How to Apply for Innoviris Proof of Business — Complete Guide
The complete guide to applying for Innoviris Proof of Business in Brussels. Learn who qualifies, what you can fund, and how to submit a winning PoB application for grants up to €250,000.
Ask Lucas about Proof of BusinessWhat is Innoviris Proof of Business?
Innoviris Proof of Business (PoB) is a grant program from the Brussels-Capital Region designed for companies that have already validated their innovation and are ready to enter the market. Unlike Proof of Concept, which funds early-stage research and feasibility testing, PoB supports the commercial validation phase — turning a proven technology into a viable business.
The PoB grant funds activities such as market testing, sales development, intellectual property protection, and hiring key commercial or technical profiles. Companies can receive up to €250,000 in funding, covering 50–70% of eligible project costs, for a maximum project duration of 18 months. The program is exclusively available to SMEs registered in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Proof of Concept vs Proof of Business — which one is right for you?
Proof of Concept (PoC)
For unproven technologies and ideas that need research, prototyping, or feasibility testing before they can move towards the market.
Proof of Business (PoB)
For validated innovations ready for market entry. Funds go-to-market activities, sales development, IP protection, and hiring key profiles.
Who qualifies for Proof of Business?
Your company must be registered in the Brussels-Capital Region with its registered office or a significant operational presence in Brussels. Only SMEs with fewer than 250 employees are eligible for the PoB program.
Your innovation must already be technically validated — you should be able to demonstrate that the core technology or concept works, whether through a completed Proof of Concept project, a functioning prototype, or a minimum viable product (MVP). Innoviris expects clear evidence of technical feasibility before considering a PoB application.
You must have a concrete go-to-market plan with identified target customers, a defined pricing strategy, and realistic revenue projections. The project must not have started before the application is submitted, and all funded activities must take place primarily in the Brussels-Capital Region.
What can you fund with Proof of Business?
Market validation studies
Customer interviews, market surveys, pilot testing with target segments, and demand validation activities.
Sales development activities
Building sales processes, developing commercial partnerships, attending trade fairs, and setting up distribution channels.
IP protection
Patent filing and prosecution, trademark registration, and other intellectual property protection costs directly linked to the innovation.
Hiring key profiles
Recruiting commercial managers, business developers, technical leads, or other key profiles needed to execute the go-to-market plan.
Equipment and prototyping
Equipment, materials, and prototyping costs for developing the market-ready version of the product or service.
How much funding can you receive?
Innoviris Proof of Business grants cover up to €250,000, financing 50–70% of eligible project costs depending on company size and project scope. The maximum project duration is 18 months. Funding is disbursed in tranches linked to project milestones and validated interim reports.
Step-by-step: how to apply for Proof of Business
Check open calls on innoviris.brussels
Unlike some Innoviris programs, Proof of Business uses call-based submissions rather than rolling applications. Monitor the Innoviris website for open call announcements, deadlines, and specific requirements for each call.
Prepare your business case
Develop a comprehensive business case including market analysis, competitive landscape assessment, and a clear revenue model. Show that you understand your market, your competitors, and how your innovation creates value for customers.
Define your go-to-market plan
Detail your target customer segments, sales channels, pricing strategy, and concrete milestones. Innoviris evaluators want to see a structured, actionable plan — not vague ambitions. Include a timeline with measurable KPIs.
Submit online via the Innoviris portal
Complete the application form on the Innoviris online platform. Upload all required documents: business case, detailed budget breakdown, team CVs, financial statements, and evidence of technical validation (PoC results, prototype demonstrations, or MVP metrics).
Business jury evaluation (8–12 weeks)
A panel of business and industry experts evaluates your application. The jury assesses commercial viability, market potential, team competence, budget realism, and alignment with Brussels economic priorities. You may be invited for a pitch presentation.
Decision and convention
Innoviris communicates the decision in writing. If approved, you sign a funding agreement (convention) that specifies the grant amount, project milestones, reporting obligations, and payment schedule. No project activities may begin before the convention is signed.
