FOR PERSONS RECEIVING OR HAVING RECEIVED A WALLOON REGION LOAN (excluding ERDF)

Call for projects: Research results maturation funds.

Maturation fund ?

The “Fonds de Maturation” [Maturation Funds] programme is to fund projects relating to achievement of the “proof of concept” of results of scientific research for commercial use.

Proof of concept ?

Proof of concept projects can cover fields as diverse as:

• Production of a prototype;
• Validation of internal or external tests;
• A demonstration, including an on-site demonstration;
• Pre-clinical validation tests;
• Market study, technological positioning or business plan finalisation costs.

Prerequisite

The programme is available to Wallonia-Brussels Academy (UMONS, ULB) members wishing to carry out a proof of concept on the results of research funded by the Walloon Region (projects funded under ERDF Structural Funds are excluded).

Application dossier

The application form has been simplified to limit the time needed to complete the dossier. The latter should comprise two pages and include the following:

• Information on the research funded by the Walloon Region leading to the proof of concept;
• Description of the aim of the development project and the deliverables expected;
• Description of the work to be done and timetable;
• Budgetary data;
• A letter of support from a manufacturer, investment fund or incubator who may subsequently be a partner in the event of success.

The application form (“expression of interest”) is attached as a file.

The financing of maturation funds in practice

• The support available under this programme covers a period of 18 months maximum;
• The maximum amount allocated per project is ideally €80,000;
• Projects can only cover work necessary for completing a proof of concept and cannot merely be an extension of an existing project;
• A 3rd call will be launched in October 2010.

 Read the complete call

Download the application form

Download the Maturation Funds projects evaluation criteria