Industrial Research Valorization and Acceleration (IRVA)
Accelerate the transition from strategic research to industrial application.
IRVA (Industrial Research & Valorisation Accelerator) connects strategic research (TRL 4-5) with concrete industrial applications (TRL 5-6).
Flanders Make develops innovative technology based on a common need for innovation. As a company, you collaborate with Flanders Make through application projects in order to create direct economic and social impact.
What is IRVA?
IRVA is a specific type of research project within Flanders Make that combines strategic research with industrial valorisation.
1. Research component (TRL 4-5)
- Strategic research on industrially relevant themes.
- Carried out by Flanders Make.
- Funded through the Flanders Make covenant.
- Focused on proof-of-concept and technological breakthroughs.
2. Industrial component (TRL 5-6)
- Company-specific application projects.
- Contract research carried out by Flanders Make.
- Focused on implementation in a business context
- Includes agreements on IP licences and knowledge transfer
Project characteristics
- Consortium of at least three independent companies
- At least two companies based in Flanders
- Balanced industrial user group
- Typical project duration: two years
- Includes interim evaluation
With IRVA, we bridge the gap between collective research and individual business implementation.
Why participate?
IRVA offers companies a unique combination of strategic research and direct applicability. Flanders Make is also the only research centre that offers this type of research.
The main advantages
- Development of proof-of-concept (TRL 4 → 6)
- Research across the entire value chain
- Technology platforms that can be used for multiple applications
- Low entry threshold for early involvement
- Maximum flexibility in consortium formation
- Efficient evaluation and project follow-up
- Flexibility to respond to changes during the project
You gain access to high-quality research and can adopt the results in a targeted manner within your own company.
Who can participate?
Industrial partners
- SMEs
- Large enterprises
- Flemish companies (at least two per consortium)
- Companies outside Flanders, provided they offer clear added value
Research organisations
- Other Strategic Research Centres (VIB, VITO, Imec) may participate as external research partners (own funding).
- Other research groups may act as subcontractors to Flanders Make.
The financial situation
IRVA combines a limited entry fee with mandatory contract research for valorisation.
1. Participant contribution
- For SMEs: €1,000 (excluding VAT)
- For large companies: €4,000 (excluding VAT)
- 50% discount for companies that are paying members of a Flanders Make competence cluster at the start of the project.
2. Contract research (application projects)
Contract research focuses on implementing IRVA results in a business context.
Conditions:
- Total contract research ≥ 12% of the IRVA budget
- Max. 50% of the total contract research at one company
- Minimum:
- SME: €20,000
- Large company: €40,000
- 25% discount on minimum for cluster members at project start
Contract research:
- Is carried out by Flanders Make
- Includes knowledge transfer and IP agreements at market conditions
- Requires signing of the Application Project Agreement
- Runs parallel to or following VLAIO project applications
Calculation example
Example project
- IRVA research: €2,125,000
- 4 companies in the user group
- Total contract research: €255,000 (> 12% requirement)
For an SME, this means:
- Access to more than €2 million in strategic research
- Targeted support for implementation in the company's own context
- Concrete valorisation through contract research
IRVA thus offers a powerful lever for innovation and impact.
Support for application projects
The research component within IRVA is 100% funded by Flanders Make.
The application projects:
- Are funded by the company itself.
- Can be supported via VLAIO (for Flemish companies).
Possible VLAIO project types:
Important:
- No retroactive support
- Only costs incurred after the formal start date are eligible for subsidy
- Companies in difficulty are not eligible
Companies outside Flanders can apply for support from their regional or national funding agencies. Brussels-based companies can contact Innoviris.
How does it work in practice?
Project funnel:
1. Definition of project idea
- Clear problem statement
- Innovative technological solution
- Valorisation potential and impact on Flemish industry
2. Proposal stage gate
Assessment based on:
- Industrial relevance
- Technological approach
- Consortium quality
- Impact on the Flanders Make roadmap
- Clear timeline and project structure
Evaluation process
- Assessment by the Industrial and Scientific Advisory Board
- Discussion in the Board of Directors
- Decision within 14 calendar days after the submission deadline
FAQ
What is the typical project duration?
Two years, including interim evaluation.
Can companies outside Flanders participate?
Yes, provided there is clear added value. They cannot call on VLAIO, but they can call on their own regional or national funding agencies.
When can an IRVA project start?
An IRVA project can start when:
- At least 3 companies form the user group.
- A binding agreement is signed upon submission.
- The minimum contract research has been established.
IRVA strengthens cooperation between research and industry. By linking strategic research to targeted valorisation, we accelerate the development of new generations of products, processes and services.
