# Tier-1 Cloud Starting Grant

**Funder:** FWO
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage; assessed by Tier-1 coordinator
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/senior-researchersresearch-teams/vsc-computing-time/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Free trial of Tier-1 Cloud resources for Flemish university/SOC/public knowledge institution researchers. Apply by email to cloud@vscentrum.be and local VSC coordinator. No set deadlines.

## Summary

The Tier-1 Cloud Starting Grant provides free trial access to advanced cloud computing resources for researchers at Flemish universities, research centres, and public knowledge institutions. Applications are accepted continuously with no set deadline, submitted by email to the VSC (Flemish Supercomputing Centre). This is an entry point for researchers new to cloud computing who need to assess resource requirements before committing to paid allocations.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at Flemish universities, research centres, or public knowledge institutions
- Researchers new to cloud computing or evaluating resource needs
- Any discipline requiring computational resources
- Applicants based in Belgium

## Key dates

- Rolling applications; no set deadline, submit by email to cloud@vscentrum.be at any time
- Single-stage assessment by Tier-1 coordinator
- Trial access duration varies (verify with VSC coordinator)

## Tips for applicants

- Contact your local VSC coordinator before submitting to align the trial scope with available Tier-1 infrastructure.
- Clearly articulate what you aim to test or validate during the trial; vague requests slow the assessment.
- Use the trial strategically to gather usage metrics and performance data, which strengthen future grant proposals for larger allocations.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the Tier-1 Cloud Starting Grant?

It is a free trial programme offering access to advanced cloud computing resources for researchers at Flemish academic and public research institutions, with rolling applications and no set deadline.

### Who is eligible for Tier-1 Cloud Starting Grant?

Researchers based at Flemish universities, research centres, or public knowledge institutions in Belgium.

### How do I apply for Tier-1 Cloud Starting Grant?

Email your application to cloud@vscentrum.be and contact your local VSC coordinator; there is no application deadline.

### Is there a cost to the Tier-1 Cloud Starting Grant?

No, the trial access is free, allowing you to evaluate cloud resources before committing to paid allocations.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwo-tier-1-cloud-starting-grant-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.