Innoviris Proof of Business — Complete Guide 2026

Innoviris Proof of Business (PoB) is a grant program funded by the Brussels-Capital Region through Innoviris, the Brussels public agency for research and innovation. It provides up to 100,000 euros in non-dilutive funding to help innovative Brussels-based companies validate their business model and bring their product or service to market.

The program is specifically designed for companies that have moved beyond the pure idea stage but need financial support to test market fit, develop a working prototype, build first commercial traction, or prepare for scale. It bridges the gap between concept and commercial viability.

Proof of Business is one of the most generous early-stage grants in Belgium. Because it is a grant (not a loan or equity), the company retains full ownership and does not take on debt. For Brussels startups with genuine innovation, it is often the single best funding instrument to apply for first.

Eligibility is structured around four main criteria. First, the company must be established in the Brussels-Capital Region — this means the registered office must be in one of the 19 Brussels municipalities. Companies registered elsewhere in Belgium (even with a Brussels branch) do not qualify.

Second, the company must be an SME under the EU definition: fewer than 250 employees, annual turnover under 50 million euros or balance sheet under 43 million euros. In practice, most applicants are startups with fewer than 20 employees.

Third, the project must have a genuine innovation dimension — either a new product, a new service, a new process, or a new business model. Innoviris defines innovation broadly, including social innovation and business model innovation, not just deep technology. Fourth, the company should be able to demonstrate that the project would not proceed (or would proceed much more slowly) without public support.

Companies in virtually any sector can apply, though Innoviris has priority domains including digital, health, circular economy, and smart city. Use the Lucas assistant to check whether your company and project meet the criteria.

The maximum grant is 100,000 euros, covering up to 60 percent of the total eligible project budget (the company must fund the remaining 40 percent from own resources or other sources). The typical funded project has a total budget between 80,000 and 200,000 euros.

Eligible costs include personnel costs for team members working on the project, subcontracting costs for external expertise, equipment and materials directly related to the project, and operational costs such as patent filings, market research, and prototype development.

The grant is paid in installments: typically an advance upon approval, an intermediate payment at the mid-point based on progress reporting, and a final payment upon project completion and approval of the final report. The project duration is usually 12 to 18 months.

Step 1: Check eligibility. Verify your Brussels establishment, SME status, and innovation dimension. Step 2: Prepare your application dossier. The core document is the business plan which must cover the innovation, market analysis, team, financial projections, and how the grant will be used.

Step 3: Submit the application through the Innoviris online portal during an open call period. Innoviris typically runs multiple calls per year with specific deadlines. Step 4: The application undergoes both administrative screening (eligibility check) and scientific-economic evaluation by an expert panel.

Step 5: If shortlisted, you may be invited for a pitch presentation before the evaluation committee. Step 6: Decision notification, typically 8 to 12 weeks after the submission deadline. Step 7: If approved, sign the grant agreement and begin the project.

Important: the project should not start before the grant agreement is signed. Costs incurred before the official start date are generally not eligible. Check the Innoviris grants page for upcoming call dates.

Strong applications share several characteristics. The innovation is clearly articulated — not just what you are building, but why it is different from what already exists in the market. The market opportunity is specific and supported by evidence, not generic market size numbers.

The team section demonstrates relevant experience and the ability to execute. The financial projections are realistic and show how the company becomes sustainable. The use of funds is precise — evaluators want to see exactly how the grant money will be spent and what milestones it will achieve.

Common weaknesses include vague innovation claims, unrealistic revenue projections, unclear use of funds, and weak market analysis. Take time to research your competition, validate your assumptions with potential customers, and prepare a budget that is detailed and justified.

Consider engaging a consultant experienced with Innoviris applications — the BelGrant grants database can help you find relevant advisors, and the cost of consulting may itself be partially covered by other subsidies like Brussels innovation vouchers.