You've Submitted Your WBSO Application for 2026 — What Now?
You've submitted your WBSO application for 2026 — congratulations on taking this important step! But what happens next? In this article, we walk you through the review process, expected timelines, and how to prepare for the outcome.
The Review Process
After you submit your WBSO application to the RVO, the following process takes place:
1. Initial Check
The RVO first performs a completeness check:
- Are all required fields filled in?
- Is the application submitted on time?
- Are the company details correct?
If information is missing, the RVO may contact you for clarification.
2. Technical Assessment
The RVO evaluates whether your projects qualify as R&D:
- Technical novelty: Is the project technically new for your company?
- Technical uncertainty: Are there genuine technical risks and challenges?
- Systematic approach: Do you follow a structured R&D methodology?
3. Financial Assessment
The RVO reviews the financial aspects:
- Are the estimated R&D hours reasonable?
- Does the hourly rate alignment make sense?
- Is the requested budget proportional to the project scope?
Expected Timeline
- Standard processing time: 3 months from submission
- First applications: May take slightly longer due to company registration
- Complex applications: May require additional review time
Tips for Faster Processing
- Submit complete and well-structured applications
- Provide clear, technical project descriptions
- Ensure all company details are up to date with the RVO
Possible Outcomes
Approved
You receive an approval letter (beschikking) with:
- The approved number of R&D hours
- The approved projects
- The applicable WBSO rates
- The period of validity
Partially Approved
The RVO may approve some projects but not others, or approve fewer hours than requested. You'll receive an explanation of the reasons.
Rejected
If your application is rejected, the RVO will explain why. Common reasons include:
- Projects don't meet the technical novelty requirement
- Insufficient technical uncertainty
- Inadequate project descriptions
- Administrative issues
You have the right to object within 6 weeks of the decision.
While You Wait
Use the waiting period productively:
- Set up time tracking: Have your hour registration system ready before approval
- Train your team: Ensure R&D employees know how to track their hours
- Continue documentation: Start documenting R&D activities from the project start
- Plan your administration: Prepare templates for project progress reports
How Manna Streamlines This Process
Manna's AI-powered platform helps you:
- Write stronger applications: AI generates RVO-compliant project descriptions
- Track progress: Monitor your application status
- Prepare for approval: Automated time tracking setup from day one
- Handle objections: Expert support if your application is (partially) rejected
Have questions about your submitted application? Contact us for support.