Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding programme, with a substantial budget of €93.5 billion for the 2021–2027 period. It drives innovation across critical societal challenges — from climate change and health to digitalisation and sustainable mobility. For international companies seeking to invest and expand within Europe, Horizon Europe represents not only financial support but also a powerful entry point into Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
Why Brussels Stands Out for International Investors
The Brussels-Capital Region has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s leading hubs for research and innovation funding. According to hub.brussels’ first statistical report on Horizon Europe, between 2021 and 2024, organisations based in Brussels secured €1.2 billion in funding. This positions Brussels 4th in Europe — behind only Paris, Munich, and Barcelona — for total funds awarded under Horizon Europe projects. This level of performance reflects Brussels’ unique international profile: local organisations collaborate with partners in 156 countries, offering foreign companies access to an extensive global network.
For international businesses establishing a European footprint, Brussels offers a highly fertile environment. 43% of all Belgian Horizon Europe funding applications originate from Brussels-based organisations, translating into over 10,000 applications submitted and more than 7,700 project proposals. With a success rate of nearly 25%, foreign investors entering the Brussels market can benefit from a well-structured support ecosystem, including personalised guidance from ncp.brussels (hosted by hub.brussels), which helps navigate the complexity of EU funding mechanisms.
Testimonial: Turning Ideas into Funded Innovations
“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: one worth €1.7 million for biodiversity monitoring using satellite imagery and AI, and a second of €2 million for developing a bee-based biodiversity tracking system.”
— Michaël van Cutsem, CEO and founder of Beeodiversity
An Ideal Environment for Innovative SMEs and Startups
Brussels is not only home to global institutions; it is also a thriving hub for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which are key innovation drivers. To date, 111 Brussels-based SMEs have received Horizon Europe funding, accounting for 371 successful applications and €140 million in secured funding. Remarkably, Brussels SMEs represent 39% of all Horizon Europe funding granted to Belgian SMEs and 77% of the total Horizon Europe funding allocated to Belgium’s private sector.
For foreign startups, scale-ups, and R&D-intensive firms, Brussels offers an innovation ecosystem that combines access to cutting-edge research, highly skilled talent, EU decision-making bodies, and extensive funding opportunities. Horizon Europe acts not only as a financial catalyst but also as a gateway to international partnerships, strategic collaborations, and sustainable growth within the EU single market.
Strategic Alignment with Global Priorities
The projects funded in Brussels under Horizon Europe reflect the Region’s strategic alignment with global challenges, making it an attractive destination for impact-driven investors:
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17% of funding supports climate, energy, and mobility projects;
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10% goes to digital, industrial, and space sectors;
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10% funds agri-food, agriculture, and bioeconomy sectors with a focus on sustainability and circularity;
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9% supports high-risk cross-sector innovation;
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7% advances healthcare innovation, digital health, and drug development;
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7% supports European missions and strategic priorities.
Expert Support for International Businesses
“When starting a business, you face major challenges and limited resources. NCP Brussels guided us through the complex funding landscape. Be prepared to be challenged — but trust the process. They are truly experts at what they do.”
— Philippe Detheux, Public and Institutional Affairs, In Between International
A Unique Investment Gateway
For international investors and companies looking to establish or expand their European operations, Brussels offers a highly advantageous combination: direct access to substantial EU funding, proximity to European institutions, a multilingual workforce, and a vibrant innovation ecosystem at the heart of Europe.
With Horizon Europe as a catalyst, Brussels positions itself not only as the political capital of Europe but also as a dynamic hub for forward-looking companies seeking growth, collaboration, and impact.
