start-up.

lu
Succeed in establishing your innovative
company in Luxembourg
Brochure published by Luxinnovation, the National Agency for Innovation and Research

Luxinnovation is a partnership that regroups 6 different bodies representing the public and the private sector: the Ministry
of the Economy and Foreign Trade, the Ministry for Higher Education and Research, the Ministry of Small and Medium-
sized Businesses and Tourism, the Fedil – Business Federation Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce,
the Luxembourg Chamber of Trades
CONTENTs
INTRODUCTION
Succeed in establishing your innovative company in Luxembourg 5

01 Where to Make Enquiries :

Luxinnovation, your one-stop shop for creating
an innovative company 6

02 How to find your way : 

The key players 8

03 How to proceed :
A 7-step process 11

04 How to prepare : 
The Business Plan 12

05 How to finance :
Specific Financial Aids 14

06 How to launch the Project  :

Authorisations and legal structures 20

07 How to protect : 
Intellectual Property 22

08 where to set up your business :

Incubation 25

CONTACTS 26
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INTRODUCTION : Succeed in establishing your innovative
company in Luxembourg
You have invented an innovative product, developed a new technology, or imagined an
opportunity that has never occurred to anyone else. You are excited about bringing your
brilliant idea to market. You are entrepreneurial and confident that your innovation can
be a huge success. Don’t let the adrenaline rush make you skip the necessary steps.
Remember that if you fail to plan you plan to fail.

In order to succeed in establishing your innovative company it is important that you

clearly define your goals and strategies, identify your start-up costs and funds required
for setting up the business, examine the value proposition of your innovation and develop
your business plan for the next two, three, five years. Proper planning prevents poor
performance!

Luxinnovation will guide you through the whole process of launching your innovative
company in Luxembourg. The Agency helps to find the right partners, assists in
developing your business plan and keeps you informed on national and European
funding opportunities. Participation in the Luxembourg Cluster Initiative, that is
animated by Luxinnovation as well, will allow you to establish links to future clients,
R&D providers and business partners in Luxembourg.

“ Start-up.lu ” contains all the useful information you will need to turn your idea into a
successful enterprise. It shows how to benefit from the existing networks, tools and
support schemes in Luxembourg.

Enjoy reading and have a great start!

Gilles Schlesser
Managing Director

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Where to Make Enquiries : Luxinnovation, your one-stop shop
for creating an innovative company
Luxinnovation, the National Agency for Innovation and Research, is your key point of contact for launching an
innovative start-up in Luxembourg.
Working in close partnership with the Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade, the Ministry for Higher
Education and Research, the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Businesses and Tourism, the Luxembourg
Chamber of Commerce, the Luxembourg Chamber of Trades and the Fedil - Business Federation
Luxembourg, Luxinnovation is operating at the heart of the national R&D and innovation system.

Have a business idea ? Looking for partners ?

Luxinnovation can facilitate the process
of establishing contacts with different
key players in business creation such as
the services “ Espace Entreprises ” at the
Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce or
“ Contact Entreprise ” at the Luxembourg
Chamber of Trades. Luxinnovation seeks
to put entrepreneurs in contact with the
relevant partners, including Ministries,
administrative bodies, public research
centres, intellectual property advisors,
etc. The Agency supports you, among
other things, with the drafting of a
business plan suitable to your company
and analysing the viability of your project.
Luxinnovation is a member of various
networks and has developed many
partnerships in Luxembourg and
internationally from which you can
benefit- whether you are looking for a
technology, industrial or commercial
partner.
Searching for financing ?
Luxinnovation helps you with the
necessary requests for national and
international public financing and
informs you about the different types of
private financing opportunities ( banks,
business angels, venture capital, etc. ).

Useful links :
Luxinnovation : www.luxinnovation.lu
Luxembourg Portal for Innovation and Research : www.innovation.public.lu
De Guichet - Luxembourg Business Portal : www.guichet.public.lu
Need to protect and evaluate your
research results ?
Luxinnovation helps you define your
needs and keeps you informed on
the processes of intellectual property
protection and technology transfer.
Looking for a host site ?
Luxinnovation informs and advises you on
the possibilities of hosting your activities
within an incubator ( Ecostart in Foetz
and Technoport in Esch-sur-Alzette ).
Your contact at Luxinnovation
Marc Ferring
Senior Executive Advisor
Head of National Funding and
Start-up Support Services
+352 43 62 63-1
marc.ferring@luxinnovation.lu
7, rue Alcide de Gasperi
L-1615 Luxembourg
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 how to find your way : the key players
One key to success for an innovative company is the ability to create synergies.

Benefit from the capacities and equipment from public research laboratories
The University of Luxembourg and four public research organisations are in charge, among
other things, of structuring the technological and scientific environment in Luxembourg
and providing entrepreneurs and companies with advice. They can assist you in :
Fundamental and applied research ;
Development of tools, methods, labels and norms ;
Technological assistance.

