Big Chemistry Startup Program 2026
The chemical industry is facing a fundamental transition. The development of new, sustainable materials, energy-efficient data storage and safe formulations requires an acceleration of molecular research. Traditional, laboratory processes currently fall short in terms of speed, scale and predictability. Big Chemistry is set to change this. By combining chemistry with robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), a new approach to molecular research is emerging: faster experimentation, larger datasets and better predictive models.
For startups, this means: faster development, less trial and error, and a stronger business case for investors and industry.
What is Big Chemistry?
Big Chemistry is a Dutch National Growth Fund program (€97 million) which includes the creation of a fully robotised laboratory at the Novio Tech Campus in Nijmegen. In this lab, companies can carry out vast numbers of experiments accurately and automatically. This scale and precision generate unique datasets, which are used to train new algorithms to predict the properties of formulations, such as:
- Solubility
- Phase behaviour
- Critical micelle concentration
- Odour
- Toxicity
- Reaction rates
This accelerates the development of new materials, formulations and applications.
The Big Chemistry Startup Program builds on this. Under a mandate from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Oost NL implements this national grant scheme, which supports startups at the intersection of chemistry, AI and robotics. Selected participants will receive not only funding, but also tailored guidance and access to a relevant ecosystem to accelerate bringing their technology to market and enhance its investment readiness.
Who is the program intended for?
The program supports startups that develop or apply AI, data and robotics technologies to measure, predict and improve formulations in areas such as polymers, coatings, emulsions, fragrances and adhesives. Examples include solutions that automate experiments using robotics, or make properties such as stability, odour, solubility or functionality predictable via AI.
The program is aimed at startups as defined under the AGVV 22 that:
- Are less than five years old
- Are no larger than a small enterprise (< 50 employees, and < €10 million turnover or balance sheet total).
Where and when can you apply?
Applications can be submitted from the 27th of May 2026. Are you interested, or would you like to explore whether the program is a good fit for your startup? Please feel free to contact Marieke Smidt or Annette Schumer. They will be happy to inform you about the possibilities and next steps.
Applications will be assessed in the order in which complete applications are received, provided the funding ceiling has not been reached.
