Investor

Access to real opportunities

Discover startups, scale-ups and research groups in health & life sciences, deep tech & advanced engineering and digital & AI.
Stay close to where new technologies, business models and collaborations are being built.
Understand which companies and innovations are gaining traction in the Leuven Innovation Region.

Proofpoints

What starts here, always goes far beyond

The Leuven Innovation Region is where world-class innovation meets a great place to live. Here, we give ideas room to grow and help people work together to create solutions that make a real difference around the world.

Founded in 1425, KU Leuven is Belgium’s largest university and a diverse recruitment goldmine.

The university welcomes 65,000+ students each year, including +-25% international talent from +140 countries. This creates a rich, highly skilled workforce for businesses.

KU Leuven is Europe’s second-largest patent applicant, facilitating +3,000 collaboration agreements each year.

This academic powerhouse works alongside world-leading partners imec (nanoelectronics), UZ Leuven (clinical research), and VIB (life sciences) to drive global innovation.

Located just 20 minutes from Brussels and its airport, Leuven grants immediate access to EU and NATO decision-makers.

With excellent rail and air connections, the European capital and major international hubs are all within easy reach: Paris (1h30), Cologne (1h45), London (2h), and Amsterdam (2h).

A trusted and efficient network

Connect with decision-makers in more than 444 member organizations.
Get curated introductions instead of random contacts.
Save time by navigating the ecosystem with insiders that already know the players. Think hot leads, not cold calls.

Insight into a proven innovation region

Benefit from Leuven’s track record as a recognized innovation region.
Get a clear view of the local context: strengths, risks and long-term potential.
Use Leuven Mindgate as a neutral, no-nonsense entry point into the ecosystem.

Want to explore investment opportunities in the Leuven region?

Reach out to Kristel Gooris, Sofie Delvaux or Jan Paesen. Each colleague supports a different part of the network, so you can contact the person whose focus best matches yours.

Kristel Gooris

Community Lead Health & Life Sciences

kristel@leuvenmindgate.be LinkedIn

Knock on Kristel’s door if you want to become a member or explore what Leuven MindGate can do for your organization. She connects the region’s Health & Life sciences community and spots new opportunities in the domain.

Sofie Delvaux

Community Lead Talent & Business Services

+32 470 45 34 39 sofie@leuvenmindgate.be LinkedIn

Talk to Sofie about joining Leuven MindGate or discover how we can support your organization in talent development, B2B services and community-building.

Jan Paesen

Managing Director | Community Lead Digital & AI

+32 478 88 22 21 jan@leuvenmindgate.be LinkedIn

Reach out to Jan to exchange thoughts on the future of the Leuven Innovation Region. He sets the strategic direction and guides our team forward.

FAQs for investors

You’ll meet startups, scale-ups, research groups and established companies active in health & life sciences, deep tech & advanced engineering and digital & AI.
No. We provide relevant connections and insights, you evaluate the opportunities and make the calls.
Through curated introductions, sector-specific insights and close contact with promising ventures in the region. We help you search and decide faster.
Yes. Many of our 30+ annual events are open to members, often free or with a members’ discount. They are a straightforward way to meet founders in one place.
Membership gives you direct access to the region’s strongest companies, early visibility on new ventures and a curated network that speeds up your search for high-quality opportunities. We reduce the noise for you.