Are you a start-up, SME or established company looking to develop a mobile application in Wallonia? The good news is that there are a number of grants available to support this type of digital project, provided you meet certain very specific criteria.
In this article, we take a look at the grants available, the conditions for accessing them, the application procedure, and the concrete benefits you can expect to gain. The aim is clear: to help you turn your idea into a successful, financed mobile application.
Photo by @LisaFotios
Why apply for a grant to create a mobile application?
Developing a mobile application is a strategic investment, but often an expensive one. Between UX/UI design, development, testing, deployment and maintenance, costs can quickly run into the tens of thousands of euros.
That's why the Walloon Region offers financial support to stimulate digital innovation. These grants cover a significant proportion of the costs involved in developing applications, while also opening the door to specialist support, coaching and internationalisation opportunities.
Different types and eligibility criteria
To be eligible for grants, your entity must be, at the very least, a legal person or an entity, such as a company or an association, registered and based in Wallonia.
Depending on the grant, you must also meet other specific eligibility criteria.
Here are some examples of grants available for the creation of mobile applications in Wallonia:
Digital Wallonia Startups
This programme is aimed at digital start-ups developing innovative solutions, including mobile applications. It supports both the start-up phase and the initial stages of commercial development.
Main conditions:
-
Be a start-up less than 5 years old
-
Have a registered office or business in Wallonia
-
Offer a product or service based on digital technologies
Amount of assistance: up to €50,000
This programme can also include strategic support (coaching, networking, access to professional events).
Access the official website for more information.
Wallonia Export-Innovation
This scheme supports projects with an international focus, including mobile applications with export potential.
Main conditions:
-
Have a legal entity established in Wallonia
-
Proving the application's export potential
-
Demonstrate the ability to establish a foothold in one or more markets outside Belgium
Amount of aid: up to 75 % of eligible costs, with a ceiling of €50,000
This subsidy can also cover participation in international trade fairs or trade missions.
Access the official website for more information.
Innovation grants from the Walloon Region
This programme is aimed at companies developing an innovative, technological project with high economic potential. Mobile applications with a strong technical or user innovation dimension are eligible.
Main conditions:
-
Have a head office or branch in Wallonia
-
Present a genuinely innovative mobile project that breaks with what already exists
Amount of aid: up to 50 % of eligible costs, with a ceiling of €500,000
This programme is particularly well suited to applications linked to AI, connected objects and new business models.
Access the official website to find out about this subsidy.
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 can benefit from subsidies. Contact us to discuss your project and get a free quote.
Application procedure
The application process for subsidies for the creation of mobile applications in Wallonia varies according to the specific programme. In general, applicants must complete an application form:
- Provide a detailed description of the project and budget
- Demonstrate that the project meets the eligibility criteria for the chosen grant.
- The application is then assessed by a committee or jury, which evaluates the quality, feasibility and potential impact of the project. The assessment process can take several weeks or months, depending on the programme.
Does all that paperwork scare you? Don't worry! iterates works with a partner who can help you. You don't have to worry about it.
Ongoing support
In addition to funding, some subsidies for this type of project also offer ongoing support and assistance to beneficiaries.
For example, the Digital Wallonia Startups programme offers coaching and networking opportunities to help startups grow and succeed.
The Wallonie Export-Innovation programme offers help in finding international partners and preparing for international trade fairs.
Advantages of subsidiesÂ
- Financial support Grants offer financial support to offset the development costs of a mobile application, which can be substantial. This support will enable you to reduce the financial pressure of this type of project.
- Access to resources Grants can also provide access to resources such as mentoring, coaching and networking opportunities. These resources will help you develop your skills, expand your network and grow your business.
- Increased innovation By providing financial support and resources to businesses and individuals, grants can encourage innovation and the development of new and innovative mobile applications. This can lead to the creation of new businesses, new products and new markets, which can benefit the economy as a whole.
- Global reach Grants for creating mobile applications can include export support, which can help you reach new markets and expand your customer base. This will result in increased revenue and growth for your business.
Concrete examples of eligible projects
Here are a few examples of mobile applications that could benefit from a subsidy:
-
An e-commerce application developed for a local shop or a regional marketplace. The Digital Wallonia Startups programme is well suited to this situation.
-
An innovative language learning application, combining AI and microlearning. The innovation grant can cover up to 50 % of the costs.
-
A wellbeing application incorporating personalised recommendations based on the user's health data. This type of project can benefit from support for innovation or the start-up programme.
-
A B2B application for managing the supply chain between several countries. The Export-Innovation programme can subsidise a large part of the project.
-
A financial management application designed for young adults or the self-employed. The innovation aspect can be applied if the concept is original.
ConclusionÂ
The grants available for the creation of mobile applications in Wallonia offer valuable financial support and resources for individuals and companies looking to innovate and develop new digital products.
By reviewing the eligibility criteria and following the application process, applicants can increase their chances of receiving funding and ongoing support for their projects.
These grants can help make your mobile app idea a reality, so don't hesitate to explore your options and take advantage of these opportunities. With the right support and resources, you could create the next great app in the digital world.
Do you want to create a mobile application but are located in Brussels?
Read our previous article and find out about grants available in Brussels.
