Belgian Grants by Sector — Which Startup Gets What

Belgian grant programs are not one-size-fits-all. Each region — Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia — designs its subsidies around strategic priorities, and those priorities are deeply sector-specific. A biotech startup in Ghent and a creative studio in Brussels are eligible for fundamentally different programs, even if both are early-stage.

Understanding which sector you belong to, and which sectors the grant agencies prioritize, is the single fastest way to narrow your search. Instead of browsing hundreds of programs, you focus on the 5 to 10 that genuinely target companies like yours.

This guide breaks down the Belgian grant landscape by sector, covering tech startups, green and cleantech startups, health and biotech startups, and creative or cultural startups. For each, we list the key programs, typical amounts, and practical tips. You can also use Lucas, BelGrant's AI assistant, to match your specific profile to available grants in minutes.

Technology startups are the most broadly supported category in Belgium. In Flanders, VLAIO's SME innovation grants cover up to 45% of innovation project costs for small enterprises, with maximums reaching €250,000 for development projects. VLAIO also offers R&D grants for more research-intensive tech ventures, covering up to 60% of eligible costs.

In Brussels, Innoviris provides R&D grants for tech companies through its Explore and Prove programs. Explore grants cover feasibility studies up to €50,000, while Prove grants fund prototype development up to €200,000. Digital startups in Brussels can also access the Innoviris Living Labs program for projects with a strong urban innovation angle.

Wallonia supports tech startups through the SPW Digital Wallonia grants and the DGO6 R&D programs, covering software development, AI projects, and digital transformation tools. Federal programs like the partial wage tax exemption for R&D personnel apply to all tech companies regardless of region, reducing payroll costs by up to 80% of the withheld payroll tax for qualifying researchers.

Green startups benefit from a growing pool of dedicated funding. VLAIO's Ecology Premium Plus supports investments in green technology and circular economy projects, covering 15% to 55% of investment costs depending on the ecological impact. The Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA) adds subsidies for energy efficiency and renewable energy installations.

In Brussels, the Climate Fund supports startups working on carbon reduction, sustainable mobility, and energy transition. Innoviris also runs dedicated calls for sustainability-focused innovation projects. Wallonia offers green investment premiums through the SPW and specific programs under the Walloon Recovery Plan for circular economy and clean energy.

EU-level funding through Horizon Europe's Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy, and Mobility) and the European Innovation Council are accessible to Belgian green startups with strong innovation potential. These grants can reach several million euros but require collaborative or highly innovative proposals.

Belgium's strong pharmaceutical and biotech ecosystem translates into dedicated funding for health startups. VLAIO R&D grants are particularly relevant for biotech companies conducting pre-clinical or clinical research, with grant rates up to 60% for small enterprises. Flanders also hosts the Health House initiative and sector-specific calls through FWO for fundamental research collaboration.

Brussels health startups can access Innoviris grants through the Health programme line, which funds medical device development, digital health applications, and clinical validation studies. Wallonia's BioWin health cluster connects startups with collaborative R&D funding and networking opportunities with established pharma companies.

Federal tax incentives are especially powerful for health startups: the innovation income deduction allows up to 85% exemption on income from patented innovations, and the R&D wage tax exemption covers researchers with a master's or doctoral degree. These incentives can be combined with regional grants for maximum impact.

Creative startups — including design studios, media companies, gaming studios, and cultural enterprises — have access to sector-specific programs that are often overlooked. In Flanders, the Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF) supports film, gaming, and interactive media projects with grants up to €300,000. The Flanders DC (Design Centre) offers support for design-driven innovation.

Brussels has the Screen.brussels fund for audiovisual projects and the Creative Industries programme through Innoviris, which funds innovative applications of creative technologies. Wallonia runs Wallimage for audiovisual and gaming projects, with grants and co-production funding that can reach €400,000.

Creative startups should also explore cross-sector innovation grants from VLAIO or Innoviris. Many creative technology projects — AR/VR, generative AI for media, interactive experiences — qualify under standard innovation programs rather than culture-specific funds. Use Lucas to check which combination works best for your project.