Brussels isn't just the political heart of Europe, it's also becoming an important startup hub. As the capital of Belgium and home to the European Union, the city offers entrepreneurs unique access to policymakers, international organizations, and a diverse talent pool. Brussels combines Belgian creativity with international connections, creating a supportive environment for new businesses.

This guide explores the leading accelerators and incubators shaping Brussels's evolving startup landscape. These programs support domestic and international startups seeking to establish themselves in the Belgian market.

Top 17 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Brussels, Belgium

1. hub.brussels

Target Audience: Startups across various sectors

Niche: Multi-sector support

hub.brussels is the official Brussels Agency for Business Support, created in 2018 to help local entrepreneurs. It runs several specialized incubators focused on food, retail, sustainability, and health technology. It provides personalized coaching, guidance from industry professionals, and a workspace for new businesses. It also helps connect startups with important networks and potential partners.

2. Incubators.brussels

Target Audience: Sector-specific startups

Niche: Specialized support network

Incubators.brussels was established in 2017 as Brussels' first network of highly connected incubators. It operates four themed locations focusing on life sciences, finance/tech, sustainability, and technology. It offers flexible office space where entrepreneurs can grow their businesses in a supportive environment. It also provides personalized coaching tailored to each startup's specific needs.

3. EEBIC

Target Audience: Technology and innovative startups

Niche: Business incubation and investment

EEBIC has been supporting startups in Brussels since 1995, making it one of the oldest incubators in the city. It provides office space and comprehensive business support for growing companies. It manages several investment funds through EEBIC Ventures to help finance promising startups. It also offers connections to a well-established network of business partners and investors.

4. ICAB Incubator

Target Audience: Technology startups

Niche: Tech business development

ICAB was founded in 2009 to support technology entrepreneurs in the Etterbeek area of Brussels. It provides modern office space specifically designed for tech startup teams. It offers coaching from experienced business advisors who understand technology development. It also helps connect startups with partners and investors who can help them grow.

5. Greenbizz

Target Audience: Sustainability and circular economy startups

Niche: Green innovation

Greenbizz was established in 2016 to focus specifically on sustainable business development. It offers modular offices and production facilities for green technology and circular economy companies. It provides access to a fabrication laboratory where entrepreneurs can build and test prototypes. It also offers business development services tailored to sustainability challenges.

6. BLSI (Brussels Life Science Incubator)

Target Audience: Health and life sciences startups

Niche: Medical innovation

BLSI has supported healthcare innovation since 2011 with specialized resources for life sciences. It provides both office space and laboratory facilities essential for biomedical research and development. It offers access to academic communities and research institutions in the health sector. It also gives personalized support to navigate the complex healthcare business environment.

7. Birdhouse Accelerator

Target Audience: Growth-focused startups

Niche: Intensive business development

Birdhouse runs a 3-6 month mentor-driven accelerator program launched in 2016. It provides substantial support with €100,000 investment (€70,000 cash plus €30,000 in services). It offers expert sessions where founders learn from successful business leaders and specialists. It also gives access to a large network of potential partners, customers, and investors.

8. Imec.istart

Target Audience: Technology startups

Niche: Tech acceleration

Imec.istart has been supporting tech startups since 2011 with comprehensive resources. It offers a 12-month program with €50,000 pre-seed investment in exchange for 6% equity in the company. It provides mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. It also gives access to imec's global network of technology partners and clients.

9. eFounders

Target Audience: Software as a Service (SaaS) entrepreneurs

Niche: Software venture building

eFounders takes a different approach as a venture studio that co-founds new software businesses. It provides product development, design expertise, and business strategy to build companies from the ground up. It works closely with founders to develop software solutions that solve real business problems. It also helps new companies scale quickly and reach international markets.

10. Startup Factory

Target Audience: Early-stage entrepreneurs

Niche: Company building

Startup Factory was established in 2015 to co-create new ventures alongside founders. It offers initial funding between €30,000 and €100,000 to get companies off the ground. It provides practical help with business operations and development. It also supports startups all the way until they secure their first major funding round.

11. BlueHealth Innovation Center

Target Audience: Digital health startups

Niche: Healthcare innovation

BlueHealth Innovation Center has focused on digital health since 2015, helping transform healthcare. It runs the HealthRampUp program that takes startups from concept to viable company in just 6 months. It connects health entrepreneurs with medical professionals, hospitals, and industry experts. It also helps navigate the complex regulations of the healthcare sector.

12. Medical Solutions Accelerator

Target Audience: Medical technology startups

Niche: Medical validation

Medical Solutions Accelerator was founded in 2018 to help bring new medical innovations to market. It helps startups validate their healthcare solutions with real medical professionals. It provides clinical feedback essential for developing effective medical products. It also connects startups with commercial funding options and government grants.

13. SportUp

Target Audience: Sports technology startups

Niche: Sports innovation

SportUp has supported sports-related technology businesses since 2017. It helps startups find the right market fit for their sports innovations. It provides networking opportunities with sports organizations, teams, and potential partners. It also offers initial investment for mid-stage companies ready to grow their sports solutions.

14. MoveUp Program

Target Audience: Healthcare startups

Niche: Medical acceleration

MoveUp Program runs a 20-week accelerator specifically for healthcare innovations. It provides €50,000 as a convertible loan to fund development and testing of health solutions. It offers mentorship from healthcare professionals and business experts. It also creates access to hospitals and corporations for potential partnerships.

15. BlueChem

Target Audience: Chemical technology startups

Niche: Sustainable chemistry

BlueChem opened in 2019 as Belgium's first incubator focused on sustainable chemistry. It provides specialized laboratory facilities essential for chemical innovation and testing. It offers business support from experts who understand the chemical industry. It also provides financial support through the BlueChem Kickstart Fund for promising projects.

16. Kokotte

Target Audience: Food entrepreneurs

Niche: Culinary innovation

Kokotte was established in 2018 as a pop-up food incubator by hub.brussels. It provides kitchen space where food entrepreneurs can develop and test their culinary ideas. It offers coaching specific to the challenges of food businesses and regulations. It also provides business support to help food startups grow from concept to market.

17. L'Auberge Espagnole

Target Audience: Retail startups

Niche: Retail testing

L'Auberge Espagnole was launched in 2018 as a pop-up retail incubator by hub.brussels. It provides temporary retail space where entrepreneurs can test their store concepts with real customers. It offers business coaching focused on the specific challenges of retail operations. It also helps new retailers develop sustainable business models and growth strategies.

AcceleratorApp's Closing Thoughts on Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Brussels, Belgium

What makes Brussels' startup ecosystem special is its position at the crossroads of European policy, international organizations, and business. The city offers entrepreneurs something unique, a direct access to EU decision-makers, a multilingual talent pool, and connections to markets across Europe.

The startup support system in Brussels has a distinctive focus on sectors where Belgium excels, such as healthcare, sustainability, food innovation, and technology. Many accelerators specialize in these areas, providing deep expertise rather than general business support. This sector-specific approach helps Brussels' startups compete globally in their specific markets.

Brussels also benefits from strong public sector involvement in the startup ecosystem. Government agencies at local, regional, and European levels actively support innovation through funding, facilities, and favorable policies. This creates a stable foundation for entrepreneurs building new businesses.

As Brussels continues to develop as a startup hub, it maintains a practical, quality-focused approach typical of Belgian business culture. The ecosystem emphasizes building sustainable companies rather than just chasing quick growth. For entrepreneurs looking for a European base with international connections, Brussels offers a supportive environment where innovative ideas can grow into successful businesses.