Innovation Impact Challenge IX Urban Development

About the Challenge

Are you an entrepreneur interested in innovation and immersive experiences (IX)? Curious about how to turn your ideas into innovative solutions that contribute to urban development? Then the Innovation Impact Challenge is for you!

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), together with the municipalities of Amsterdam and Almere, invites entrepreneurs to develop innovative IX products and services that help build future-proof urban environments.

This Challenge is part of the National Growth Fund programme CIIIC (Creative Industries Immersive Impact Coalition), led by the Ministry of OCW and executed by RVO.

Why participate?

Cities face complex challenges such as (affordable) housing, sustainability, climate adaptation, and accessibility. IX technologies can help visualize these issues and develop innovative solutions. The Innovation Impact Challenge gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to turn their ideas into real products—with financial support.

Two key themes

• Relevant, innovative, and future-proof IX solutions that take an integrated approach to urban challenges.
• Preventing and reducing the negative impacts of urban development on those involved.

Budget and process

• Phase 1: Feasibility research for your innovation (up to €25,000 per project, total budget of €250,000 per theme).
• Phase 2: Development and testing of a prototype (up to €200,000 per project, total budget of €1,200,000 per theme).

The total available budget is €2,500,000.

Important dates

• Information session: Tuesday 8 April 2025, 09:30–12:00 – Sign up now
• Deadline for submitting Expression of Interest: Friday 25 April 2025, 12:00
• Announcement of selected proposals: Friday 9 May 2025
• Deadline for submitting Phase 1 proposals: Friday 6 June 2025

Get involved

Want to shape the future of urban development with innovative IX solutions?

Submit your Expression of Interest and get a chance to receive funding!

Got a strong idea that fits this Innovation Impact Challenge? Share it in an Expression of Interest (EoI). On a single A4 (400–500 words), briefly outline:

• Your solution idea
• How it fits the challenge themes
• Your knowledge and expertise to develop the innovation

Submit your Expression of Interest

More information

Before submitting your Expression of Interest, be sure to read the following documents:

• Download the full call text
• Download the guide for entrepreneurs
• Or find more information about the call on the RVO website.