Project kick-off and quarterly reporting
Execute your go-to-market plan according to the approved milestones. Submit quarterly progress reports and financial statements. Innoviris releases funding tranches after validating each report. Keep all invoices, contracts, and proof of payment meticulously organised.
5 tips for a winning PoB application
Prove your tech already works
The strongest PoB applications include concrete evidence that the technology is validated: completed PoC results, a working prototype, or an MVP with real user feedback. If you cannot demonstrate technical feasibility, apply for Proof of Concept first.
Show a clear path to revenue
Innoviris evaluators want to see more than ideas — they want a concrete sales pipeline, letters of intent from potential customers, or pilot agreements. Demonstrate that real demand exists for your innovation.
Quantify market size with real data
Back your market claims with credible data sources: industry reports, government statistics, or your own primary research. Avoid inflated TAM/SAM figures without supporting evidence. Show a realistic serviceable obtainable market.
Build a team with commercial expertise
PoB applications are evaluated on commercial readiness, not just technical capability. Include team members with sales, marketing, or business development experience. If your team is purely technical, consider adding a commercial advisor or hire.
Align with Brussels economic priorities
Innoviris gives preference to projects that contribute to Brussels’ strategic priorities: digital transformation, circular economy, health innovation, and sustainable urban development. Reference these priorities explicitly and explain how your project contributes.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying too early — technology not yet validated
The most common PoB mistake is applying before the technology is proven. If you are still in the research or feasibility phase, Innoviris will redirect you to the Proof of Concept program. PoB is for market-ready innovations only.
Weak go-to-market plan
A vague target market, undefined pricing strategy, or generic sales approach will sink your application. The jury expects a detailed, actionable plan with specific customer segments, channels, pricing, and realistic timelines.
Budget without commercial justification
R&D costs and basic research expenses belong in a Proof of Concept application, not PoB. Every budget line in a PoB application must be directly linked to commercial validation and market entry activities.
Missing the call deadline
Proof of Business operates on a call-based system with fixed deadlines, not rolling applications. Missing a deadline means waiting for the next call, which may be months away. Track open calls on the Innoviris website and plan your application timeline accordingly.
Frequently asked questions about Innoviris Proof of Business
What is the difference between Innoviris PoC and PoB?
Proof of Concept (PoC) funds early-stage research and feasibility testing for unproven ideas, with grants up to €100,000 over 6–12 months. Proof of Business (PoB) funds the commercial validation and market entry phase for innovations that are already technically validated, with grants up to €250,000 over up to 18 months. In short: PoC asks "does it work?" while PoB asks "can it sell?"
How long does a PoB application take from submission to decision?
After submission, the evaluation process typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. The business jury reviews all applications received during the call period, so the exact timeline depends on the number of submissions. If approved, the convention signature and project kick-off add another 2 to 4 weeks. Plan for approximately 3 to 4 months from submission to project start.
Can a startup with no revenue apply for Proof of Business?
Yes, startups without revenue can apply for PoB as long as they can demonstrate that their technology is validated and they have a credible go-to-market plan. Innoviris understands that pre-revenue companies may need PoB funding precisely to build their first sales pipeline. However, you must show clear evidence of market demand and a realistic path to revenue.
Can I combine PoB funding with other Belgian grants?
Yes, but you must declare all public funding sources in your application. Belgian and EU state aid 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. Innoviris will verify cumulation rules before approving your grant.
Does Innoviris offer pre-application support for PoB?
Yes. Innoviris advisors are available for pre-application meetings where you can present your project idea and receive feedback on eligibility, positioning, and application strategy. This is highly recommended — applicants who engage with Innoviris before submitting have a significantly higher success rate as they can align their proposal with the evaluation criteria.
Ready to apply for Innoviris Proof of Business?
Ask Lucas about the PoB program or check your eligibility with our quick quiz.