Initiating collaborative projects with these different actors means accessing high-tech
equipment that could be useful for tests or for prototypes.

Environment / Civil Engineering

Environment & Agri-biotechnologies ( EVA ) ;
Resource Centre for the Environment
Technologies ( CRTE ) ;
Human and Social Sciences Resource Centre for the Civil Engineering
CEPS / INSTEAD ; Information Technologies ( CRTI-B ).
Faculty of Humanities, Human Sciences, Arts
and Education.
Information and Communication
Technologies
Service for Science and Innovation ( SSI ) ;
Computer Science and Communications
( CSC ) ;
Informatics, Systems and Collaboration ( ISC ) ;
Security, Reliability and Trust ( SnT ).

CONTACTS IN YOUR RESEARCH FIELDS

LAW AND finance 
Faculty of Finance, Economy and Law.
Automotive / Engineering /
Materials
Engineering Sciences Research Unit ;
Advanced Materials and Structures ( AMS ) ;
Science and Analysis of Materials ( SAM ) ;
Physics and Materials Research Unit.
Life Sciences
Research laboratories : Cardiovascular
diseases, Immunology, Oncology, Public
Health, Virology-Allergology-Immunity ;
Competence Centres : Clinical and
Epidemiological Investigation Centre ( CIEC ),
Luxembourg Biomedical Research Resources
( LBRR ), Methodology and Statistics ( M&S ) ;
Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg ( IBBL ) ;
Cancer Cellular and Molecular Biology
Laboratory ( LBMCC ) ;
Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine
( LCSB ) ;
Life Sciences Research Unit ;
Research Centre for Healthcare Technologies
( SANTEC ).

Legend : CRP Gabriel Lippmann / CRP Henri Tudor / CRP – Santé / CEPS / INSTEAD / University of Luxembourg
www.clusters.lu : Benefit from a
dynamic network
A cluster is a grouping of actors
( companies, public research
centres, private laboratories, etc ) ;
who share common interests and
develop cooperations in one or more
technological domains.
Luxinnovation manages five thematic
technology clusters :
Luxembourg BioHealth Cluster ;
Luxembourg EcoInnovation Cluster ;
Luxembourg ICT Cluster ;
Luxembourg Materials Cluster ;
Luxembourg Space Cluster.

For young innovative enterprises, the Logistics and maritime activities

clusters can help to identify companies represent other innovation sectors in
and researchers within the same sector. which cluster activities have been set up:
Luxembourg Cluster for Logistics and
Advantages of the Luxembourg Cluster Cluster Maritime Luxembourgeois.
Initiative :
Promote competitiveness through
synergies among participants ;
Enable discussions and exchange of
ideas on technological problems and
solutions ( knowledge exchange ) ;
Contribute to the development of
innovative products and services ;
Create access to new markets ;
Provide easy access to information on
innovative, emerging technologies.

Useful links :
Luxembourg Cluster Initiative : www.clusters.lu
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Luxembourg BioHealth Cluster : www.biohealthcluster.lu

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Luxembourg EcoInnovation Cluster : www.ecoinnovationcluster.lu

Luxembourg ICT Cluster : www.ictcluster.lu
Luxembourg Materials Cluster : www.materialscluster.lu
Luxembourg Space Cluster : www.spacecluster.lu
Luxembourg Cluster for Logistics : www.clusterforlogistics.lu
Cluster Maritime Luxembourgeois : www.cluster-maritime.lu
Acquiring or Commercialising In Luxembourg, the Enterprise Europe
Technologies Network is run by Luxinnovation, the
Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and
Have you developed a technology but the Luxembourg Chamber of Trades.
do not wish to use it yourself ? Are
you interested in acquiring technology
developed in another country ?

The Enterprise Europe Network is a

European network that groups together
more than 600 local partners across
more than forty countries. The network
can support you during the various steps
of the transnational technology transfer
process :

Support during the process of

technology transfer ( defining needs,
finding partners, negotiating licence
agreements, joint venture or spin-off,
etc. ) ;
Analysis and targeted distribution of
your technology offers and requests on
the European level.

Useful links :
Detailed information on innovative companies and Luxembourg public research centres
can be found at : www.innovation.public.lu.
Information on the technology market can be found on the Luxembourg Portal for
Innovation and Research : www.innovation.public.lu
How to proceed : A 7-step process
In order to turn your innovative idea into a successful enterprise, the following steps should be
followed on your road to success :

1 5 Choice of Statutes
QUESTIONS STEP

QUESTIONS STEP
Idea and Procedures
How do I precisely define the idea ? What legal structure should I choose ?
Is it technically feasible ? What authorisations do I need ?
Am I capable of developing it myself ?
Who are my potential clients ?
Why will a client purchase my
product/service ?

2 6
QUESTIONS STEP
QUESTIONS STEP

Project Starting Up
Is it viable ? What team should I build up ?
What are the innovative aspects ? What technologies do I need in order
What added-value does it bring to the to be operational ?
market ? How can I access these technologies ?
What are the opportunities on the What technologies do I hold and what
market ? others do I have to acquire ?
How do I conduct a market study ?
How do I write a business plan ?

