VITO4STARTERS: Frequently asked questions

The following topics provide an overview of the themes VITO is currently doing research on within the field of sustainable chemistry:

• Building new value chains from renewable and circular raw materials such as biomass, plastics, CO₂, etc.
• Intensify existing processes and make them more efficient.
• Developing new synthesis processes through electrification, bioconversion, or recycling.

Not sure if there is a link to your company? Feel free to ask via vito4starters@vito.be.

The following topics give an overview of the themes on which VITO is currently doing research in the field of sustainable materials:  

• waste and recycling technology, with a focus on industrial flows (minerals and end-of-life products)
• development of structured materials, with applications in batteries, chemistry (CO₂ capture, CO₂ conversion) and recovery/sorting (sorbents, chromatography)    

Are you not sure whether there is a link with your company? Feel free to ask via vito4starters@vito.be.

The following selection criteria are applied in 2 rounds.

1. The link between the start-up and VITO expertise
2. The strength of the team
3. The strength of the business plan

The first round consists of a written pre-selection done by a team of 5 VITO employees. Each participant is assessed on the 3 selection criteria. To proceed to the 2nd round, at least the following requirements apply: 

1. There is a link between the start-up and the VITO expertise.
2. There is at least 1 person who is working full time or is willing to work full time in his/her own start-up within one year.
3. There is a viable business model

Only the 10 best participants will be invited to the 2nd round.

The 2nd round is a live pitch event at FTI in Hasselt on 19 March 2024. A jury of 5 people will judge the participants again using the same selection criteria. The winner will be announced at the event.

Note: This process only applies to eligible companies. More information on the admission criteria can be found here.

VITO has unique expertise and infrastructure. If you are selected, you get access to this through one of the following elements or a combination of them:

• Technological advice by VITO experts
• Building a proof-of-concept together with VITO experts
• Access to the VITO infrastructure (labs, pilot installations ...) to carry out experiments.

You will also gain access to the VITO network and VITO will ensure visibility and promotion on the VITO channels.

During the selection process we ask not to share confidential information. The pitch event is open to the public.

Clear agreements are made before the start. At the start of the VITO4STARTERS programme, a contract will be signed including a confidentiality clause.

This is done entirely in consultation with the startup.

The winners of the live pitch event win a package of 25,000 EUR. The content of this package is determined in consultation with the winner and a team of VITO experts depending on the needs of the startup.

A project plan is drawn up in a number of meetings and on this basis, a contract is drawn up between VITO and the startup. This contract describes in concrete terms which responsibilities each party has and what will be delivered at the end of the programme.

On 22 February 2024 all registrants will be informed of the selection result.