Innovative Startup Support (Innovatieve starterssteun)

Innovative Startup Support (Innovatieve starterssteun)

Provides Belgium innovators with hands-on guidance for first startup innovation grants with specialist coaching and commercialization planning.

Innovatieve Starterssteun (Innovative Startup Support) is a VLAIO programme specifically designed for very early-stage Flemish companies that are taking a pioneering role in their market. The programme provides a flat cash subsidy of EUR 50,000 combined with external expert coaching and business-case advisory from VLAIO and its accredited partner organisations. Eligible companies must be small enterprises (fewer than 50 employees and a maximum of EUR 10 million annual turnover or balance sheet total), have a Flemish establishment, and be less than two years old at the time of application — measured by the oldest registered company number where the applicant holds more than 50% shares or voting rights. Companies in pre-incorporation can also apply, but disbursement is conditional on successful incorporation. The applicant's equity plus subordinated loans must total at least EUR 5,000.

The EUR 50,000 fixed award is paid in two equal tranches of EUR 25,000 — one at project launch and one at project closure. Projects must run for between 6 and 12 months and should result in a proof-of-business or proof-of-concept demonstrating the pioneering innovation. Selection criteria assessed by the jury include the genuine pioneering nature of the idea, the technical and commercial uncertainties involved, team competence, founder risk-taking (skin in the game), and growth potential — specifically, a projected employment of at least five full-time equivalents by year five after project completion. The total estimated project cost must be at least EUR 70,000, with VLAIO valuing internal personnel effort at EUR 70,000 per person-year.

Submission is accepted year-round through the rolling programme, with monthly pitch days. Applicants must first be referred and endorsed by one of VLAIO's selected partner organisations before accessing the online application portal. Selection takes place via a structured pitch of up to 15 minutes, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session with an independent jury. Each company may receive the subsidy only once and may apply at most twice. During the supported project period, concurrent receipt of other VLAIO innovation subsidies — including Ontwikkelingsproject, Onderzoeksproject, and ICON — is not permitted.