LiT Open Calls

LiT Open Calls aims to enable supporting research, secure a strong Dutch knowledge position, and strengthen the SME ecosystem by stimulating research, knowledge development and collaboration between entrepreneurs and between entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions. LiT Open Calls consists of four modules:

Knowledge and testing vouchers
Feasibility projects
R&D cooperation projects
Supporting research

LiT Open Calls was launched with the aim of accelerating the transition to sustainable aviation and stimulating innovation within the sector. By offering financial support, companies and knowledge institutions are encouraged to develop and apply new technologies and sustainable solutions. In addition, the scheme specifically aims to involve more SMEs in Luchtvaart in Transitie, so that smaller companies can also play an active role in making the sector more sustainable. This not only increases innovative capacity, but also promotes collaboration between different parties within the aviation industry.

All activities carried out within LiT Open Calls focus on electric-thermal energy systems, cost-effective manufacturing technologies for new aircraft configurations after 2030, new propulsion systems, new design concepts and materials, or ultra-efficient structural components. Each activity contributes to accelerating the transition to sustainable aviation. The knowledge generated also helps companies strengthen their position in the international supply chain through 2030 and beyond. As such, the subsidy also contributes to a stronger Dutch economy.

In 2024, twelve feasibility projects and fourteen knowledge and test vouchers were submitted. Four supporting research projects were also launched:

AEROFUSION (led by Stichting SAM|XL) is conducting fundamental research into continuous ultrasonic welding of curved thermoplastic composite components for aircraft assembly.

ARGUS (led by the University of Twente) is developing adaptive wing components using morphing surfaces made from Shape Memory Alloys. These enable real-time shape control via a hybrid system: passive adaptation through ambient temperature changes at varying altitudes, and active modulation using external heating for precision during manoeuvres. This will contribute to improving aerodynamic performance.

• Contact:
  Franz Bormann – Materials innovation institute (M2i)
  Celal Soyarslan – University of Twente (UT)

CoolPipe (led by the University of Twente) is researching two-phase hydrogen flow in fuel systems, developing a non-invasive cryogenic flow meter, predictive models for different pipe geometries, and a 0D flow model for concept selection. This contributes to safe and efficient hydrogen pipelines in aviation, a crucial step towards the use of liquid hydrogen as a sustainable fuel.

• Contact:
  Prof. Dr. Ir. Srini Vanapalli – Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente
  Dr. Chiara Falsetti – Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft

IOHEVA (led by TU Eindhoven) is developing an integrated design tool to optimize hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for aircraft. The tool considers different use cases and aspects such as cost and sustainability. It is being developed by TU/e, NLR, Zepp.solutions, Tulip Tech and the AE-Groep.

• Contact:
  Stay updated: Follow IOHEVA on LinkedIn
  Contact person: Loes Everink – Project manager IOHEVA, TU Eindhoven

In 2026, new applications can be submitted for the feasibility projects, test and knowledge vouchers, and supporting research modules.

More information about the Open Calls can be found here.