Financing research, development (R&D) and innovation is a key element for any innovative enterprise or public research organisation. Several financial aids aim to support R&D and innovation activities in both the public and private sectors.

Companies

The financing of the establishment of an innovative business holds a major influence on its development. Launching a new company requires both shareholders' equity and loans. Several specific financial aids also support the establishment of an innovative business.

It is possible to benefit from several financial aids and accompanying measures to finance company R&D and innovation projects. These aids target specific and predefined projects and activities.

A number of aids provide support to companies that wish to address the challenges linked to the need for protecting the environment. Financial aids can thus help businesses finance eco-technologies and sustainable development.

Some financial aids specifically target R&D and innovation activities of companies that fulfil the criteria to be considered a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME). 

Public research

The National Research Fund, which aims to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of public research in Luxembourg, has put several research programmes and aid schemes into place to finance public research. These programmes finance research projects linked to thematic priorities. They also give grants to graduate students and post-docs, for instance, and provide support for recruiting foreign researchers to the Grand Duchy. 

European programmes

In many cases, R&D cannot be limited only to national interests. Projects often require transnational cooperation and a joint use of resources. Several European programmes aim to promote transnational collaboration and enhance European potential in the field of research. You will thus find information on the following programmes:

• the Seventh European Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)
• the programmes of the European Space Agency (ESA)
• the EUREKA intergovernmental initiative
• the intergovernmental network COST
• the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)
• Eurostars
• Ambient Assisted Living (AAL)
• the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)