The province of Noord-Brabant has launched a substantial initiative to support innovative student projects with a new €2.8 million subsidy fund. This funding will bolster student teams working on creative and technology-driven solutions in various fields. The fund is part of an effort to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem in the region, uniting academic institutions, industry partners, and young talent. The initiative has been driven by BOOST, the Brabantse Ondersteunende Organisatie Studententeams (Brabant Supporting Organization for Student Teams), a newly established platform aimed at helping students in the province create impactful, forward-thinking innovations.

A Platform for Student Innovation

The BOOST platform aims to support student teams at all levels, from vocational education (mbo) to universities (wo), in the development of innovative projects that can address pressing societal and technological challenges. The newly created subsidy fund is one of the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, with a focus on providing students in Brabant with the financial resources to bring their creative solutions to life.

The BOOST initiative was designed by students themselves, who saw the need for a regional platform that could provide support to student teams across the province. Their efforts are aligned with the region’s commitment to fostering innovation and talent in fields ranging from electric racing cars to sustainable hydrogen batteries and reusable rockets.

Funding Opportunities for Student Teams

The new fund will provide two types of subsidies aimed at helping students realize their ideas. The larger Innovation Grant offers up to €40,000 for more significant projects, while the smaller Kickstarter Grant provides up to €1,500 to assist in the early stages of project development. With these grants, BOOST hopes to empower young innovators to explore new solutions, from sustainable energy alternatives to advanced technology in healthcare and beyond.

The collaboration between BOOST and the province of Noord-Brabant is part of a broader strategy to address the region's technological and societal challenges. Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, the provincial official overseeing the initiative, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of the student-driven projects. He noted, "In Brabant, we are coming up with smart solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our universities, colleges, and vocational schools are breeding grounds for talent with innovative solutions. We are proud to give that talent a push and can’t wait to see the exciting ideas our local students will develop."

Building an Ecosystem for Innovation

BOOST is not just a financial support platform. It is also focused on creating an inclusive, collaborative environment where students from various educational backgrounds can come together to share ideas and learn from one another. To facilitate this, BOOST is working in close partnership with ten academic institutions in the region, including prestigious universities and colleges such as TU Eindhoven, Tilburg University, Avans University of Applied Sciences, and Fontys Universities of Applied Sciences, among others.

Through these partnerships, BOOST is creating a strong, interconnected ecosystem for student teams across Brabant, involving both higher education and vocational training institutions. The goal is to ensure that every student in the province has the opportunity to participate in or form their own innovation teams. As part of this mission, BOOST is actively coordinating efforts between educational institutions and industry partners to offer valuable resources and exposure to the student teams.

Nick Hol, the Chair of BOOST, emphasized that the platform’s mission is to foster opportunities for young talent to grow and contribute to the region’s future. He explained, "BOOST is the Brabant-wide development agency for student teams. Through this platform, we are creating opportunities for young talents to develop and make significant contributions to Brabant's future."

Looking Ahead: BOOST's Future Plans

The future of BOOST is not limited to the financial support offered through grants. As the platform develops, it plans to expand its services and provide additional resources to student teams. Future initiatives include creating a public knowledge base, offering scholarships, and providing shared vehicles for student teams. Additionally, BOOST aims to increase the visibility of student teams within Brabant, ensuring that their innovations reach a wide audience of the 150,000 students in the region.

Through these efforts, BOOST seeks to not only support individual student teams but also raise the profile of the region as a hub for student innovation. By connecting students with the tools, funding, and support they need, the platform is empowering the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers to make a tangible impact on the world.

The introduction of the €2.8 million subsidy fund is a pivotal moment for student-led innovation in Brabant. With BOOST serving as a catalyst for collaboration, funding, and development, the region is positioning itself as a leader in student-driven technological and societal progress. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of innovation in the Netherlands and beyond.

By providing both financial backing and a collaborative ecosystem for innovation, BOOST is helping to turn student ideas into real-world solutions that will shape the future of technology, business, and society. The success of this initiative will have far-reaching benefits, not only for the students involved but also for the broader community in Brabant and beyond.