3 Looking for
7 First Years of
QUESTIONS STEP

QUESTIONS STEP

Financing Operation
How much should I invest in my How much time will it take to be
project ? operational ?
Where can I find funding and the What are the expected results in the
required capital ? first 3 to 5 fiscal years ?
How can I ensure the sustainable
existence of my company ?

4
QUESTIONS STEP

Setting Up
Where am I going to set up my business ?
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 How to prepare : The Business Plan
The business plan is an essential document for the future entrepreneur as it lays out various elements
including your idea, the market you are targeting, the necessary means for launching your activity, how the
project will be financed and what the expected results should be.

Your business plan is a
confidential document. Although
it is intended for all potential
partners, be careful when
selecting those whom you choose
to grant access to the details of
your strategy.
1, 2, 3, Go is a business plan
competition on the scale of
the Greater Region : it allows
project owners to benefit from
personalised follow-ups by
volunteer coaches, experienced
entrepreneurs or certified
experts.
Why should I develop a Business Plan? The business plan is not a static
document ; changes occur on a constant
First of all it is a benefit to you ! It is the level. It is like a dashboard that allows
tool that validates the feasibility of your you to steer your company in the right
project, allows you to evaluate the market direction. Keeping the business plan up
potential and to verify that a demand to date requires having a clear, precise
in fact exists for what you are offering. vision of ones strategy.
The business plan has to highlight the
strategy of your company. Luxinnovation is at your disposal in case
of any questions and in need of an in-
It is also an important communication depth look at your business plan.
tool for all potential partners of your
future company :
Financial partners : banks, business
angels, capital risk funds, government ;
Industrial partners ;
Commercial partners ;
Technological partners.

Useful links :
1, 2, 3, Go : www.123go-networking.org
Help in setting up a business plan can be found at : www.businessplan.lu
How to write a business plan
Section Objectives Questions to consider

Executive Summary Make the readers curious to read the entire What interest does the business project invoke ?
business plan by giving them key How can you summarise the project idea and the key
information and figures points ?

Idea, Ensure that people understand what your What is your idea ?
Product, company would like to do and what you are What is your product or service ?
Service offering ( including those who are not in the What differentiates you from the current market ?
business ) Why should the client choose your solution ?

Market Present the market in which you wish to What customer needs are you satisfying ?
operate What is your market ?
What market segments are you targeting ?
What is the current market situation ?

Competition Identify direct and indirect competitors Who are your direct and indirect competitors ?

Team Present the capacities of the project Who are the members of the project team ?
initiators What competencies do the members have ?
In what way are the members complementary and
indispensable ?

Marketing Plan Present your marketing strategy What is your strategy ? ( the 4Ps : product, price, place,
promotion )

Business Model & Present the manner in which the activity of What will your activities be ?
Organisation the company will be structured What activities will you undertake internally ? What will
you subcontract ?
How will you organise the company internally ?

Operational Plan Present the development perspectives of At what rate will you grow ?
your company What resources ( human, material, financial, etc. ) will
you need ?
How and when will these resources be employed ?

Risks Present the risks of your project What are the risks you might need to face ?
What is the worst-case scenario ? The best-case ?
What will you do to minimise the risks ?
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Financial Plan Define the feasibility and financing needs of What are your financing needs ?
What are the financing sources ?
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your company
What are the forecasted expenses and revenues for the
first five fiscal years ?
>Present this data in three tables : balance sheet,
income statement and cash flow statement forecast
for at least the first three years.
What is the expected return on investment ( ROI ) ?
How to finance : Specific Financial Aids
Every project needs financing. It is most often the funding principle of the “ three thirds ” that applies : one
third of your own ( private ) equity, one third from borrowing and one third from financial aid. Innovative
companies can benefit from various specific financial aids.

What sources of private equity exist
and how can you raise the necessary
funds ?
Being an entrepreneur means also
taking risks : it is quite often the entre-
Financing is not guaranteed ! preneur’s personal resources that
Do not forget to present a constitute the first source of private
complete and detailed report. equity. This is also a way for the entre-
preneur to prove to other investors that
he himself believes in the project ;
Investors, mostly private at this level,
contribute with their own funds : per-
sonal networks, business angels, capital
risk funds, etc ;
The “ Société luxembourgeoise de
capital-développement pour les PME
S.A. ( CD-PME ) ” addresses companies
that have already developed their
first product or service and need to
strengthen their own equity funding to
finance their development.
Where can you borrow from ?
From commercial banks ;
If necessary, pledge societies and
lodging security can allow you to satisfy
the guarantee requirements set by the
bank.
What public financial aids can you
benefit from ?
We distinguish between public aid
for investment and public aid for
research and innovation. Specific aid
for exportation and for professional
development also exists.

