Innovation instruments

Moonshot Flanders supports innovation projects that help Flemish industry become carbon circular by 2050. Within the programme, two project types are available: Early-Stage Innovation (ESI) and Later-Stage Innovation (LSI). Whether testing a disruptive, early-stage concept or scaling a proven technology towards industrial implementation, our funding tracks are designed to turn fundamental research into real-world solutions.

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Moonshot Flanders innovation instruments

Early-Stage Innovation projects

ESI projects support strategic basic research that can lead to future industrial applications. They focus on building new knowledge, developing promising concepts and creating the foundation for follow-up development or implementation projects.

ESI projects are best suited for innovations that are still at an early maturity level, where scientific research is needed before the technology can move towards demonstration or industrial use.

  • Who can apply: at least three research groups from at least two Flemish research organisations.
  • Industry involvement: an Advisory Board is mandatory; at least 5 motivated LOI-ABAs from commercial enterprises are required.
  • Duration: maximum 4 years.
  • Budget: up to €3 million.
  • TRL level: no fixed start or end TRL is imposed, but the instrument is aimed at early-stage research and lower-TRL innovation.

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Later-Stage Innovation projects

LSI projects help research organisations bridge the gap between proven concepts and industrial implementation. They support further technological development, piloting, validation and demonstration in relevant environments.

LSI projects are best suited for innovations that already have a demonstrated proof of concept, but still need further validation or demonstration before companies can adopt or scale them.

  • Who can apply: one or more Flemish research and knowledge dissemination organisations.
  • Industry involvement: an Advisory Board is mandatory; at least 2 motivated LOI-ABAs from commercial enterprises are required, with in-kind or financial contribution.
  • Duration: maximum 3 years.
  • Budget: up to €2 million.
  • TRL level: starts from a demonstrated proof of concept and aims to reach higher readiness through pilot, prototype or demonstrator activities.

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