With numerous startups widely dispersed across the country, Belgium is home to a fast-rising startup ecosystem. Boasting a large number of university and research institutions, as well as increasing startup programs and initiatives, Belgium has become a healthy breeding ground for high-growth ventures.
In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all incubator and accelerator programs in Belgium that can assist you in launching and growing your startup. The incubators and accelerators in this list have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation', 'launch', or 'growth' stages.
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN BELGIUM
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Belgium
Full list of ideation-stage startup incubators in Belgium:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: BioTech for Sustainable and Healthy Agriculture, Food or Nutrition
biotope by VIB is an incubator program for biotech businesses looking to commercialize their invention. On-site in Flanders, they collaborate with you to develop your technologies, create a business plan, and encourage business relationships. They only work with a limited number of teams to provide you with a growth path that is tailored to your startup's unique challenges and skills. As part of their incubator, you will benefit from access to cutting-edge research technology and facilities, as well as to VIB's network of researchers, experts, corporate partners, and investors. They also provide you with dedicated mentorship and coaching from biotechnology entrepreneurs and up to EUR 250,000 in pre-seed funding.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Blockchain for Agrifood, Logistics and Finance
Intending to promote the use of blockchain technology in 3 critical areas of the European economy, Block.IS accelerator is offering EUR 2.8 million in capital through two open calls to innovators developing high-tech startups. They assist ICT startups from conception to commercialization by providing personalized business and technical assistance, as well as access to expertise, technology, finance, and markets to launch new products/services based on blockchain technology. The project is divided into three phases: innovate, experiment, and commercialize; with only a select amount of participants that can proceed to the next stages.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Chemistry
As Belgium's first sustainable chemical incubator, BlueChem is the ideal place for innovators with breakthrough ideas and cutting-edge research and development to launch and grow. The incubator bring together startups, SMEs, major corporations, research centers, and knowledge institutions to foster open innovation and the mutual exchange of information. They provide a space with ready-to-use and configurable labs, business support with exclusive partners, and financial support through BlueChem Kickstart Fund.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: HealthTech
The BlueHealth Innovation Center fosters innovation and entrepreneurship at the confluence of technology and healthcare. Through digital innovation, they want to enable the transformation of healthcare. In their HealthRampUp program, they work with healthtech startups to build unique digital solutions and transition from concept to viable company ready for first round of funding in 6 months.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Medical Solution
The Medical Solutions Accelerator will help you validate your creative concept, assist you in validating your idea, and assist you in locating investment options. Drawing on experience from UZA's healthcare professionals and technology from UAntwerpen and Verhaert, combined with clinical feedback from end users, you'll be able to build a valuable and effective medical solution. Aside from product innovation, you'll also learn how to market-ready your solution and gain access to commercial and governmental financing options.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
hub.brussels, the Brussels Agency for Business Support, run multiple business accelerator and incubator programs. They run 2 incubators to provide your idea with room and time to grow: Kokotte, a pop-up food incubator, and L'Auberge Espagnole, pop-up incubators in three different spaces. Each incubator offers individualized coaching, professional guidance, and workplace or retail space.
They also operate two accelerators for entrepreneurs looking for a boost: Greenlab for sustainable firms and MedTech for medical technology startups. Each accelerator provides customized coaching, professional assistance, a network of firms in your industry, and visibility for your initiative in Belgium and beyond.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs without an idea / Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: SaaS
eFounders is a venture studio seeking to collaborate with great entrepreneurs to establish and scale world-class SaaS firms. With the assistance of experts in product, design, and other key fields, they will help you turn your ideas into fast-growing enterprises. Throughout the first 12 to 18 months, they will work closely with you to develop the initial version of the product, reach customers, gain traction, and employ your ideal team.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
With incubators located in 4 major districts, Incubators.brussels is the capital's first network of ultra-integrated incubators. They have four-themed incubators: BLSI for life science and health, Greenbizz for sustainability and circular economy, ICAB for tech, and EEBIC for other entrepreneurial projects. Each incubator provides an optimal atmosphere and resources, with a range of customizable facilities, personalized instruction, a variety of services, and a vibrant community. The incubator charges a fixed monthly fee for all services and resources provided, which can be tailored according to your startup's needs.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Startup Factory is a startup builder that collaborates with extraordinary founders to co-create new enterprises. They handpick co-founders and equip them with the resources they need to establish their businesses. The process begins with a three-month incubation period to transform your ideas to gain traction and paying clients, followed by market fit, when you will begin developing a team, testing your product or offering, and onboarding investors. To do so, the studio offers founders initial financing of EUR 30,000 and EUR 100,000, as well as services such as business operations, design, marketing, and development roadmaps until the first funding round is raised.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic, Smart City Mobility, Urban Farming
B-Sprouts provides customized incubator and accelerator programs to assist entrepreneurs and startups in sprouting their ideas and growing their businesses in their markets. Their "The Greenhouse" incubation program is a 3-month program in which entrepreneurs will engage in seminars and coaching to assist you in the process of launching your firm. Companies that have completed the incubation program are eligible to participate in the "The Fields" acceleration program, during which companies will participate in weekly workshops with external experts and mentoring to exchange knowledge and discuss any difficulties they may have.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Located at Corda Campus, the leading campus in the field of technology, ICT, and media, The Corda INCubator is a testing ground for your ideas and startup to launch and grow. With a number of relevant partners in the incubator, you can gain access to national and international networks of partners, as well as programs and expertise that you can leverage.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Belgium