Investment Aids
SUBSIDIES
Investment aid from the Ministry of Small and Aid for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises ( SMEs2 )
Medium-sized Businesses and Tourism 1
from the Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade
For whom ? Skilled Craft and commercial companies Industrial and services companies
How much ? Up to 10 % for SMEs2 and up to 20 % for small companies2 of Up to 10 % for SMEs2 and up to 20 % for small companies2 of the cost
the cost of tangible and intangible assets. The amount of aid of tangible and intangible assets, in the form of capital subsidies
can be increased by 10 % in the case of first establishment

LOANS
Start up Loan3 Equipment loan 3
For whom ? Entrepreneurs engaging in their first business venture All companies
For what ? Co-financing of tangible and intangible expenses necessary To finance tangible and intangible assets, with the exception of
for the realisation of a business plan ( buildings, tools, short- and long-term inventories ( rolling stocks and inventory )
licenses, start-up expenses, inventory, working capital, etc )
How much ? Between € 5,000 and € 250,000 ; cannot exceed 40 % of the From 25 % to 60 % ( up to 75 % for a start-up ) of the eligible amount,
eligible amount to a maximum of € 2,5 million
How ? Upon presenting the National Society for Credit and Invest- Through an intermediary of your regular bank
ment ( SNCI ) with a business plan and a complete financing
plan, of which personal investments represent at least 15 %
of the eligible amount
Aid for Research, Development and
Innovation ( RDI ) 4
Young innovative enterprises that meet
the requirements of a small enterprise 2
can benefit from several RDI aids :
Aid for research and development
( R&D ) projects or programmes :
Up to 100 % of the eligible amount for
fundamental research projects ;
Up to 70 % of the eligible amount for
industrial research projects ( Ministry
of the Economy and Foreign Trade ) ;
Up to 45 % of the eligible amount for
experimental development projects
( Ministry of the Economy and Foreign
Trade ) or precompetitive projects
( Ministry of Small and Medium-sized
Businesses and Tourism ) ;
In the case of an actual cooperation
with a Luxemburg public research
organism or EU company, an increase
can be granted.
Aid for Technical Feasibility Studies
This relates to a study conducted
prior to a Research and Development
( R&D ) project or programme in order
to determine the technical feasibility of
the project or programme. This type of
study must permit an identification of the
technological risks, the advantages of a
product compared to competing products,
or an assessment of the potential of a
technology for the development of a new
application. The maximum allowable aid
intensities vary according to the type of
study.
For a study prior to an industrial research
activity :
75 % of the eligible costs for SMEs ; Besides national funding
65 % of the eligible costs for large opportunities, innovative start-
enterprises. ups in Luxembourg can also
benefit from European RDI
For a study prior to an experimental
programmes (FP7, Eureka, ESA,
development activity :
CIP, etc.). Luxembourg is the
50 % of the eligible costs for SMEs ; National Contact Point (NCP) for
40 % of the eligible costs for large these programmes and assists
enterprises. you during the whole application
process.
Aid for the Protection of Technical
Industrial Property
This aid is reserved for Small and
Medium-sized Enterprises ( SMEs )
and private research organisations
( meeting the SME criteria ) established in
Luxembourg.
Up to 100 % for expenses following a
fundamental research activity ;
Up to 50 % for expenses following an
industrial research activity ;

1. Act of 30 June 2004 establishing a general framework of aid schemes for the middle class sector.
2. The category of small companies is made up of companies employing less than 50 persons and whose
turnover or annual report does not exceed € 10 million.
The category of SMEs is made up of companies employing less than 250 persons, whose turnover does not
start-up.lu

exceed € 50 million and whose annual report does not exceed € 43 million.
However, the concerned companies can, under certain conditions, lose their position as a small or medium
14 / 15

enterprise if they are not autonomous.

The complete Grand Ducal regulation of 16 March 2005 amending the definition of micro, small and medium
enterprises can be found on the Luxembourg Portal for Innovation and Research under the category
“ Financial support for your projects ”, “ Financing R&D and innovation projects in a company ” :
www.innovation.public.lu
3. Amended act of 2 August 1977 concerning the creation of a SNCI ( National Society for Credit and Investment )
4. Amended act of 5 June 2009 relative to the advancement of research, development and innovation.

