How to Apply for Innoviris Grants — Step-by-Step Guide
The complete guide to applying for Innoviris grants in Brussels. Learn which program fits your project, who qualifies, and how to submit a strong application.
Ask Lucas about InnovirisWhat is Innoviris?
Innoviris is the Brussels Institute for Research and Innovation. It is the main public funding agency for innovation and R&D projects in the Brussels-Capital Region. Innoviris supports companies, research institutions, and non-profits that develop innovative solutions with economic or societal impact in Brussels.
Unlike VLAIO (Flanders) or SPW (Wallonia), Innoviris is exclusively for organisations with activities in the Brussels-Capital Region. The agency manages several distinct grant programs, each targeting a different stage of innovation — from early-stage proof of concept to market-ready scale-up projects. Innoviris funding covers between 25% and 70% of eligible project costs depending on the program and company size.
Which Innoviris program is right for you?
Proof of Concept
Early-stage startups and SMEs testing a new idea or technology
Proof of Business
Companies validating commercial viability of an innovation
Co-Create
Collaborative projects between companies and research centres
Attract
International companies or researchers establishing R&D in Brussels
Who qualifies for Innoviris grants?
To be eligible for Innoviris funding, your company must have its registered office or a significant operational presence in the Brussels-Capital Region. Both SMEs and large enterprises can apply, though SMEs typically receive higher funding rates. Startups, scale-ups, non-profit organisations, and research institutions based in Brussels are all eligible depending on the program.
Your project must demonstrate a clear innovation component — either technological innovation (new product, process, or service) or non-technological innovation (new business model, organisational method, or social innovation). Innoviris also requires that the project has not yet started at the time of application. Past projects or activities already underway are not eligible.
Additional criteria vary by program. Co-Create requires at least one academic partner. Attract targets international talent or companies relocating R&D activities to Brussels. Proof of Concept and Proof of Business focus on Brussels-based SMEs with fewer than 250 employees.
Step-by-step: how to apply for Innoviris grants
Check eligibility on Innoviris.be
Visit the Innoviris website and review the eligibility criteria for the program that matches your project stage. Verify that your company is registered in Brussels and meets the size requirements. Innoviris publishes detailed program guides with all eligibility conditions.
Prepare your innovation description
Write a clear description of your innovation: what problem it solves, how it differs from existing solutions, and what the expected impact is. Innoviris evaluators prioritise projects with a strong innovation narrative and measurable outcomes. Include market analysis and competitive positioning.
Submit online via the Innoviris portal
Create an account on the Innoviris online platform and complete the application form. Upload all required documents: project description, budget breakdown, team CVs, partnership agreements (for Co-Create), and financial statements. Double-check that all fields are complete before submission.
Evaluation by Innoviris jury (8–12 weeks)
After submission, your application goes through an administrative check followed by an expert panel evaluation. The jury assesses innovation quality, feasibility, team competence, budget realism, and expected economic impact. You may be invited for a pitch or interview during this phase.
Decision and contract signature
Innoviris communicates the decision in writing. If approved, you receive a detailed funding agreement specifying the grant amount, project milestones, reporting requirements, and payment schedule. The contract must be signed before any project activities begin.
Project execution and reporting
Execute your project according to the approved plan and timeline. Submit interim reports at each milestone and a final report at project completion. Keep all invoices, timesheets, and proof of payment organised. Innoviris releases funding tranches after validating each report.
What makes a strong Innoviris application
Show a clear innovation gap
Explain specifically what does not exist today and how your project fills that gap. Generic statements about "using technology" are not enough — Innoviris wants to see what is genuinely new and why it matters for Brussels.
Quantify the expected impact
Include concrete numbers: jobs created, revenue projected, CO2 reduced, or users reached. Innoviris evaluators score projects higher when the impact is measurable and realistic rather than aspirational.
Build a credible project team
Highlight the relevant experience and qualifications of each team member. If you lack specific expertise, consider partnering with a Brussels research institution — this also strengthens Co-Create applications.
Prepare a realistic budget
Every cost line should be justified with market-rate estimates. Avoid inflating your budget to maximize the grant — Innoviris panels are experienced at spotting unrealistic figures and will penalise them.
Align with Brussels innovation priorities
Innoviris gives preference to projects aligned with regional priorities: digital transformation, circular economy, health innovation, and sustainable urban development. Reference these priorities explicitly in your application.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying with a non-Brussels entity
Innoviris only funds organisations with a registered office or substantial operational presence in the Brussels-Capital Region. A Flemish or Walloon company cannot apply to Innoviris even if the project targets Brussels customers.
Starting the project before approval
Innoviris requires that no project activities have started before the grant agreement is signed. Costs incurred before the official start date are ineligible — even if your application was already submitted.
Submitting a vague innovation description
The most common reason for rejection is an unclear or generic innovation narrative. Evaluators need to understand exactly what is new, how it advances the state of the art, and why the innovation matters commercially or socially.
Ignoring the evaluation criteria
Each Innoviris program publishes its scoring criteria and weighting. Applications that do not explicitly address each criterion receive lower scores. Structure your proposal to match the evaluation framework point by point.
Frequently asked questions about Innoviris grants
How long does an Innoviris grant application take?
Preparing the application typically takes 2–4 weeks. After submission, the evaluation process takes 8–12 weeks. If approved, the contract signature and project start add another 2–4 weeks. Total timeline from first draft to project kick-off is usually 3–5 months.
Can a startup with no revenue apply to Innoviris?
Yes. Innoviris actively supports early-stage companies through its Proof of Concept program. Startups without revenue are eligible as long as they have a registered company in Brussels and can demonstrate a viable innovation concept with commercial or societal potential.
Can I combine Innoviris funding with other grants?
Yes, but you must declare all public funding sources in your application. Belgian and EU rules cap the total aid intensity — typically 60–80% of eligible costs for SMEs. The de minimis regulation limits total state aid to €300,000 over three fiscal years for most programs.
What is the success rate for Innoviris applications?
Innoviris does not publish official success rates, but industry estimates suggest approximately 30–40% of applications are approved. Applications with strong innovation narratives, realistic budgets, and experienced teams have significantly higher chances.
Does Innoviris offer pre-application support?
Yes. Innoviris advisors are available for pre-application meetings where you can discuss your project idea and receive feedback before submitting. This is highly recommended as it helps you align your proposal with the evaluation criteria and avoid common pitfalls.
Ready to apply for Innoviris grants?
Ask Lucas about Innoviris programs or check your eligibility with our quick quiz.