Name in original language
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Initiative overview
The Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) plays a central role in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research in Belgium by providing consistent and substantial funding for academic initiatives. In 2024, the FWO allocated approximately EUR 22 million annually to support fundamental and basic research in AI. This investment underlines Flanders’ commitment to fostering scientific excellence and building the knowledge base necessary for innovation in AI and related fields.
The programme primarily supports bottom-up research, enabling universities and research institutions to propose projects driven by scientific curiosity rather than predefined policy priorities. This approach allows researchers to explore diverse AI topics—from machine learning and data science to robotics and cognitive systems—encouraging innovation that emerges organically from academic inquiry.
By sustaining a strong foundation for basic research, the FWO helps ensure that AI development in Flanders remains anchored in scientific rigor, openness, and interdisciplinarity. The funding not only strengthens the region’s research ecosystem but also supports the training of early-career scientists, promoting the long-term growth of AI expertise.