Caution :
The information presented in
this chapter is meant for first
orientation and is not exhaustive.
The Law of 5 June 2009
includes other aids in particular
for companies developing
organisational innovations in the
service sector. Ask Luxinnovation
to identify which aids can apply to
your project !
Up to 25 % for expenses following
experimental development activities ;
A bonus of 15 % can be added for
technical intellectual property expenses
incurred at the end of an effective
collaboration with at least one public
research organisation in Luxembourg
or one enterprise in Luxembourg
or in another EU member state.
Subcontracting is not considered to be
effective collaboration.
Aid for young innovative enterprises :
This aid aims to help covering the funding
needs of young innovative enterprises,
with high growth potential, during their
development phase.
This aid targets small enterprises or
small private research organisations
established in Luxembourg that were
created less than six years before the aid
is granted and :
in the foreseeable future, will develop
new products, processes or services
that involve a significant risk of
technical or industrial failure ;
OR
that have used at least 15 % of their
operating expenses for R&D over at
least one of the three years preceding
the granting of the aid, or over the
current year.
All expenses are eligible. This aid
is therefore particularly suitable for
supporting the company’s commercial
development or for setting up its
infrastructure.
Up to € 1 million for young innovative
enterprises. This aid must be matched
with private funding.
Innovation advisory services and
innovation support services :
This scheme encourages SMEs to
make use of external services in order
to initiate and support their innovation
activities.
The maximum intensity of the aid
corresponds to 75 % of the eligible
costs and is limited to € 200,000 over
three years.
Temporary secondment of highly
qualified personnel :
The intention of this measure is to
facilitate access to highly qualified
human resources from public research
organisations or large enterprises who
can contribute knowledge and expertise.
This aid is reserved for SMEs established
in Luxembourg.
Up to 50 % of the eligible costs during
three years, for the secondment
of personnel coming from a large
enterprise or from a research centre,
assigned to a new function, having
worked at least two years in a research
centre or a large enterprise, performing
RDI activities with the aid recipient.
Innovation in processes and organisation
within the field of services
The aid is open to all companies on the
understanding that large enterprises
must collaborate with at least one SME.
The following conditions must be met :
organisational innovation must be
related to the use and exploitation
of Information and Communication
Technologies ( ICT ) ;
the project or programme must be
managed by an identified and qualified
project manager, and the costs of
the project or programme must be
 budgeted ;
the project or programme must lead
to the development of a standard,
a business model, methodology or
concept that can be systematically
reproduced ;
the innovation must be a novelty or a
significant improvement on the state-
of-the-art in the relevant sector within
the EU ;
the project or programme must involve
a genuine risk of failure.
Eligible costs include :
personnel expenses ;
costs for the use of instruments,
equipment, machines, tools,
installations, land and buildings ;
materials and other consumables ;
subcontracting costs ;
overhead expenses ;
any other type of costs directly
associated with the project.
The maximum aid intensities are as
follows :
15 % of the eligible costs for large
enterprises ;
25 % of the eligible costs for medium-
sized enterprises ;
35 % of the eligible costs for small
enterprises.
Other Aids
Be aware that other funding tools
appropriate for start-ups exist, such as
aids for promotion, exhibitions and export
training, as well as aids for continuous
vocational training.
Aid for promotion, exhibition and export
training expenses
Created by the ODL, the Luxembourg
Export Credit Agency, and the Luxembourg
Government, the Committee for the
promotion of Luxembourg exports
( COPEL ) supports Luxembourg exports
through a partial participation in
promotion, exhibition and export training
expenses. This financial support complies
with the European regulations relative to
public aids in the area of export goods, in
particular with the “ De Minimis ” measures
( which is capped to € 200,000 per period of
three fiscal years ).
You can request financial support for :
Design and translation of promotional
support ( brochures, CD-Roms… ) :
The design and translation of quality
promotional materials, implemented by
third-party service providers and intended
for prospecting of export markets may be
granted official support ;
Trade fairs, specialised shows abroad,
seminars and conferences : The annual
ceiling for co-financing of participation
in trade fairs and specialised shows is
limited to € 40,000 per company.
The eligible costs are divided into two
broad categories, namely the site
rental costs and the booth development
expenses ( design aspect ) :
Site rental costs : Expenses spent
on the lease area including those
automatically charged by the
organisers ( e.g gross price of the
start-up.lu
rented space, registration for the
official catalogue of the exhibition ) ;
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Booth development expenses
( design aspect ) : infrastructure costs
of the stand, the basic techniques
connections ( connection to water and
electricity ), the expenses associated
 with transportation of material Consultancy services, etc. ( legal,
exposure. Regarding the acquisition tax, marketing, etc. ) provided by third
costs or rental of multimedia parties are eligible up to a maximum
equipment, the COPEL intervention of 50 % of incurred expenses, provided
is limited to € 1,000 per event. those services are required for the
Participation in on-site promotional launch of a new product or service, or
costs is limited to expenses of the of an existing product on a new market ;
design of brochures / posters for the Opening of representation offices
purpose of the event ; outside the EU : The opening of
The support of the COPEL for the site individual or collective representation
rental costs is limited to : offices outside the EU in order to
> 50 % for the first 3 participations develop market positions. It must
be a branch where the concerned
> 25 % starting from the 4th companies will be able to explore more
participation easily the targeted market( s ). The
> 10 % starting from the 11th market( s ) in question must be new.
participation Condition :
> No support of the COPEL after SME with a workforce in Luxembourg
the 20th participation. between 10 and 100 employees.
Financial support for maximum 50 % of
Eligible costs :
the registration fees for 2 representatives
may be granted to Luxembourg Salary of local employees ( secretary or
companies taking part in seminars and assistant ) ;
conferences with a direct and irrefutable Office rent ;
link to the promotion of foreign trade.
Rental charges ;
Export training : Maximum financial
Rental of furniture and equipment ;
support of 50 % may be granted for
registration fees of training with Supplies ( stationery,
a direct and irrefutable link to the telecommunications, etc.. ) ;
promotion of foreign trade ; Legal assistance.
Advertising costs : Following expenses
Intervention :
may be co-financed up to 25 % with a
ceiling of € 10,000 per company : The operation costs of the first year
only are be taken into account ;
> Advertising costs for guides,
magazines, catalogues, CD- Individual office : max. 50 % with a
ROMs and websites of a ceiling of EUR 32.500 per company ;
professional and international Collective office : max. 75 % with a
nature, ceiling of € 65.000. The financial
> Application fees for specialised support will be distributed among
websites as well as for SMEs in proportion to their
advertising mailings, participation in the common costs of
the office. However no relationship can
> Costs for the creation of
exist between SMEs.
commercials.
Refund based on the following
documents :
Invoices and supporting documents
relating to the operation of the office,
collected by type of cost allowed,
numbered and accompanied by a
summary table ;
Report of activities of the office for
each company concerned.
International call for tenders from non-
EU countries
Any individual or collective initiative
for participation in international call
for tender from outside the EU may be
subject to a refundable advance ;
Condition :
The market( s ) in question must be new
and each individual market shall not
exceed 25 % of the company’s annual
turnover.
Eligible costs :
Travel expenses and accommodation
costs of the concerned country ;
Fees of internal or external studies
provided that these studies have a
direct link with participation in the
concerned request for proposal ;
Fees of purchase of the tender
specifications.
Intervention :
> maximum 2 per year,
> action level : 75 % of expenses
incurred
Payment of the refundable advance on
the basis of the following documents :
Proof of submission of the offer ;
Supporting documents for expenses
actually accepted ( invoices and proof of
payment ) ;
If the studies were conducted within
the company, they must have been kept
under detailed benefits and payroll
records of the concerned expert,
accompanied by a summary table.
Reimbursement of the refundable
advance :
The company must publish the results
of the market attribution within 30 days
from the date of appointment of the
successful tenderer ;
In case of market attribution : total
reimbursement of the refundable
advance.

