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Brussels offers several incubators, but StartLab.Brussels stands out with a uniquely supportive and inspiring environment for young entrepreneurs. Here is what makes us different:

• A vibrant, young community: You become part of a dynamic group of students, researchers, and recent graduates who are all eager to build something meaningful.
• Focus on people, not just projects: We believe that strong individuals create strong ventures. That is why we focus on developing your entrepreneurial skills and mindset, your project will grow from there.
• Founded by Brussels universities: With deep connections to both the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), we offer access to academic expertise and a wide professional network.
• Support in three languages: We guide you in French, Dutch, and English, to reflect and embrace the diversity of Brussels.
• Bridging entrepreneurship and research: Our unique setting brings together young entrepreneurs and academic experts, creating the ideal space to team up and build strong, future-proof projects.
• Personalised support: Our experienced team offers close follow-up, tailored guidance, and one-on-one coaching throughout your journey.
• Free of charge: Thanks to the support of the Brussels-Capital Region, our programs are completely free for young entrepreneurs under 30 and for academics.

At StartLab.Brussels, you will grow as a person and as an entrepreneur, surrounded by the right people, support, and energy to make your ideas happen.

For entrepreneurs:
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Your project should be impactful — economically, socially, or environmentally — and ambitious.

• Build Track: You have a clear idea or problem to solve.
• Grow Track: You have a VAT number and meet at least one of the following:
  - Paying customers
  - At least €10,000 in funding

For academics:
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Your research should be impactful — economically, socially, or environmentally — and ambitious.

• Build Track: You have a research project or clear idea.
• Grow Track: You have explored the market potential of your project and are motivated to build your own spin-off / start-up.

• Entrepreneurs - Build Track: Applications are open twice a year (February and October cohorts). Applications for October 2025 are now open until September 16. Apply here
• Entrepreneurs - Grow Track: Applications open year-round. Apply here
• Academics (Build Track & Grow Track): Apply anytime by email (researchers@startlab.brussels)

Not sure which track is right for you? Join an info session — we’ll help you find your match.

We offer two programs:

• Entrepreneurs – for individuals aiming to launch or grow their own business.
• Academics – for university researchers looking to turn their research into a business.

Each program is divided into 3 tracks to fit your current stage:

• Explore – for those curious about entrepreneurship (track in development).
• Build –for those with an idea, a problem to solve, or research they want to explore for market potential.
• Grow – for those with an early-stage startup or research ready to grow into a business opportunity.

On top of that, you will have access to

• One-on-one follow-up with your program manager
• Masterclasses by partners (e.g. sales, marketing, finance, pitching)
• Expert hours (legal, accounting, etc.)
• Coaching by experienced business owners or company leaders
• Coworking space and meeting rooms in Brussels (Accessible 7/7, from 7am to 10pm)
• Exclusive events to fuel your network
• A dynamic and driven community

We’re proud to be a trilingual incubator (FR/EN/NL) — everyone is welcome and respected in their language — and you'll always find someone to exchange with in the one you're most comfortable in. Here’s how our programs are structured:

• Build Track (Entrepreneurs): French & English (with program manager support available in Dutch)
• Grow Track (Entrepreneurs): English (with program manager support available in French)
• Build Track (Academics): English (with support available in Dutch)
• Grow Track (Academics): English (with support available in Dutch)

• Build: 6 months to 1.5 year
• Grow: 1 year to 1.5 year
• Total incubation: up to 3 years

After that, you become part of our alumni network.

For the entrepreneur program:

• Under 30 at time of application:
  → Free access to Build & Grow Tracks during your entire incubation.
  → If your startup reaches €100K or €1M in revenue: a one-time success fee of €2,999 or €9,999 (excl. VAT) applies.
• If you turn 30 during your year of application:
  → Same as above: free + success fees apply.
• 31 or older:
  → Build Track: €3,000/semester (excl. VAT).
  → Grow Track: still free.

For the academic program:
→ Free of charge regardless of age, with success-based contributions applied as above.

We don't offer direct funding, but:

• The Grow Track includes funding workshops.
• We organize a Financing Night with experts & testimonials.
• You’ll meet investors and funders at our networking events.

Your motivation comes first in our selection process.

We prioritize projects that are:

• Innovative
• Ambitious
• Have a positive environmental or societal impact

We collaborate with professionals in different ways — each role has its own commitment level and purpose:

• Coaches (volunteer-based):
  Experienced business owners or company leaders who mentor 1–2 projects over a minimum of 6 months. They provide tailored 1-on-1 guidance, a few hours per month, and meet with founders regularly (virtually or in person).
• Trainers (paid):
  Facilitate group workshops based on our lean methodology or on specific skills (e.g. sustainability, marketing, fundraising,…). Sessions last 3–5 hours and give entrepreneurs practical tools to move forward.
• Experts (volunteer-based with future potential):
  Often companies who delegate one or more team members to offer 45-minute consultations on specific, practical questions (e.g. legal, finance). It’s a way to support young entrepreneurs while building relationships for possible future collaborations.
• Partners (financial support):
  Organizations that support StartLab.Brussels either through one-off event sponsorships or yearly partnerships. In return, they gain visibility and access to a thriving ecosystem of young entrepreneurs.

Want to contribute to our mission? Get in touch here — we’d love to hear from you.