Deadline: 25-Aug-2026
The ImmerseInteract Grant Scheme supports the development, production, and distribution of high-quality immersive and interactive media works, including VR, AR, MR, and digital storytelling projects. It is jointly run by the Creative Industries Fund NL and the Netherlands Film Fund to strengthen innovation across film, design, and digital culture. The program offers funding up to €125,000 for production and €25,000 for development, with a total 2026 budget of €1.1 million.
Overview of the Program
The ImmerseInteract Grant Scheme is a collaborative funding initiative supporting innovative storytelling at the intersection of film, digital media, and interactive technologies. It encourages artistic experimentation in immersive formats while maintaining strong cinematic and narrative quality.
The scheme focuses on projects that combine:
- Immersive storytelling
- Interactive media production
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration (film, design, digital culture)
- Innovative audience engagement formats
Key Focus Areas
Immersive Storytelling and Narrative Innovation
- VR (Virtual Reality) experiences
- AR (Augmented Reality) projects
- MR (Mixed Reality) productions
- Cinematic immersive narratives (fiction and non-fiction)
Interactive Media Production
- Web-based interactive works
- Mobile-first storytelling formats
- Audience-driven or participatory narratives
- Experimental digital interfaces
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
- Integration of film, design, and digital arts
- Collaboration between producers, artists, and technologists
- Hybrid creative production models
Artistic and Cultural Innovation
- High-quality artistic storytelling
- Development of new narrative languages
- Expansion of immersive media ecosystems
Funding Details
Total Program Budget
- €1,100,000 (2026 allocation)
Development Phase Funding
For concept development and prototyping:
- Producers: up to €25,000 per project
- Coaching support: up to €5,000 (if justified)
- Individual makers: up to €15,000
- Makers including coaching: up to €20,000 total
Development includes:
- Research and concept refinement
- Prototype creation
- Early-stage artistic and technical development
Realisation (Production) Phase Funding
For full project production:
- Producers: up to €125,000 per project
- Covers up to 85% of total production budget
- Individual makers: up to €35,000 per project
Important restriction:
- Producers cannot act as director, screenwriter, or designer in the same project
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
- Independent producers
- Established producers
- Professional makers and collectives
- Artists with immersive/interactive media experience
Registration Requirement
- Must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce
Required Experience
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Proven track record in immersive or interactive media
- Experience in audiovisual or digital storytelling production
Project Requirements
- Strong artistic and narrative foundation
- Use of immersive or interactive technologies
- Focus on both fiction or non-fiction storytelling
- Clear development and distribution strategy
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Artistic value and originality
- Technical quality and feasibility
- Strength of development approach
- Production structure and planning
- Distribution and audience engagement strategy
Selection Process
- Advisory committee review
- Limited number of projects supported per round
- Up to six development projects funded per cycle
Why This Program Matters
The ImmerseInteract scheme strengthens Europe’s immersive media ecosystem by supporting innovative storytelling formats that merge technology and art. It helps position the Netherlands as a leader in digital cultural production.
Key impacts:
- Advances VR/AR/MR storytelling innovation
- Strengthens cross-media collaboration
- Supports experimental digital culture
- Expands international immersive media markets
- Encourages new forms of audience interaction
How the Program Works
Step 1: Project Development Proposal
- Submit immersive or interactive concept
- Define artistic vision and technical approach
Step 2: Development Funding Phase
- Receive funding for research and prototype creation
- Optional coaching support available
Step 3: Production Application (if applicable)
- Submit full production plan
- Include budget and distribution strategy
Step 4: Realisation Phase
- Produce immersive or interactive work
- Ensure collaboration between creative and technical teams
Step 5: Distribution and Audience Engagement
- Present work through digital or cinematic platforms
- Implement audience interaction strategies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak immersive or interactive concept integration
- Missing track record in relevant media production
- Unrealistic production budget or timeline
- Lack of clear distribution strategy
- Incorrect role structure (producer also acting as creative lead in production phase)
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define immersive or interactive elements
- Demonstrate strong artistic vision and originality
- Provide realistic technical execution plan
- Show prior experience in digital storytelling
- Include strong audience engagement and distribution strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ImmerseInteract Grant Scheme?
It is a Dutch funding program supporting immersive and interactive media productions such as VR, AR, MR, and digital storytelling works.
Who runs the program?
The Creative Industries Fund NL and the Netherlands Film Fund.
How much funding is available?
Up to €25,000 for development and up to €125,000 for production (producers).
Who can apply?
Professional makers, collectives, and producers with relevant experience and Dutch Chamber of Commerce registration.
What technologies are supported?
VR, AR, MR, web-based interactive media, and mobile storytelling formats.
What is the total program budget?
€1.1 million for 2026.
How are projects evaluated?
Based on artistic value, technical quality, production structure, and distribution strategy.
Conclusion
The ImmerseInteract Grant Scheme is a major European funding initiative supporting the future of immersive and interactive storytelling. By combining film, design, and digital innovation, it enables creators to develop cutting-edge narrative experiences that expand how audiences engage with media.
For more information, visit Stimuleringsfonds.
