Introduction
Launching a tech or innovation project in Brussels is an ambitious challenge—but also an incredible opportunity. To support bold companies and startups, the Brussels-Capital Region is offering a suite of grants and subsidies in 2025 through Innoviris, its public agency for research and innovation. These grants can cover up to 70% of your R&D project costs, whether you’re working on a prototype, an innovative technology, or an experimental development.
In a demanding economic environment, the Innoviris 2025 grants are a strategic tool to bring ambitious tech solutions to life. Whether you’re an SME, a deeptech startup, or an established business, these funding programs are designed to boost your competitiveness, encourage applied research, and support local employment.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know to benefit from these programs: eligible project types, funding rates, access criteria, and the application process. At the end, we’ll also explain how you can receive personalized support to maximize your chances of approval.
What is the Innoviris R&D Projects Program?
The “R&D Projects” program from Innoviris is one of the main funding mechanisms for applied research and experimental development for companies based in the Brussels Region. It supports technological innovation in all forms: new products, processes, services, or even organizational methods.
The funding granted varies depending on company size and project type. Businesses can receive between 15% and 70% of their total project budget in the form of a grant or recoverable advance. These rates can increase when collaborating with other companies or research centers.
The program mainly supports two types of activities:
- Industrial research – testing innovative ideas, building prototypes, or assessing technical feasibility.
- Experimental development – validating technologies in conditions close to real-market environments.
This program is a true growth lever for innovative businesses aiming to accelerate their time to market.
Types of Funding Offered by Innoviris
The R&D Projects program includes several project categories, depending on technological maturity and project goals. This segmentation ensures each company finds a framework aligned with their innovation ambitions:
- Industrial Research: Focuses on early-stage projects like exploratory studies, concept development, functional design, or advanced prototyping. Ideal for companies testing technical hypotheses or the feasibility of new ideas.
- Experimental Development: For more advanced projects, aiming to develop products, processes, or services in near-real environments. Includes pilot testing, operational condition trials, and performance validation.
- Organizational Innovation: A lesser-known but strategic category, supporting companies looking to transform their internal models through innovative work methods, intelligent management systems, or disruptive digital approaches.
Each funding type is calibrated based on technological risk, economic potential, and the company’s ability to manage and capitalize on the project. Innoviris also prioritizes projects with strong urban, social, or environmental impact—aligning with Brussels’ regional goals.
Who Can Benefit from Innoviris Grants in 2025?
R&D support from Innoviris is open to all businesses based in the Brussels-Capital Region, regardless of size or sector, provided they meet certain criteria:
- Business operations in Brussels: The company must have an active operational base in Brussels at the time of application.
- Healthy financial situation: The company cannot be deemed “in difficulty” by EU standards.
- Co-financing capacity: The project must be partly funded by the business (via equity or other sources). Innoviris funding complements this.
- Legal compliance: The company must be in good standing with tax and social security authorities and have no regional debt.
- Innovation potential: The submitted project must be clearly innovative, technically risky, and add value to Brussels.
Tech startups, innovative SMEs, and even large enterprises are eligible, as long as their projects focus on research, development, or digital transformation. Collaborating with universities or research centers is also encouraged and may increase the grant rate.
How to Apply for Innoviris Grants in 2025
The application process is designed to be accessible while ensuring rigorous project evaluation. Key steps include:
- Initial Contact: Reach out to an Innoviris advisor to briefly present your idea. This helps confirm eligibility early on.
- Application File: Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, with no strict deadlines. The file must include:
- Detailed project description
- Work plan
- Budget forecast
- Expected technological and economic outcomes
- Potential partnerships
- File Review: Once received, Innoviris experts review the file. Acknowledgment is usually provided within 2 working hours.
- Evaluation and Decision: An independent panel evaluates the project’s innovation, feasibility, and relevance. Grant decisions follow within weeks, along with a formal agreement.
- Project Launch: Once the grant agreement is signed, your project can start. Funding is disbursed progressively based on milestones.
A well-structured file that highlights innovation, local impact, and partnerships is key to maximizing your funding chances.
Tips to Maximize Your Grant
To secure the best possible funding from Innoviris in 2025, you need more than a solid file—you need strategic positioning. Here are some practical tips:
- Showcase innovation: Emphasize what’s new in your project—technologically, organizationally, or in user approach.
- Present a concrete prototype: A proof of concept or prototype greatly boosts your credibility and technical feasibility.
- Align with Brussels priorities: Projects addressing mobility, energy transition, health, AI, or sustainable cities are highly valued.
- Collaborate locally: Partnerships with universities, research centers, or businesses enhance your project’s strength and grant potential.
- Plan for commercialization: Clearly show how your project will create business value: new markets, competitiveness, revenue, jobs.
- Seek support: Use agencies like hub.brussels, Enterprise Europe Network, or specialized partners like us to structure your file and boost success rates.
Other Innoviris Programs in 2025
In addition to the R&D Projects program, Innoviris offers other funding mechanisms in 2025:
- Innovative Starters Award – For high-potential tech startups looking to validate their business model and start commercialization.
- PATENTS – Covers costs for patent research, drafting, translation, and filing (EU or international).
- SustAIn.Brussels (EDIH) – Supports AI and sustainable digital transformation projects with technical help, infrastructure, and targeted funding.
- Bridge, Team Up, Research2Business – Promote partnerships between companies and research institutions to transfer tech to the market.
- International Projects – Funding for cross-border innovation projects, helping Brussels firms go global.
These programs highlight Brussels’ long-term vision for innovation-driven economic growth.
Key Steps to Build a Winning File
Applying for Innoviris funding requires discipline and preparation:
- Start with a pre-diagnostic from a support body (like hub.brussels).
- Prepare a clear and structured project: solid objectives, credible tech approach, and clear economic impact.
- Carefully build the financial plan and align tasks/budgets if you have partners.
- Highlight the local and societal impact—a strong match with regional priorities increases your chances.
Conclusion & Personalized Support
The Innoviris 2025 grants are a powerful opportunity for Brussels companies ready to innovate, test, and scale their technologies. With funding rates up to 70%, it’s easier than ever to invest in R&D and digital transformation.
But timing, strategy, and a strong file are key to success. That’s where we come in.
At iterates, we support businesses at every step—from writing the application to technical planning, submission, and follow-up. We combine funding expertise with deep technical know-how in web, mobile, and AI development to maximize your project’s impact.
Ready to apply or looking for a tech partner? Let’s schedule a meeting:
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You want to explore additional funding opportunities in Brussels beyond Innoviris? The region also offers subsidies for training, digitalization, international development, and more.
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