Technology
Brussels Tech Scene Outpaces European Rivals With Targeted Founder Support Programs
Local programs and public grants set the Belgian capital apart from other mid-sized European startup cities.
How we reported this
Brussels holds the number-one ranking in Belgium and sits at number 64 globally for its startup ecosystem, with more than 300 active companies including Itsme, Urbantz and Cowboy.
The position matters because the city combines a compact geography with public money and dedicated entry services that larger capitals often lack. Foreign founders can access legal guidance, networking events and subsidized office space through one package, while early-stage teams in AI and the circular economy can apply for grants that reach half a million euros per project.
Named programs that shape daily operations
Startup Spotlight events in the city center on two recurring formats. StartLab.Brussels runs Pitch XXL sessions where founders present directly to investors and mentors. BeCentral hosts Brussels Founders Night on the same principle. Both keep the focus on early-stage companies rather than scaling firms already backed by large funds.
Hub.brussels operates the My Welcome Package for founders arriving from outside Belgium. The service routes applicants to legal advisers and arranges discounted workspace inside established hubs such as The Egg. Innoviris, the regional innovation agency, runs the Innovative Starters Awards that distributed up to 500,000 euros per project in 2025 to teams working on AI or circular-economy solutions.
Capital raised and awards that track results
Brussels digital startups secured 330 million euros in the first half of 2024, exceeding the total raised across the whole of 2023. Healthtech and fintech account for the largest share of active companies, with roughly 150 fintech firms counted in recent tallies. On 5 June 2025 the Belgium Startup Awards took place at The Egg Brussels and awarded a 100,000-euro live-pitch prize across the AI, Impact and B2B categories.
Teams that match the award criteria can review the Innoviris guidelines on the agency website and submit project outlines before the next cycle closes. Founders relocating from abroad can book an initial consultation through the Hub.brussels portal to start the My Welcome Package process.