Full list of launch-stage startup incubators and accelerators in Belgium:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sports Technology
SportUp is a sport startup accelerator dedicated to assisting sports tech entrepreneurs in transitioning from concept to successful and internationally scalable firms. If you have scalable digital technology with a practical application in sports, SportUp can assist you throughout the full company development process. SportUp Meet is the place for businesses in the ideation stage to discover inspiration, knowledge, and networking opportunities. SportUp Boost provides early-stage entrepreneurs with assistance concentrating on product-market fit and direct networking. SportUp Start provides growth assistance and a first investment to mid-stage sporttech entrepreneurs with a proof of concept and internationalization plans.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Healthcare
The MoveUp program is a 20-week acceleration program that aims to find true synergy between startups and partner hospitals and corporations. The program enables startups with a prototype to evaluate their product and test it against market demands with partner firms and hospitals. As part of the program, you will also receive workshops on various business areas, individual coaching and mentorship from e-health professionals, Participation at European trade shows and pitch sessions, and EUR 50,000 financing in the form of a convertible loan.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Birdhouse is Belgium's most immersive business accelerator with a mentor-driven program. Tailored to your specific requirements, you will participate in mostly one-to-one meetings with dedicated startup mentors and advisors. Upon entry to the program, you will receive an initial investment of EUR 100,000, EUR 70,000 in cash and EUR 30,000 in in-kind services.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Organized by imec, a world-renowned R&D and innovation center, Imec.istart is an open accelerator program that provides personalized assistance and pre-seed finance to help innovative entrepreneurs flourish. If you are a scalable IT startup with a functional proof of concept, their 12-month program will prepare you and your product for market, growth, and investments. As part of the program, you will receive personal coaching from your venture acceleration manager, along with workshops and one-on-one meetings offered by top-tier professionals. In exchange for 6% equity, you will also gain a EUR 50,000 first investment with possible follow-up investments of up to EUR 250,000.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Climate
Powered by EIT Climate-KIC, the European Union's largest public-private climate innovation initiative, ClimAccelerator assists startups in inventing, catalyzing, and growing climate solutions. They run multiple startup accelerators around the world, transforming cleantech startups into profitable enterprises to achieve positive impact and unleash a net-zero future for everybody. At the end of the programs, selected climate startups will provide investments from EIT Climate-KIC along with other support services.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Accelerators
With hundreds of businesses, mentors, and specialists, Start it Accelerate forms the biggest startup ecosystem in Belgium dedicated to assisting founders in starting, growing, and expanding their businesses. They run multiple accelerator programs, namely the Start it @KBC, a year-long program for market validation, company development, sales, and fundraising; Market Me, a program to boost the quantity and quality of sales; Women in Tech to accelerate female founders; Start it Fashion & Creative for pre-startups, advanced startups and scale-ups in the fashion industry; and Start it @CBC for entrepreneurs in Wallonia.
Growth Stage Startup Accelerators in Belgium
Full list of growth-stage startup accelerators in Belgium:
Who is it for: Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: B2B / B2B2C, Deep Tech
Targeted at European digital tech scaleups, the EIT Digital Accelerator is a global accelerator for scaleups looking to grow internationally. To reach global markets, the accelerator provides access to financial and business development assistance customized to your company's specific needs. Their European team of business developers and fundraising professionals will help you raise venture funding through direct introductions, matchmaking events, 1:1 investor meetings, connections to 1000+ international VCs, and investment-readiness coaching.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Netwerk Ondernemen (Network Ondernemen) is a cooperative company with a social purpose CVSO made by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs to help each other progress forward. They provide entrepreneurs the confidence to grow personally and professionally via mentoring, expert coaching, and peer-to-peer learning. Their program Boost Me is designed to work with you in developing a growth strategy for effective scaling and globalization. The curriculum is adapted to the specific needs of the selected entrepreneurs, ensuring a healthy mix of personal development and commercial success.
Who is it for: Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Aimed at startups operating in Belgium, the BeNeLux Catalyst is a New-York based accelerator program for tech startups looking to expand internationally. Using New York as an international launchpad for European startups, the program will assist you in collaborating with local experts, mentors, and peers to customize and evaluate your business plan for worldwide expansion, as well as improve your understanding of the US business environment.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Amplitude+ is a collaborative initiative run by my innovation center.brussels and the ICAB Business & Technology Incubator; combining both organizations' experience to help startups thrive. They provide the most comprehensive, growth-driven, and coaching-intensive program to Brussels tech startups. Through the program, startups may achieve true product-market fit, operation readiness, and sustainable scaling with coaching from best-in-class instructors, access to high-level networks, and exposure to venture capital firms.
Who is it for: Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
BEyond is a Pulse Foundation program that guides and accelerates the next generation of Belgian entrepreneurs to international success. Throughout their 12-month program, you will receive practical assistance and important insights from a dedicated mentor, industry experts, graduates of the BEyond network, and peers to build up your firm. You will establish your own growth trajectory as a company leader and construct the road map for your organization's worldwide expansion. BEyond also leverages its platforms to help you gain publicity in the public media, as well as among investors, donors, and other stakeholders.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Belgium
With innovation all around, Belgium's distributed ecosystem is particularly well-positioned when compared to similarly-sized ecosystems in the surrounding region. The topography of Germany makes it extremely well-connected to Europe and international in character. With increasing startup accelerators and incubators in the country, the startup ecosystem in Belgium is showing signs of promising growth.
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