Freelance WBSO Specialist – Software & ICT

Freelance | Remote | Netherlands | Start Q4 2026

Do you have extensive experience with WBSO applications for software and ICT projects and the technical expertise to critically assess complex software development?

Catalyze is looking for an experienced Freelance WBSO Specialist – Software & ICT to strengthen our team during key WBSO periods and provide specialist support throughout the year.

We are specifically looking for an independent professional who already knows WBSO inside out. You should be able to review software-related applications, identify whether projects meet the requirements for technically new software, challenge and strengthen the technical content, and support our consultants and clients in discussions with “Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland” (RVO).

Demonstrable WBSO experience with software or ICT projects is a firm requirement for this assignment.

What will you do?

Review & strengthen WBSO applications

Critically review software-related WBSO applications and strengthen the technical content, ensuring that technical bottlenecks, development challenges and proposed solutions are clearly and convincingly described.

Assess WBSO eligibility for software R&D

Evaluate whether software projects meet the WBSO requirements for technically new software and advise our consultants and clients on eligibility, positioning and technical substantiation.

Provide specialist WBSO support

Support responses to technical questions from RVO and, where needed, join client discussions, conduct technical intakes and help structure applications for new software and ICT clients.

You will work independently as a specialist alongside Catalyze consultants and engage directly with clients and their technical teams when required.

What do you bring?

We are looking for an experienced independent WBSO professional who can contribute from day one without requiring WBSO training or extensive guidance from our side.

You bring:

• Demonstrable and substantial experience with WBSO applications for software and ICT projects – this is a firm requirement.
• In-depth knowledge of WBSO requirements for technically new software and how these are assessed by RVO.
• Strong software and IT knowledge, enabling you to understand complex development projects and engage confidently with CTOs, software developers, architects and other technical specialists.
• Proven ability to identify and articulate technical bottlenecks, technical newness and software-development approaches.
• Experience reviewing and strengthening WBSO applications written by others.
• Experience supporting responses to technical questions from RVO.
• The ability to assess critically whether a project genuinely qualifies for WBSO rather than simply trying to fit a project into the scheme.
• Strong analytical, interviewing, writing and communication skills.
• Professional proficiency in Dutch, both written and spoken.
• The ability to work independently in a freelance capacity and deliver high-quality work with limited supervision.
• Experience participating in RVO discussions, audits or assessments related to software WBSO projects would be a strong advantage.

Software & ICT expertise

You should have sufficient technical depth to understand how software is developed and to identify where genuine technical development challenges lie.

Relevant expertise may include areas such as:

• Software architecture and software engineering
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Advanced algorithms and data processing
• SaaS and software platforms
• Cloud and distributed systems
• Cybersecurity
• APIs, databases and systems integration
• Automation and intelligent systems
• IoT and connected technologies
• High-performance or scalable computing
• Other software-intensive technologies

You do not necessarily need to be a software developer yourself, but you should be technically strong enough to challenge experienced software teams and assess whether their development work meets WBSO requirements.

Availability

We are ideally looking for someone who can start in Q4 2026.

Our main requirement is during the November–December WBSO peak, leading up to the 20 December deadline. We therefore expect increased capacity to be required during this period. Additional support may be needed throughout the year, particularly between February and May, when we receive questions and follow-up requests from RVO.

The assignment is fully remote, and the required capacity will vary depending on our project pipeline and WBSO deadlines. We are therefore looking for an independent consultant who values flexibility and is interested in building a recurring collaboration with Catalyze, rather than a fixed full-time assignment.

Why work with Catalyze?

Catalyze is a leading innovation consultancy with more than 20 years of experience helping innovative organisations secure funding and bring ambitious innovations to market.

As part of our freelance network, you will:

• Work on technically challenging software and ICT innovation projects.
• Collaborate with innovative companies, CTOs and development teams.
• Apply your WBSO expertise as a specialist rather than requiring training or extensive onboarding.
• Work fully remotely with flexibility around individual assignments.
• Support Catalyze during key WBSO periods as well as on selected projects throughout the year.
• Have the opportunity to build a long-term freelance relationship with recurring assignments.
• We value experienced independent professionals and aim to build lasting collaborations with specialists whose expertise complements our internal teams.

Interested?

Are you an independent WBSO consultant with demonstrable Software/ICT experience who can hit the ground running?

We would be happy to hear from you.

Please share your CV or LinkedIn profile, together with a brief overview of:

• Your WBSO experience, particularly with software and ICT projects.
• Examples of software-related WBSO applications you have worked on.
• Your experience dealing with technical questions or assessments from RVO.
• Your freelance availability during November and December 2026 and your general availability throughout the year.

If your experience matches what we are looking for, we will arrange an introductory conversation to explore potential collaboration.