Useful links :
Capital Development for SMEs ( Capital-Développement pour PME – CD-PME ) :
www.snci.lu/fr/pme.php
The National Institute for the Development of Continuous Vocational Training ( INFPC ) :
start-up.lu

www.lifelong-learning.lu
18 / 19

The Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Businesses and Tourism : www.mcm.public.lu

The Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade : www.eco.public.lu
Mutualité d’Aide aux Artisans : www.maa.lu
Mutualité de Cautionnement et d’Aide aux Commerçants : www.cc.lu
ODL - Luxembourg Export Credit Agency : www.ducroire.lu
National Society for Credit and Investment ( SNCI ) : www.snci.lu
How to launch the Project : Authorisations and legal structures
It is necessary to deal with authorisations and legal issues as early as possible since these elements are
crucial factors in the launch of your activity and the demand for financial aids.

What do I need to launch my business Authorisations to operate ( Commodo /

activities ? Incommodo )
A special operating authorisation
Business Permit : relevant for all production companies ;
It is a systematic pre-condition to the It corresponds to rules and strict norms
launch of your business activity ; ( environmental protection and worker
It is individual and attached to the safety ) and requires a highly detailed
person in charge. In case of any report of your business.
changes a new authorisation of
establishment will become necessary ;
It is necessary to include a detailed
description of the company’s future
activities as the legal requirements will
vary accordingly ;
The applicant has to justify his standing
and qualifications. The documents vary
depending on the activity ;
It is systematic, regardless of the type
of activity sector the company chooses
to engage itself in : commercial trade,
handicraft, industry, liberal professions.

Useful links :
De Guichet - Luxembourg Business Portal : www.guichet.public.lu.
Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce – Espace Entreprises : www.cc.lu
Luxembourg Chamber of Trades : www.cdm.lu
What structure should I choose for my company ?
In order to make the right choice, you should first ask yourself a few questions : What
business activities will your company engage in ? What company size are you aiming
for ? What is the source and the nature of the investments ? What impact will the
entrepreneurial activitiy have on your private life ?

