Awards for the most innovative start-up
Considering the available financial resources for 2026, ongoing projects will continue to be funded in accordance with the signed decisions and agreements.
However, no new projects can be funded in 2026.
No new calls will be launched in 2026, and all programs will be suspended in 2026.
Funding applications that have already been submitted will continue to be processed and may be eligible for funding in 2027, depending on available resources.
This funding of EUR 500 000 per innovative project offers Brussels start-ups the opportunity to realise their strategic innovation plan.
Are you eligible?
- You are a small unlisted company.
- Your company was founded no more than five years ago on 1/1/2026.
- You did not take over the activities of another company or are not a spin-off.
- You have your head office in the BCR, where you develop the company’s activities.
- You’ve never won an ISA award (Rise)
- Your company is not in difficulty according to the applicable European legislation
Find out more about the terms and conditions for eligibility in our guidelines.
The procedure in 3 steps
- Submit your application before the deadline of 11 July 2025.
- Following our preselection, you will be invited to pitch your Strategic Innovation Plan to a jury of multidisciplinary experts.
- The most convincing candidates will be named most innovative start-up of the year.
Good to know:
Important note to formalise your application: it is imperative that you read the regulations thoroughly and return them signed together with the other application documents.
The strategic innovation plan allows you to explain your overall strategy and elaborate on your R&D vision.
Innoviris will assist you throughout the process, which takes three years.
Programme certified "Plug In scheme to EIC Accelerator"
Innoviris' ISA has been certified as a regional programme for the "Plug In scheme to EIC Accelerator". The EIC Accelerator supports individual small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in particular startups and spinout companies to develop and scaleup game-changing innovations.
As a result, laureates will have the opportunity, after the successful completion of their ISA project, to apply directly for the full proposal phase of the EIC Accelerator programme and access to the EIC's acceleration and advisory services for the preparation of their application.
