What's up

Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are becoming strategic priorities across every sector, from industry and healthcare to mobility, logistics and energy.

For startups developing proprietary technologies in either field, one challenge remains constant, turning technical innovation into a scalable business.

That's the ambition behind Startup Boost #2, Wallonie Entreprendre's investment programme for early-stage startups. Following a successful first edition, this new call focuses exclusively on companies building innovative solutions in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Applications are open until 15 September 2026, and selected startups will receive €100,000 through a convertible loan, alongside access to Wallonia's innovation ecosystem and tailored support to accelerate their growth.

What is Startup Boost?

Startup Boost helps promising Walloon startups reach the next stage of their development. Rather than supporting mature companies, the programme targets businesses with strong technological potential that need funding to validate their product, strengthen their market position or prepare for future fundraising.

The first edition attracted 92 applications, with 14 startups invited to pitch and eight projects selected for investment.

Beyond funding, Startup Boost offers something just as valuable: credibility. Being selected provides external validation, increases visibility within the innovation ecosystem and helps startups build relationships with investors, partners and future customers.

Why focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity?

Artificial intelligence is transforming how organisations analyse data, automate processes and make decisions. At the same time, digital transformation has made cybersecurity a business-critical issue, with companies needing to protect sensitive data, connected devices and critical infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated threats.

These technologies are also central to Europe's digital sovereignty, supporting the development of home-grown innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of European tech companies.

Through Startup Boost #2, Wallonie Entreprendre aims to identify startups capable of addressing these challenges with differentiated technologies that can scale beyond their first customers.

What kind of projects are they looking for?

The programme targets startups where artificial intelligence or cybersecurity is a core part of the product and competitive advantage.

Eligible projects include proprietary AI technologies, Edge AI, AI infrastructure, cyber-threat detection and prevention, identity and access management, data protection, and security solutions for connected or industrial systems.

The key criterion, however, is not simply using AI or cybersecurity tools. Applicants must demonstrate that they are developing proprietary technology capable of solving a clear market need and creating a sustainable competitive advantage.

Projects based primarily on consulting services, third-party integrations or existing technologies without significant innovation are unlikely to fit the programme.

How does the selection process work?

Applications must be submitted through the Startup Boost platform before 15 September 2026.

Following an initial evaluation, the most promising startups will be invited to online discussions and pitch sessions with the Wallonie Entreprendre investment team. Shortlisted companies will then present their project before the external Selection Committee on 22 September 2026, where the projetc to be supported will be selected.

More than funding, a genuine growth accelerator

The €100,000 investment is an important catalyst, but Startup Boost delivers much more than financial support.

Selection by Wallonie Entreprendre signals to investors, partners and customers that a startup has been recognised for both its technology and its market potential. Combined with increased visibility and access to Wallonia's innovation ecosystem, this recognition can accelerate commercial development and future fundraising.

How A6K can support your application

Preparing a strong application requires more than presenting an innovative technology. Founders also need to demonstrate a clear market opportunity, explain their competitive advantage and show how the funding will help them reach a concrete milestone.

A6K's Acceleration team supports entrepreneurs throughout this process, from assessing their fit with the programme to refining their positioning, strengthening their pitch deck and preparing for discussions with Wallonie Entreprendre and the final Selection Committee.

Our role isn't to write the application for you, but to help you present your project as clearly, credibly and convincingly as possible.

Key dates

Applications for Startup Boost #2 remain open until 15 September 2026.

The Selection Committee will take place on 22 September 2026, with successful startups receiving €100,000 through a convertible loan.

If you're building proprietary technology in artificial intelligence or cybersecurity, Startup Boost #2 offers more than funding. It provides the visibility, credibility and support needed to turn a promising innovation into a company ready to scale. And if you're considering applying, A6K is here to help you make the most of the opportunity.