Legal structures for companies :

There are six different legal structures that exist in Luxembourg. The two most commonly
used are :
Société à responsabilité Société Anonyme ( S.A. )
limitée ( Sàrl )

Minimum Capital € 12 500 € 31 000

Incorporation Notary-drawn deed Notary-drawn deed

Liability Limited to Contributions Limited to Contributions

Unconditional transfer of No Yes

shares

In Luxembourg, you may benefit

from a lot of flexibility when
organising your company : you
will receive quick and competent
feedback tailored to your specific
situation. start-up.lu
20 / 21
 How to protect : Intellectual Property
Every innovative company will be confronted with the challenges of intellectual property ( IP ) at some point ;
whether it is a matter of protecting the company’s own IP or ensuring that the company does not violate the
IP rights of another firm. The Luxembourg Government supports the protection of IP in companies allowing
them to increase their competitiveness.
Therefore, a tax regime that favours the use of IP has been put in place. It allows net revenues generated
from the use of an intellectual property right ( IPR ) to receive an exemption of up to 80 %.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS ?

intellectuAL PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY LITERARY AND ARTISTIC PROPERTY

PATENTS TRADEMARKS DESIGNS COPYRIGHTS SIMILAR RIGHTS

Why protect your intellectual Who is the owner of an Intellectual

property ?
What is intellectual property ?
According to the World Intellectual
Property Organisation ( WIPO ),
IP can be defined as “ creations
of the mind : inventions, literary
and artistic works, and also
symbols, names, images, designs
and models as they are used in
business. ”
Property Right ( IPR ) ?
RDI is worth cash : if you don’t protect Luxembourg law foresees that the
the results, your competitors are free to employer is the owner of IPR, unless
copy them ; agreed otherwise.
By protecting the results of your
company’s RDI, you can ensure a certain
monopoly on a given territory ;
By protecting your company’s IP, you
can organise the relationships with your
partners ( for example, in the licensing
framework agreement ).

Useful links :
Intellectual Property Office : www.eco.public.lu
Benelux Office for Intellectual Property : www.boip.int
European Patent Office : www.epo.org
Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market : www.oami.europa.eu
World Intellectual Property Organisation : www.wipo.int
Technology Watch Centre – CRP Henri Tudor : www.veille.lu
What does Industrial Property
include ?
Patent
What is it ?
It protects an invention and offers the
exclusive right of use in one or more
national territories, during a maximum
period of twenty years, depending on
the payment of annual instalments. The
patent can also be applied to product or
process improvement.
In order for a patent to be issued, the
invention in question must satisfy three
essential criteria :
Present a new element : the invention
cannot already exist in the state-of-the-
art ;
It must involve an inventive phase :
a person competent in the domain,
starting from the state-of-the-art,
should not be able to easily develop the
invention ;
It must present an industrial application :
in other words, it must be a technical
solution to a technical problem.
Before starting the protection process, it
is necessary to verify that all three criteria
are fulfilled.
How does it work ?
The patent request must be filed with the
Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry
of the Economy and Foreign Trade.
This request should include :
An application form for issuance of a
patent ;
A description of the invention ;
Patent claims ;
Drawings and a summary that the The Technology Watch Centre
description or claims refer to ; at CRP Henri Tudor can provide
preliminary research to assess
An abstract.
the novelty of your invention.
A unique European filing procedure
( through the European Patent Office ) as
well as International ( through the WIPO )
is used. Once the taxes relating to the
procedure and the administrative charges
are paid, the patent can be published.
This publication occurs 18 months after
the registration of the patent request. A
patent filed in Luxembourg is only valid
in Luxembourg. To protect an invention in
other countries, parallel requests must be
filed in the necessary countries.
Brand
What is it ?
The brand corresponds to all the likely
signs of a graphical representation,
provided that the signs are appropriate
in distinguishing the firm’s products or
services from those of another company.
It cannot be similar to something that
already exists. A brand can be verbal
( i.e. a name ), figurative ( i.e. a logo ) or a
combination of the two ( even a sound ).
start-up.lu
Also, think about protecting the domain
22 / 23
name for your website !

Ideas, methods, and concepts
cannot be protected !
If you have a business idea,
be careful about sharing
information ! Let any potential
partner sign a confidentiality
act. Once your IP has been
filed, ensure it is upheld and
take action against any form of
infringement.
The filing of an intellectual
property right can prove to be
long and somewhat tedious.
You may consider asking advice
from an IP representative or a
specialised lawyer.
How does it work ?
There is no national procedure in
Luxembourg : the protection covers
all three Benelux states ( Belgium, the
Netherlands and Luxembourg ). Requests
are to be filed with the Benelux Office
for Intellectual Property ( BOIP ) or the
Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry
of the Economy and Foreign Trade.
The Office for Harmonisation in the
Internal Market ( OHIM ) allows filing to
occur on a community level while the
World Intellectual Property Organisation
( WIPO ) is involved on an international
level.
Regardless of the geographic region
covered by the protection request, it
is generally valid for ten years and
renewable indefinitely, as long as the
necessary taxes are paid.
Design or Model
What is it ?
It protects the appearance or visual
aspect of a product or a part of a product
( the visual or esthetical aspects, two-
dimensional design or three-dimensional
model ).
What does literary and artistic
property include ?
Copyright and RELATED Rights
What is it ?
It protects works in the literary, artistic
or scientific domains, including computer
programmes and databases, as long as
they demonstrate originality.
How does it work ?
The rights exist from the moment of
creation and do not require a specific
registration procedure. In case of
litigation, it is necessary, however, to have
proof of the date it was created. Services
like i-DEPOT, proposed by the BOIP, can
be a simple, inexpensive way to obtain
such a proof for a period of five years
( renewable ).

