Innovation Grants in Belgium

Q: Who can apply for an innovation grant in Belgium?

Any company registered in Belgium with an innovative project can apply. Regional programmes generally require a registered office in the relevant region.

Q: Can I combine a regional grant with European funding?

Yes, cumulation is allowed as long as the total aid intensity does not exceed the regulatory ceiling (usually 60–80% of eligible costs).

Q: What counts as "innovation" to qualify for a grant?

Innovation can be technological, organisational, or business model-based. The key is demonstrating significant novelty.

Q: How long does it take to get a grant approved?

Timelines vary. Walloon vouchers take a few weeks, VLAIO R&D grants 2–4 months, and EU programmes like EIC Accelerator 6–9 months.

Belgium offers many grants to support innovation and R&D. From regional programmes (VLAIO, Innoviris, SPW) to European funds (Horizon Europe, EIC), discover the funding available to innovative SMEs.

Find my innovation grant →

Grants & subsidies in Belgium Brussels grants Flanders grants AI Assistant

Regional innovation programmes

Each Belgian region has its own innovation support programmes.

🇳🇱Flanders

VLAIO R&D

Up to €3M

Grant for research and development projects by Flemish companies. Covers up to 60% of industrial research costs.

KMO-portefeuille

Up to €7,500/year

Subsidy for training and consulting from approved providers.

🇧🇪Brussels

Innoviris Proof of Concept

Up to €100K

Funding to validate the technical feasibility of an innovation.

Innoviris Proof of Business

Up to €200K

Grant to demonstrate the commercial potential of an innovation.

🇳🇱Wallonia

SPW innovation

Variable

Support programmes for industrial research and experimental development in Wallonia.

European programmes

Belgian companies can also access major European funding for innovation and R&D.

Horizon Europe

The EU’s largest research and innovation programme. SMEs can apply via EIC Pathfinder or collaborative calls.

Up to €2.5M for SMEs

EIC Accelerator

Flagship programme of the European Innovation Council for deep-tech startups and SMEs.

Up to €2.5M grant + €15M equity

Eurostars

Support for innovative SMEs with transnational R&D projects.

Up to €500K

Common eligibility criteria

Criteria vary by programme, but most innovation grants share these basic requirements.

🇧🇪Company registered in Belgium (BCE / KBO)

🏢SME status per EU definition (< 250 employees, < €50M turnover)

💡Demonstrable innovation component in the project

✅Company not in financial difficulty under EU rules

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for an innovation grant in Belgium?

Any company registered in Belgium with an innovative project can apply. Regional programmes generally require a registered office in the relevant region.

Can I combine a regional grant with European funding?

Yes, cumulation is allowed as long as the total aid intensity does not exceed the regulatory ceiling (usually 60–80% of eligible costs).

What counts as "innovation" to qualify for a grant?

Innovation can be technological, organisational, or business model-based. The key is demonstrating significant novelty.

How long does it take to get a grant approved?

Timelines vary. Walloon vouchers take a few weeks, VLAIO R&D grants 2–4 months, and EU programmes like EIC Accelerator 6–9 months.

Find your innovation grant

Answer a few questions and discover the programmes your company qualifies for.

Take the quiz Talk to Lucas