As with its predecessor Horizon 2020 (2014-2020), Horizon Europe funds are allocated through open and competitive calls For organisations and companies in the Region, the programme offers not only financial opportunities, but also access to international networks, partnerships and markets.
Brussels in the spotlight
The figures in the first statistical report from hub.brussels on the Brussels-Capital Region’s participation in Horizon Europe speak for themselves. Between 2021 and 2024, €1.2 billion in funding was awarded to Brussels-based organisations, placing the Region 4th in Europe in terms of funding received through approved projects — only major cities such as Paris, Munich and Barcelona rank higher. This achievement highlights the international nature of our capital: Brussels-based partners are collaborating with no fewer than 156 different countries under the Horizon Europe programme.
Compared to other Belgian regions, Brussels organisations remain particularly active in the programme, with no less than 43% of all Belgian Horizon Europe funding applications originating from the Brussels Region. In concrete terms, that represents over 10,000 submitted applications, corresponding to 7,716 research project proposals (a single project can involve multiple submissions).
And with great success, as nearly one in four of these proposals were accepted by the European Commission, with the help of ncp.brussels (hosted in Brussels by hub.brussels).
“When looking for European funding, you’re faced with a multitude of programmes — it’s complex. NCP Brussels helped us identify the right funding and submit our application. We secured two grants. The first (BeeOimpact 2023-2025, an EIC Accelerator) worth €1.7 million to develop new technology and software to monitor biodiversity using satellite images and AI. And the second (BeeOmetrics 2024-2027, an EIC Transition Challenge) worth €2 million to develop a system that tracks biodiversity through bees.”
— Michaël van Cutsem, CEO and founder of BeeOdiversity
SMEs make all the difference
Brussels’ small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are clearly finding their way in Horizon Europe, with 111 Brussels-based SMEs selected as beneficiaries. Together, these account for 371 successful applications, totalling €140 million in funding and 39% of all funding granted to Belgian SMEs. Moreover, Brussels-based SMEs account for 77% of the Horizon Europe funding granted to the Belgian private sector.
These figures highlight the innovative nature of Brussels’ entrepreneurial ecosystem and demonstrate that local businesses not only generate strong ideas, but also succeed in turning them into competitive, EU-funded projects. Horizon Europe acts as a catalyst not just for international collaboration, but also for sustainable growth and the competitiveness of the Brussels economy.
Climate, energy and mobility remain top priorities
The Brussels-based projects supported by Horizon Europe are closely aligned with the Region’s political priorities:
- 17% of funding went to climate, energy and mobility projects;
- 10% was allocated to the digital, industrial and space sectors – fields with strong R&D component and of strategic importance for Europe’s technological advancement;
- 10% went to the agri-food, agriculture and bioeconomy sectors, which increasingly focus on sustainability, circularity and health;
- 9% was allocated to high-risk innovation, which spans several sectors;
- 7% of the funds were allocated to the health sector, with an emphasis on prevention, digital healthcare and drug development;
- 7% was invested in European projects (see report, p. 33).
“When starting a business, you face major challenges and limited resources. NCP Brussels guided us through a complex funding landscape. Be prepared to be challenged by NCP Brussels, and don’t be afraid to trust your project — they are really good at what they do.”
— Philippe Detheux, Public and Institutional Affairs (In Between International)
Need help with Horizon Europe? NCP Brussels is here for you For those wishing to benefit from Horizon Europe support, the network of National Contact Points (NCPs) offers free and personalised guidance in your search for funding. hub.brussels manages the presidency of the NCP in Brussels. Get in touch with the NCP network in Belgium via ncp.brussels.