How does it work ?

As in the case of the brand, there is no
national procedure in Luxembourg : the
protection is effective either in Benelux
( through the BOIP ), on a community level
( through the OHIM ), or on a world-wide
level ( through the WIPO ). Overall, the
protection is valid for five years, renewable
a maximum of four times.
WHERE to set up your business : Incubation
Whatever the domain in which you are starting an innovative business, your company will need space
to flourish and grow. Luxembourg presents an interesting solution for future entrepreneurs and young
innovative start-ups : incubation.
what is Incubation ?
A temporary base for innovative project
leaders ;
Accommodation to help in the start-up
phase of young innovative enterprises ;
Temporary premises for foreign
companies in the development phase
looking for a solution in Luxembourg ;
Solutions adapted for all types of need :
industrial halls, workshops and well-
equipped offices in Foetz and Belval’s
City of Sciences.
What are the criteria ?
The project must be innovative and
preferably oriented towards the
development of technologies ;
The project must be based on a solid
business plan.
It is the innovative character
of your project and not the
sector of activity that counts.
In Luxembourg, it is possible
to benefit from incubation
regardless of the area in which
you are active.
Useful links :
Ecostart : www.incubateur.lu
Technoport : www.technoport.lu
What are the advantages of
incubation for you ?
Integrates a pre-incubator phase in
order to accompany you from idea to
creation ;
Provides advantageous renting
conditions for a limited period of time ;
Enables personalised monitoring ( visits
at regular intervals, tailored services,
etc. ) ; Ecostart
Allows networking ( actions to encourage
communication between hosted
companies, organisation of events on the
spot, etc. ) ;
Provides visibility for the business
( media coverage of hosted companies,
press coverage, representation at fairs ) ;
Offers benefits from training sessions
intended for entrepreneurs as well as
employees ( project management, start-
up financing and activity development, Technoport
Luxembourg language training ).
The National Incubator in Esch-Belval.
Image by the Fonds Belval.
start-up.lu
24 / 25
CONTACTS
Luxinnovation - Your first-stop shop for creating innovative companies :
National Agency for Innovation and Research
www.luxinnovation.lu

Portals dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship :

De Guichet- Luxembourg Business Portal
www.guichet.public.lu

Luxembourg Portal for Innovation and Research

www.innovation.public.lu

State aid and funding :

Capital-Development for SME’s ( CD-PME )
www.snci.lu/en

Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Businesses and Tourism

www.mcm.public.lu

Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade

www.eco.public.lu

Mutualité d’aide aux artisans ( aid mutuality for skilled crafts )

www.maa.lu

Mutualité d’aide aux commençants ( aid mutuality for merchants )

www.cc.lu

National Institute for the Development of Continuous Vocational Training :

www.lifelong-learning.lu

ODL: Luxembourg Export Credit Agency

www.ducroire.lu

Société Nationale de Crédit et d’Investissements ( SNCI )

www.snci.lu
Main public research organisations :
CEPS / INSTEAD
www.ceps.lu

Virtual Resource Centre for Knowledge about Europe ( CVCE )

www.cvce.lu

Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg

www.ibbl.lu

Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust ( SnT )

www.uni.lu/snt

Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine ( LCSB )

www.lcsb.lu

Public Research Centre for Health

www.crp-sante.lu

Public Research Centre Gabriel Lippmann

www.lippmann.lu

Public Research Centre Henri Tudor

www.tudor.lu

University of Luxembourg
www.uni.lu

CHAMBERS AND PROFESSIONAL FEDERATIONS :

Chamber of Commerce
www.cc.lu

Chamber of Trades
www.cdm.lu

Fédération des Artisans ( craftmans’ federation )

www.fda.lu

Fedil – Business Federation Luxembourg

www.fedil.lu

Luxembourg Trade Confederation ( CLC )

www.clc.lu
SUPPORT for Business Plan :
1,2,3,GO interregional business plan contest
www.123go-networking.org

Assistance tool for the setting-up of a Business Plan

www.businessplan.lu

Intellectual Property / Technology Watch :

Benelux Office for Intellectual Property
www.boip.int

European Patent Office

www.epo.org

Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade

www.eco.public.lu

Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market

www.oami.europa.eu

Technology Watch Centre - CRP Henri Tudor

www.veille.lu

World Intellectual Property Organisation

www.wipo.int

Networks :
Entreprise Europe Network – Luxembourg
www.een.lu

Luxembourg Cluster Initiative

www.clusters.lu

IncubatorS :
Ecostart
www.incubateur.lu

Technoport
www.technoport.lu
NOTES
NOTES
 MAKING
INNOVATION
www.start-up.lu HAPPEN
Luxinnovation, National Agency for Innovation and Research
7, rue Alcide de Gasperi L-1615 Luxembourg – Kirchberg
T + 352 43 62 63 - 1 F + 352 43 81 20 info@luxinnovation.lu
www.luxinnovation.lu www.innovation.public.lu