the subsidy is formally administered there.

The SRF Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) advises on the scientific quality and the alignment with the existing SRF equipment portfolio (see the WUR Research Equipment Platform).
Based on this advice, the SRF Steering Committee makes a decision on the investment using both scientific and financial criteria.
For investments exceeding the European public procurement threshold, approval from the WUR Executive Board is also required.

SRF supports applicants throughout the entire application and assessment process. The WUR Research Equipment Platform is used for the administration of equipment usage.

Available equipment and contact information

Curious about which equipment is already available? Through the WUR Research Equipment Platform, you can access approximately 450 devices available for shared use. More information about the WUR Research Equipment Platform can be found on this WUR support portal page.

Would you like to learn more or explore whether your idea may be eligible? Please contact the Shared Research Facilities team. They are happy to discuss the possibilities with you and can support you in finding collaboration partners.

Communication

All communications regarding the investment must state that it was made possible in part by the Province of Gelderland (for investments made in 2026 and 2027) or the Foodvalley Regional Deal (for investments made in 2028 and 2029).