Luxembourg start-up support and acceleration
Luxembourg’s attractive Fit 4 Start programme offers start-ups 6 months of coaching, funding of up to €150,000, free access to co-working space and valuable networking opportunities in Luxembourg. The programme is open to start-ups in the ICT, healthtech, space and high performance computing sectors. Start-ups can apply from anywhere in the world, but need to incorporate in Luxembourg if they are selected.
Innovative start-ups may also be eligible to apply for a young innovative enterprise subsidy provided by the Ministry of the Economy.
Equity
Several Luxembourg equity funds invest in start-ups and technology-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Luxembourg Future Fund invests in early and late stage innovative European technology SMEs with a particular focus on ICT, cleantech and other technology sectors (excluding healthtech and life sciences). The Digital Tech Fund provides financing for start-up companies with a Luxembourg strategy. Special focus is on investment in cybersecurity, fintech, big data, digital health, media and next-generation communication networks, digital learning, the internet of things, telecommunications and satellite services.
R&D and innovation subsidies
Companies with substantial activities in Luxembourg can benefit from advantageous R&D and innovation subsidies. The Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy offers co-funding for the following types of projects:
- Research and development (R&D) projects and programmes
- Feasibility studies
- Innovation aids for SMEs
- Support for young innovative enterprises
- Subsidies for process and organisational innovation
Grants can vary from between 25 % and 80% of the project cost. The national innovation agency, Luxinnovation, helps companies determine whether their innovation and research projects are eligible for State aid, provides explanations on how to prepare high-quality funding applications and offers guidance in setting up public-private partnerships.