Soft landing programme Ghent

Start strong in a free workspace

Imagine having access to top-tier workspaces and the newest lab equipment, all in the heart of Ghent’s thriving tech hubs. We can offer free workspaces for the first few weeks while we’re location scouting for you. Just to help you kickstart your journey without the pressure of rushing into a decision.

To simplify your search, we provide a comprehensive overview of available options in Ghent, including locations, amenities, and facilities. Whether you need labs, testing facilities, or scientific resources, we can connect you to state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored to your needs. Because we get it: you want the best possible setup to achieve the most accurate and reliable results.
 

Expert guidance, specifically tailored to meet your needs

From biotech to healthtech, cleantech to digital tech, our policy advisors are ready to guide you through every step of this journey. We speak your language - no fluff, just actionable insights. Think of us as your shortcut to getting things done – no jargon, no endless forms, just smart, actionable guidance tailored to your business. We help you navigate the practical stuff: permits, legal structures, tax incentives, and the not-so-small matter of finding the right office space or lab.

Do you want to plug into the local tech scene? We’ll introduce you to the right people: other founders, investors, innovation hubs, and the incredible talent coming out of our universities.

Ghent is small enough to move fast but big enough to do serious business. We won’t just open doors, we’ll walk through them with you. And yes, we’ll even show you where to get a great cup of coffee.
 

Plug into our vast tech network

We’re happy to connect you with key local investors, corporations, start-ups, scale-ups, incubators or accelerators, complementary to your niche. In Ghent, we thrive on collaboration and the experienced professional you need to further support your growth is only a phone call away for us.

We can also offer guided tours of key hubs, allowing you to discover Ghent's vibrant tech landscape. These tours offer an inside look at some of the most cutting-edge facilities, innovative companies, and dynamic environment that makes Ghent the prime location for your tech business.

What’s more, we can offer you access to relevant conferences, workshops or seminars, allowing you to stay ahead of the curve. Do you need an introduction to a valuable network? We can help with that! Strong partnerships are the driving force behind success, and we believe we can take your business to new heights together.

Effortless collaborations

Dreaming of working with leading researchers or professors? We can make those connections for you; they’re just a phone call away. Our community is built on a strong foundation of collaboration, where everyone is eager to lend a hand. Whether you need expert advice or want to partner on groundbreaking projects, our local talent is ready for you.

Need extra talent to fuel your tech ambitions? Ghent is home to six higher education institutions, with over 90,000 students, more than 5,800 PhD candidates, and a vibrant mix of over 170 nationalities. If you want a specific skill set for your business, we can provide an overview of the available talent. Just imagine having access to cutting-edge research and a wealth of expertise.
 

Kickstart your expat life

We can guide you through all the support available via the City of Ghent, the region of Flanders, Belgian institutions, and EU services. Are you planning on bringing your family along? Or a co-founder? Let us look into the possibilities for you.

We're also more than happy to show you the best spots in town to enjoy a beer or a wine, and immerse you in a city with a rich history and culture. From medieval towers to a 12th-century castle, Ghent's picturesque skyline is filled with historical wonders. And as a lively student city, Ghent hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, ensuring there's always something exciting happening around every corner.