Vlaanderen (VLAIO) – Flanders

Do you have an innovative idea that can strengthen your business?

Unlock new opportunities for your business

Research and Development ProjectsVLAIO (the Flemish Enterprise & Innovation Agency) provides subsidies for innovations for development projects (result-oriented and a clear business case) and research projects (about acquiring new knowledge).

Development Projects

Development projects are aimed at innovative Flemish companies that have innovative ideas, but still have to overcome many challenges in order to bring innovation to the market effectively. If you have yet to develop new technology, improve your process or service, or go through a prototype or pilot phase, the VLAIO development grant is for your company. The amount supported by VLAIO (25% to 50% of the project budget) depends on the size of your company and any partnerships and there is a maximum subsidy amount of €3,000,000.

Subsidies for research projects support your company in carrying out groundbreaking research, with an intrinsically high risk, that over time can lead to groundbreaking innovation. The emphasis of a research project is on the development of new, groundbreaking knowledge, which is necessary in the long term to develop an idea into new or improved products, processes, or services. The amount that is supported by VLAIO (25% to 60% of the project budget) depends on the size of your company and any partnerships.

Strategic Transformation Support

Subsidies for Strategic Transformation Support (STS) can be applied for in Flanders for a strategic transformation project. Strategic Transformation Support was created to support companies that develop new economic activities, which may include implementing a new business model or tapping into new markets. The requirement is that at least €1,000,000 in investments are made in tangible and/or intangible fixed assets and that €100,000 is invested in training (the thresholds are higher for medium-sized and large companies). The basic support amounts to 8% for investments and 20% for training. The basic support is capped at a maximum of 1 million euros per company. The criteria on which an STS application is assessed are the degree of innovation, the quality of the management, the reinforcement for the company, and the internationalisation as well as sustainability for Flanders.

Our Added Value

● Technical and financial knowledge for the preparation of the business case and technical work packages
● Success ratio of 95%
● A complete takeover of administrative formalities after receiving the subsidy
● Matchmaking if you still need partners