The First Innovation Grants Have Been Awarded!

From hydrogen storage and space technology to repairable cars and satellite communication: nine student-led projects have received funding in the first round of the Innovation Grant, a joint initiative by the Province of Noord-Brabant and BOOST. With grants ranging from €25,000 to €40,000, the selected teams can now take their ambitious ideas to the next level—building, testing, and showcasing their concepts, often in collaboration with industry partners, research institutes, and government bodies.

Joos Kat from BOOST:

The funded projects span a wide range of topics. Some focus on sustainable mobility, others on aerospace technologies or housing. This diversity of innovation is exactly what we hoped to see.

Among the selected teams are Aero, developing a continuously flying drone; TU/ecomotive, known for their sustainable concept car; and VIRTU/e, which focuses on innovative housing solutions. URE is pushing the boundaries of electric and autonomous racing, while Void is working on reusable rocketry. Aster contributes to advancements in satellite technology, and InMotion is tackling the challenge of high-power electric charging. Completing the list are Polar, creating vehicles for Arctic research, and Solid, exploring new frontiers in sustainable energy carriers.

We’re already seeing promising new teams emerging across Noord-Brabant. Our hope is that, over time, they’ll develop to the point where they, too, can apply. The goal is long-term, continuous support for student innovation.

These grants go beyond financial support—they’re a recognition of the vital role student teams play in driving technological and societal progress in Brabant. BOOST and the Province of Noord-Brabant are committed to supporting this movement through funding, knowledge-sharing, and the development of a strong student innovation network. After all, the innovations of tomorrow are being born today in the workshops, labs, and creative minds of Brabant’s students.

 Nick Hol, Chair of BOOST stated:

BOOST is the province-wide development agency for student teams in Brabant, Through this platform, we’re creating opportunities for young talent to grow and contribute to the future of the region.

In addition to managing the fund and coordinating efforts between educational institutions, BOOST also offers an online platform with news, events, team information, and job opportunities. Future plans include launching a public knowledge base, offering scholarships, introducing shared vehicles for student teams, and running a province-wide marketing campaign to reach all 150,000 students in Brabant.