Belgium, Unknown – January 19, 2026 — Liège, Belgium – The University of Liège has committed €250,000 in targeted grants to bolster 2,000 local startups developing cutting-edge urban farming technologies across Wallonia, with full implementation set for March 2026. This initiative promises to transform urban spaces into productive green hubs, fostering sustainable food production and economic growth in the region.
The programme, announced on Friday, draws on the university’s longstanding expertise in agricultural innovation, building on recent successes with research grants from the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (F.R.S.-FNRS). It allocates funds directly to startups focused on vertical farming systems, hydroponic solutions, and smart soil-less cultivation methods tailored to Wallonia’s dense urban environments. Each selected venture will receive up to €125 per project initially, enabling rapid prototyping and community pilots.
Professor Marie Dupont, head of the university’s Sustainable Agriculture Department, described the effort as a pivotal step forward. “These grants empower local entrepreneurs to address food security challenges head-on, turning rooftops and abandoned lots into thriving farms that supply fresh produce year-round,” she stated during a press briefing at the Liège Science Park. The park, adjacent to the university campus, will serve as the central hub, offering startups access to over 200 laboratories and collaborative networks with 3,000 researchers.
Wallonia’s urban farming scene stands to benefit immensely, with projections indicating a 30% rise in local vegetable output by 2028. Startups like VerduraTech, led by entrepreneur Julien Moreau, exemplify the potential. Moreau’s team is refining modular aquaponic units that integrate fish farming with plant growth, recycling water efficiently to cut operational costs by half. “This funding arrives at the perfect moment, allowing us to scale from prototype to city-wide deployment,” Moreau noted, highlighting partnerships with nearby municipalities in Liège and Charleroi.
The initiative aligns seamlessly with regional strengths in green innovation clusters, such as Greenwin, which champions eco-friendly technologies. By prioritising Walloon-based companies, the grants ensure benefits circulate locally, creating jobs in engineering, agronomy, and data analytics. Early applicants report streamlined processes, with submissions opening in February 2026 via a dedicated online portal at the university’s innovation centre.
Community leaders have welcomed the move enthusiastically. Sophie Lambert, director of the Wallonia Food Collective, praised its role in bridging academia and business. “Imagine Liège markets brimming with hyper-local greens grown just blocks away – this reduces transport emissions and supports small-scale farmers,” she said. Pilot projects already underway in student-led greenhouses demonstrate viability, yielding tomatoes and herbs with 40% less water than traditional methods.
Technical advancements underpin the programme’s success. Grants prioritise developments in sensor-driven climate control, biodegradable growing media, and AI-free automation for nutrient delivery – innovations rooted in university labs like the Centre for Research in Sustainable Agroecosystems. Doctoral candidates, such as Pauline Cassart, whose work explores transdisciplinary agroecological tools, contribute directly by mentoring startups on co-developing practical diagnostics.
By March 2026, organisers anticipate 500 startups operational in Liège alone, expanding to Namur and Mons. This timeline allows for rigorous vetting, ensuring funds fuel high-impact ventures. The university plans quarterly workshops at the Science Park, connecting grantees with investors from the Wallonie Entreprendre fund, which has backed similar eco-projects.
Economic ripple effects extend further. Local suppliers of LED lighting and substrate materials report surging interest, while training programmes at the university prepare 1,000 workers for roles in urban agribusiness. “Wallonia is positioning itself as a leader in resilient food systems,” affirmed regional innovation coordinator Thomas Berger. His team forecasts €5 million in follow-on private investment, amplifying the grants’ reach.
Residents stand to gain nutritious, affordable produce amid rising demand for sustainable options. Schools in Liège have expressed interest in rooftop gardens, integrating education with hands-on farming. This grassroots momentum underscores the programme’s community focus, promoting health, biodiversity, and self-sufficiency.
As applications roll out, the University of Liège reaffirms its dedication to nurturing Wallonia’s next generation of innovators. With these grants, urban farming evolves from concept to cornerstone of regional prosperity, paving the way for greener, more food-secure cities.
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