The call ‘Technology Development for Circular Batteries’ contributes to the National Growth Fund Programme ‘Material Independence & Circular Batteries’. This call aims at advancing the knowledge and technology development in the battery production and value chain - including recycling, new battery materials and battery systems for Long Duration Energy Storage applications. This call invites researchers to explore this in an interdisciplinary consortium.
The aim of this Call for Proposals is to contribute to the innovation programme of the NGF proposal ‘Material Independence and Circular Batteries’. This Call for Proposals is thus aimed at realising key technologies in the battery production and value chain, accelerating the energy transition, creating interdependence and increasing sustainable earning capacity. To achieve those key positions in the development of different parts of the battery value chain, this call comprises three separate programme lines:
Program line 1: | Selective recovery of materials from lithium iron phosphate batteries and associated mixed waste streams. |
Program line 2: | Development of sustainable next generation sodium-ion batteries with lower environmental impact and improved performance. |
Program line 3: | Development of innovative manufacturing technologies for battery systems suitable for Long Duration Energy Storage applications. |
In addition, research on techno-economic feasibility, impact assessments and life-cycle analysis are integral parts of this programme.
This Call for Proposals includes three programme lines with their own grant budget:
Subsidies can be applied for personnel, equipment, investments and knowledge utilisation. The intended duration of projects should be four years with a maximum of no more than six years.
The NWO Incentives Scheme (Veni, Vidi, Vici) awards are prestige-based—targeting top-tier researchers:
Veni: within 3 years of PhD, in top 10–20% internationally
Vidi: within ~8 years, capacity to lead independent research
Vici: senior researchers (≤15 years post-PhD), proven leadership and new research directions
Excellence across publications, citations, grants, and international engagement is non-negotiable .
Innovative, potentially paradigm-shifting research is favored.
NWO explicitly values curiosity-driven, blue-sky science, with a significant score (40%) based on originality and impact .
Past achievements matter: be in the top-tier of your field, with strong publications, grants, awards, and leadership roles .
But 60% of evaluation also rests on the proposal itself—methods, feasibility, impact strategy, and data use .
Each Talent grant has strict eligibility criteria—extensions are allowed for leaves (e.g., parental, clinical) .
Don't apply for Vici if you're still under 15 years post-PhD, etc. Align your stage precisely.
NWO encourages international collaborations; committees often include foreign experts .
Larger consortium and infrastructure programs (e.g. Zwaartekracht, ORC/Perspectief) must include universities, industry, and societal partners .
Overall success rates remain modest—~25–30% across all NWO schemes .
Talent grants (Veni/Vidi/Vici) hover around 14–20%, with hundreds of applicants for each cycle
Applicants often submit multiple times—and persistence pays off. Pre-screening by universities may help .
Universities are encouraged (and sometimes required) to limit and pre-select Talent applications to reduce oversubmission
University support—both visible and documented—boosts credibility.
Predictor | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Top-tier track record | Demonstrates excellence and global competitiveness |
Bold ideas with impact | Aligns with NWO’s innovation goals |
Stage-appropriate scheme | Avoids ineligibility or misfit |
Strong proposal structure | Research justification, methods, and clarity of use are critical |
International collaboration | Builds scientific and societal relevance |
University endorsement | Signals quality and reduces noise in high-volume rounds |
Persistence & strategic resubmission | Many funded grants follow careful reapplications |
🧭 Tips for Applicants
Choose the right Talent scheme based on post-PhD years and career stage.
Benchmark yourself: Are you in the top 10–20% internationally?
Invest in proposal quality—allocate ~40% for project design, and 60% for your track record.
Seek institutional backing—only compete if your university pre-supported your bid.
Form international collaborations to reinforce excellence and global reach.
Be prepared to persevere—many successful grants come after revision or second/third attempts.
Explore larger consortia like Zwaartekracht or ORC if you're aiming for broader impact.
Researchers may act as main or co-applicants if they are employed by a Dutch research organisation such as universities, universities of applied sciences, TO2 institutes or other institutes. For research proposals, consortia must be formed consisting of at least one main applicant, one co-applicant and one cooperation partner. Cooperation partners can be other research institutions as well as companies or public organisations. The development of an impact plan is also a mandatory part of the proposals.
Eligible Countries:
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Dutch Research Council (NWO)
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: Laan van Nieuw Oost-Indië 300, 2593 CE
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Sep 16, 2025
Sep 16, 2025
$5,863,521
Affiliation: Dutch Research Council (NWO)
Address: Laan van Nieuw Oost-Indië 300, 2593 CE
Website URL: https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/technology-development-for-circular-batteries
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