Are you an entrepreneur or a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Belgium looking to innovate but worried about the costs? Whether you want to develop a mobile app, implement artificial intelligence (AI) or boost your business through digital automation, financing these projects can represent a heavy investment. However, Belgium offers a range of government grants and subsidies for digital innovation projects that can ease this burden.
In this article, we'll break down the most valuable government grants for digital innovation projects and the financial support programmes available in Belgium, with information on who is eligible, how much funding is available and the benefits for your business.
Table of contents :
- Digital Belgium Fund
- Chèques-Entreprises Wallonia
- Flanders Grant for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO)
- Brussels-Capital Region Innovation Fund
- Tax incentives for research and development (R&D)
- Why should your company apply for digital innovation grants?
- How Iterates can help you obtain financing
What is a government grant?
A government grant is financial assistance provided by national or regional governments to help businesses or organisations achieve specific objectives. These grants can cover a wide range of projects, including digital transformation, research and development (R&D), sustainability, and more. In the context of digital innovation, grants are particularly useful for reducing the development costs of new technologies, such as AI, mobile applications and cloud services.
Unlike loans, grants generally do not have to be repaid. However, they often have specific eligibility criteria, application processes and reporting requirements to ensure that funds are used appropriately. Using these government grants for digital innovation projects not only supports financial stability, but also encourages companies to push the boundaries of their technological capabilities.
Grants available for digital innovation in Belgium
If you're a Belgium-based company looking to embark on a digital innovation project, there are several grants available depending on your location and the nature of your project. Let's explore the most popular options:
1. Digital Belgium Fund
Le Digital Belgium Fund is a national initiative to promote digital skills and projects that stimulate innovation. It is particularly useful for companies looking to invest in AI, mobile app development or any other form of digital transformation.
Who can apply?
- SMEs, start-ups and large companies involved in digital innovation projects in Belgium.
What does it cover?
- The fund covers up to 50 % of eligible costs, depending on the size and scope of the project. Companies investing in AI gain a major advantage, optimising productivity and customer experience.
For more information on how AI can grow your business, read our detailed article on how AI can transform your SME.
Why apply?
- The Digital Belgium Fund helps businesses reduce the costs associated with digital innovation, making it easier for companies to adopt new technologies.
2. Chèques-Entreprises Wallonia
For companies based in Wallonia, the Company Vouchers (Digital Vouchers) offer financial support for projects that improve a company's digital capabilities, including website creation or upgrades, software development, and more.
Who can apply?
- Any company located in Wallonia.
What does it cover?
- The cheques cover up to 75 % of eligible costs, with a ceiling of €50,000 depending on the project. This covers the costs of developing and implementing digital tools such as mobile applications or e-commerce platforms. We have detailed the subsidies available for the development of mobile applications in Wallonia, This can help you to focus your project more effectively.
Why apply?
- With such a high coverage rate, this grant can significantly reduce your financial burden and help you move forward with innovative digital projects.
Want to create a mobile application?
Iterates is a company made up of highly qualified developers. We are approved by the Walloon Region. By using our company, you are eligible for subsidies. Contact us to discuss your project and get a free quote.
3. Flanders Grant for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO)
If your company is in Flanders, the subsidy VLAIO supports digital innovation, particularly for AI, blockchain and automation. This is one of the main government subsidies for digital innovation projects available in Belgium.
Who can apply?
- SMEs and large companies in Flanders focusing on innovation-led digital projects.
What does it cover?
- The grant generally covers 25 % to 50 % of eligible costs, the actual percentage being based on the innovative potential of the project and its contribution to economic growth.
Why apply?
- The VLAIO grant is perfect for businesses looking to implement advanced digital solutions without bearing the full cost.
4. Brussels-Capital Region Innovation Fund
For companies based in Brussels, the Brussels-Capital Region Innovation Fund supports innovative companies that adopt new technologies to improve their operations or offer new services.
Who can apply?
- Any company in the Brussels-Capital Region involved in a digital innovation project.
What does it cover?
- The fund covers up to 50 % of eligible project costs, facilitating investment in digital tools such as AI systems, customised mobile applications or cloud solutions.
Why apply?
- The Brussels Innovation Fund is ideal for companies needing financial support to develop revolutionary digital solutions.
5. Tax incentives for research and development (R&D)
Belgium offers R&D tax incentives These incentives are designed to encourage companies to invest in the development of new technologies, including digital solutions. These incentives are designed to encourage companies to invest in the development of new technologies, including digital solutions.
Who can apply?
- Companies of all sizes involved in R&D activities in Belgium.
What does it cover?
- These incentives can take various forms, including reduced corporate tax rates, exemptions from withholding tax on R&D employees, and other financial benefits for innovation-led projects.
Why apply?
- R&D tax incentives offer an excellent way of reducing your company's tax burden while driving forward your digital innovation initiatives.
Why should your company apply for digital innovation grants?
Digital innovation grants are a lifeline for businesses looking to stay competitive in a fast-paced market. By taking advantage of these grants, your business can :
- Reducing costs : Subsidies lighten the financial burden of technological development.
- Increasing competitiveness : Investing in AI and digital gives you a competitive edge.
- Stimulating innovation : They make it easier to experiment without draining your resources.
- Improving efficiency Implementing digital solutions can streamline your operations, making your business more efficient and productive.
How can Iterates help you?
Iterates is recognised by the Walloon Region, making your project potentially eligible for subsidies. We work with a partner who handles the administration, leaving you to concentrate on your growth.
Whether it's for an application, a website or an innovative digital solution, Iterates helps you maximise subsidies while ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Conclusion
Government subsidies support digital innovation by reducing costs for businesses. Whether you want to develop an application, integrate AI or digitise your operations, Belgium offers a range of tailored support.
Take advantage of this funding to stay competitive and grow your business. At Iterates, we support you from the design of your solution to obtaining the necessary financial backing.
👉 Ready to innovate? Discover our services to get started on your next digital project.
