Grants for Quantum Computing and Deep Tech in Belgium

Belgium has established itself as a surprisingly strong hub for deep tech and quantum computing research, punching well above its weight internationally. The country's dense network of world-class research institutions, led by imec in Leuven, combined with generous regional and federal R&D support programs, creates an unusually fertile environment for breakthrough technology development.

For companies and researchers working in quantum computing, photonics, advanced materials, biotechnology, or other deep tech domains, Belgium offers a layered funding system that spans regional innovation grants, federal R&D tax incentives, and direct access to EU-level programs like EIC Pathfinder and Horizon Europe. The challenge is not a lack of funding but rather understanding which programs match your specific stage and technology readiness level.

This guide covers the major funding instruments available to deep tech ventures in Belgium, from early-stage research grants through to commercialisation support. Explore innovation grants in Belgium for the broader innovation funding landscape, or check R&D grants for research-specific programs.

Imec, headquartered in Leuven, is one of the world's leading nanoelectronics and digital technology research centres. For deep tech companies in Belgium, imec represents both a potential research partner and a gateway to significant funding opportunities. Imec's bilateral research programs allow companies to collaborate on pre-competitive research, sharing costs and accessing imec's world-class facilities and expertise.

Imec.istart, the research centre's technology incubator, provides deep tech startups with up to €150,000 in funding, access to imec's cleanroom facilities and prototyping infrastructure, and intensive business coaching. For quantum computing ventures specifically, imec's growing quantum research program offers partnership opportunities that combine imec's semiconductor expertise with quantum hardware and software development.

Beyond direct imec partnerships, the broader Leuven ecosystem includes KU Leuven's quantum computing research group, multiple deep tech incubators, and a growing cluster of quantum startups. The geographic concentration of talent and infrastructure creates network effects that amplify the value of any individual grant or investment.

The European Innovation Council Pathfinder is one of the most prestigious and well-funded instruments for breakthrough research in Europe. It supports early-stage research that could lead to radically new technologies, making it an ideal fit for quantum computing, advanced AI, novel materials, and other deep tech domains.

EIC Pathfinder Open calls accept proposals from any technology domain, with grants of up to €3 million for consortium projects and up to €4 million for individual proposals. Belgian research teams and companies have historically performed well in Pathfinder evaluations, partly due to the strength of institutions like imec, KU Leuven, UCLouvain, and ULB.

EIC Pathfinder Challenges target specific breakthrough technology areas identified by the European Commission. When quantum computing or related topics appear as challenge themes, the success rates for well-prepared Belgian proposals tend to be competitive. The key is to start preparation early, as Pathfinder proposals require sophisticated research methodology and clear pathways from discovery to application.

For deep tech ventures based in the Brussels-Capital Region, Innoviris provides significant R&D grants for both fundamental and applied research. Innoviris Strategic Research programs support multi-year research projects that address breakthrough technology challenges, with funding that can cover 50-80% of eligible costs depending on the research category and organisation type.

Innoviris also supports deep tech through its Bridge program, which specifically funds the transition from laboratory research to marketable technology. For quantum computing companies, this bridge funding can be critical for moving from proof-of-concept to prototype stage, where commercial venture funding is often not yet available.

The Joint R&D Projects instrument at Innoviris encourages collaboration between Brussels-based companies and research institutions. Deep tech projects that combine academic research expertise with commercial application potential are particularly well-suited for this funding model. The collaborative requirement also helps startups build credibility through institutional partnerships.

VLAIO's Onderzoek & Ontwikkeling (O&O) program is the flagship R&D grant instrument in Flanders, covering both fundamental research projects and development projects. For deep tech companies, the O&O research project category supports work at TRL 1-4 (basic principles to laboratory validation), while O&O development projects cover TRL 5-7 (technology validation to system prototype demonstration).

Grant amounts for VLAIO O&O projects range from €100,000 to over €3 million, with subsidy rates of 25-60% depending on the project type, company size, and degree of collaboration with research institutions. Quantum computing projects that involve collaboration with imec or university research groups typically receive higher subsidy rates due to the fundamental research component.

VLAIO also offers the COOCK program (Collectief Onderzoek & Ontwikkeling en Collectieve Kennisverspreiding) which funds collective research projects that benefit multiple companies in a sector. For quantum computing, this could support the development of shared tools, standards, or training programs that advance the broader ecosystem rather than a single company's product.

Belgium's national quantum strategy, developed in coordination between federal and regional authorities, aims to position the country as a leading European quantum hub. The strategy encompasses funding for quantum research infrastructure, talent development, and the creation of a national quantum computing testbed accessible to both researchers and companies.

At the federal level, the partial wage tax exemption for researchers (gedeeltelijke vrijstelling doorstorting bedrijfsvoorheffing) is particularly valuable for deep tech companies with significant research staff. Companies employing PhD holders or researchers with specific qualifications can retain a substantial portion of the payroll tax that would normally be remitted to the government, effectively reducing the cost of their research workforce.

The federal innovation income deduction (innovatie-inkomenaftrek) allows companies to deduct up to 85% of net income derived from patents, supplementary protection certificates, and certain software copyrights. For quantum computing companies that generate intellectual property, this deduction can dramatically reduce the effective tax rate on innovation-derived income.

Eligibility for deep tech grants in Belgium varies by program but generally requires a legal establishment in Belgium and genuine research or innovation activity. Startups, SMEs, large enterprises, and research institutions can all access different parts of the funding landscape, with many programs offering higher subsidy rates for smaller companies.

The most effective approach for deep tech ventures is to combine multiple funding sources strategically. A typical funding journey might start with VLAIO feasibility studies or Innoviris proof-of-concept grants, progress to VLAIO O&O or Innoviris Strategic Research for deeper development, and eventually target EIC Pathfinder or Horizon Europe for larger-scale, breakthrough-oriented projects.

Whether you are a quantum computing startup, a photonics research spinoff, or an established company exploring deep tech applications, BelGrant's Ask Lucas can help you identify the strongest-fit programs, understand eligibility requirements, and plan your application timeline. Start with the grant assistant to get personalised recommendations based on your specific technology, stage, and location.