> ⚠️ **NOT SUITABLE FOR BERLIN-BASED COMPANIES**  
> This program requires **company with R&D activities in Flanders** (Belgium/Flanders location).  
> **Requirement**: Company must have R&D activities in Flanders, Belgium.  
> See `BERLIN_COMPANY_RECOMMENDATIONS.md` for programs suitable for Berlin-based companies.

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# VLAIO R&D Project Grants (Flanders) - Belgium

## Overview
VLAIO provides grants for industrial research or experimental development projects by companies in Flanders, with emphasis on innovative impact.

## Managing Body
Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO)

## Funding Type
Grants for industrial research or experimental development projects

## Funding Amount
- 25% to 50% of project budget (base 25%, increased for SMEs and collaborations)
- Maximum grant: €3 million per project
- Minimum subsidy: €25k

## Deadlines
- **STATUS: OPEN** (as of November 2025)
- No fixed annual deadline
- Rolling submissions ("permanently open")
- Regular development projects can be submitted permanently
- Evaluation decisions roughly 3–4 times per year

## Eligibility
- Companies with R&D activities in Flanders
- SMEs or large firms, possibly with research partners
- Must show innovative nature and impact in Flanders

## Thematic Focus
Open to all domains with encouragement for:
- Circular economy innovations
- Environmental benefits explicitly noted in applications

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- Digital platform development from prototype to demonstrator
- Industry partnerships in Flanders
- Circular economy technology innovation
- Regional industrial impact

## Links
- [VLAIO Development Project](https://www.vlaio.be/en/subsidies/development-project/amount-development-project-subsidy)
- [VLAIO Eligibility](https://www.vlaio.be/en/subsidies/development-project/which-enterprises-and-projects-are-eligible-development-project-subsidy)

## Application Checklist

### Pre-Application Requirements
- [ ] Verify company eligibility:
  - [ ] Company with R&D activities in Flanders
  - [ ] SME or large firm (may include research partners)
  - [ ] Must demonstrate innovative nature and impact in Flanders
- [ ] Confirm project is industrial research OR experimental development
- [ ] Determine project type:
  - [ ] Single company project OR
  - [ ] Collaborative project with research partners (increases funding rate)
- [ ] Calculate funding rate (25-50% based on company size and collaboration)
- [ ] Note: Minimum subsidy €25k, maximum €3M per project

### Required Documents
- [ ] Company registration documents (Flanders)
- [ ] Project description demonstrating innovation:
  - [ ] Technical innovation details
  - [ ] Market innovation potential
  - [ ] Circular economy relevance (if applicable)
- [ ] Detailed budget breakdown
- [ ] Project timeline and milestones
- [ ] R&D activity description (industrial research/experimental development)
- [ ] CVs of key team members
- [ ] Partnership agreements (if collaborative project)
- [ ] Research partner agreements (if involving research institution)
- [ ] Impact assessment (Flemish economic/industrial impact)
- [ ] Environmental benefits description (circular economy focus)
- [ ] Technical feasibility study
- [ ] Market analysis and commercialization plan

### Application Steps
1. [ ] Review [VLAIO Development Project information](https://www.vlaio.be/en/subsidies/development-project/amount-development-project-subsidy)
2. [ ] Check [eligibility criteria](https://www.vlaio.be/en/subsidies/development-project/which-enterprises-and-projects-are-eligible-development-project-subsidy)
3. [ ] Prepare project proposal (permanently open - no fixed deadline)
4. [ ] Submit application through VLAIO portal
5. [ ] Note evaluation timeline: decisions 3-4 times per year
6. [ ] Plan submission timing for next evaluation window

### Project Alignment Checklist
- [ ] Project qualifies as industrial research OR experimental development
- [ ] Demonstrates clear innovation (technical and/or market)
- [ ] Shows Flemish industrial/economic impact
- [ ] Includes circular economy innovation focus
- [ ] Environmental benefits explicitly highlighted
- [ ] Demonstrates R&D component (not just commercial activity)

### Funding Optimization
- [ ] Consider collaboration with research partners (increases funding rate)
- [ ] Ensure SME status if applicable (higher funding rate)
- [ ] Calculate optimal project budget (€25k minimum)
- [ ] Plan for evaluation windows (3-4 times per year)

### Post-Submission
- [ ] Save submission confirmation
- [ ] Note evaluation timeline (3-4 times per year)
- [ ] Monitor for decision timeline updates
- [ ] Prepare for potential follow-up questions
- [ ] Have additional documentation ready if requested

## Application Tips
- Demonstrate clear innovation and Flemish impact
- Build partnerships to increase funding rate (up to 50%)
- Focus on technical and market innovation
- Regular evaluation windows - plan timing accordingly
- **Permanently open** - can submit anytime, but plan for evaluation windows
- Emphasize circular economy and environmental benefits explicitly