Schemes

COMET (Co-making the Einstein Telescope)

Program area

Interreg VI A Deutschland–Nederland

Duration and status

November 2025 – December 2028
Open - planned call (launch expected early 2026)

Each subproject typically runs 6–18 months, within the overall project period (Oct 2025 – Dec 2028)

Budget

Funding rate: up to 50% Interreg support
Maximum Interreg contribution per subproject: €75,000
Maximum total subproject budget: €150,000

Target group

Cross-border consortia of at least one SME and one research organization in the Interreg region Netherlands-Germany.

Program partners en financing

Interreg
Oost NL
NMWP
LIOF
Emsland GmbH
TCNN
TransferAgentur van Fachhochschule Münster

Domains

Optics
Cryogenics
Vibration isolation
Data processing
Quantum technology

COMET (Comaking the Einstein Telescope) is an Interreg VI A Deutschland–Nederland project that fosters cross-border innovation between Dutch and German SMEs and research institutions. Running from October 2025 to December 2028, COMET supports the development of new technologies related to the Einstein Telescope (ET).

Program Description

Through open calls for subprojects, COMET funds joint R&D initiatives addressing ET-related challenges in areas such as optics, cryogenics, vibration isolation, data processing, and quantum technology. Selected cross-border consortia can receive up to €75,000 Interreg support (max 50% co-funding) for projects with TRL 4–7 innovations.

Beyond the Einstein Telescope, COMET’s outcomes will strengthen the region’s high-tech ecosystem and stimulate new market applications in fields like semiconductors, precision engineering, aerospace, and health technology.

Even if the ET is not built in the border region, COMET’s results remain valuable for Europe’s innovation landscape. By linking research and industry across borders, the program acts as a launchpad for technological breakthroughs, economic growth, and sustainable collaboration between the Netherlands and Germany.

Opportunities for companies

Funding support for R&D projects developing ET-related technologies (up to €75,000 Interreg contribution).
Cross-border collaboration with German and Dutch knowledge institutions and tech partners.
Access to a growing ET innovation ecosystem and visibility in future large-scale European science infrastructure.
Guidance and matchmaking during proposal preparation and consortium building.
New market opportunities through technology spin-offs beyond ET applications.

Application info

Calls for proposals open via the website COMET-Interreg.
COMET partners will organize info sessions and matchmaking events in late 2025.