The Make It Matter Voucher Program
The Make It Matter Voucher program helps bridge the gap from research to real world impact.
Program Objective
The Make It Matter Voucher Program supports early-stage technology validation with targeted funding for 12-month proof-of-concept projects. They vouchers aim to bridge the gap between academic discovery and commercial application.
Examples of what the voucher can be used for are:
- Feasibility studies for commercial application of innovative knowledge
- Validation of inventions to strengthen IP position
- Collecting validation data
- Commercialization preparation activities
Program Details
The voucher amount is €25,000 and the conditions are the following:
- The voucher funding operates on a success-based repayment model. If your project generates license income in the future, the voucher amount needs to be repaid. However, if your project does not achieve success, no repayment is required.
- Applications must be Utrecht University or UMC Utrecht employees.
- Applications should be based on novel intellectual property, meaning the technology can be patented.
- Applications should be based on a technology that has strong potential to reach the market and make impact.
- Applicants must be motivated and willing to engage with business developers, potential partners and stakeholders.
- The project should start within 6 months after approval.
Application and Selection Process
Please fill out your details in the form below to receive the application form. Application dates are as follows:
- Submission deadline: 22 September 2026
- Pitch session for selected teams: 13 October 2026
An advisory committee assesses proposals and ranks them based on four equally weighted criteria:
- Innovation potential / patentability
- Market potential
- Team
- Quality of the project plan
Utrecht Holdings aims to award 8 vouchers per year. Applications can be submitted twice per year.
Program Deliverables
To reduce the workload writing we will provide you with a reporting template. After 12 months this report covers the project objectives and deliverables achieved, TRL assessment and IP/commercialization findings, an impact assessment and the next steps. Additionally, we expect an intermediate report after 6 months to get a grip on your progress and provide guidance if necessary.
What can be covered?
A maximum of 100% of the eligible project costs can be reimbursed and must be specified (personal, material, investments, other). The following costs are excluded from reimbursement:
- Costs beyond the duration of the project
- Housing costs
- Patent costs
- Legal fees
- Consulting fees
- Travel expenses
- Conference attendance
- General overhead costs
How to apply?
Please fill out your details in the form below to receive the application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the voucher for the matching contribution in the NWO Faculty of Impact program?
No, unfortunately this is not permitted.
My project really needs external input from consultants. Is an exception to the exclusion of consulting fees possible?
It depends. The Make It Matter Voucher program intends to promote active engagement of researchers. Outsourcing work does not achieve that goal and decreases the quality of the overall project plan. In rare instances, it may still be possible to include consulting fees, so please discuss this with your supporting Business Developer. Note that hourly fees of MTKF (Medische Technologie & Klinische Fysica) are considered in-house costs that can be included in the project plan.