22 August 2024
by Jonathan Andrews
Brussels Airport has partnered with five leading innovation centres in Flanders to support start-ups through mentoring, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Flemish start-ups and scale-ups.
As part of this new partnership, the group has launched its first “Pitch your seat” program. A six-month program that offers 30 participants four intensive coaching sessions focused on achieving product-market fit. In addition to the group sessions, the start-ups benefit from individual follow-up support.
“As an innovative hub, Brussels Airport prefers to support start-ups that emphasise our key areas: smart customer-centric transport, sustainability and the circular economy, and a vibrant community,” said Karen Dams, Strategy and M&A Manager at Brussels Airport Company. Cities today.
The program is aimed at early-stage startups. Selected candidates must pitch to a panel of judges to secure a spot, and are evaluated on a variety of criteria, including innovation, team, commitment, and others.
The participation fee for start-ups is €780. The remaining amount is financed by the Brussels Airport Company and Hubs4Growth is also supported by VLAIO, the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
While there are no strict criteria or a focus on artificial intelligence, Dams said: “We are open to any kind of innovative young companies that can make a difference, and we support start-ups with innovative products, services and technologies that are shaping a smart, sustainable and connected future.”
The start-ups will be given their own space for a period of six months in the newly established Aviation Talent Hub, an incubator on the airport grounds for training, innovation and entrepreneurship.
After the six-month program, startups have the opportunity to rent a workspace in the associated hub and apply for another follow-up program.
The Belgian capital’s airport has long been involved in the country’s start-up ecosystem, investing in various innovative companies and promoting collaborations with organizations such as Jetpack, SkeyDrone, Droneport, Flanders Technology & Innovation, as well as with its two own subsidiaries: Airport Intelligence and Aviato Academy.
“Brussels Airport is a dynamic ecosystem with over 350 companies and an airport that has been committed to innovation for years,” she added. “We are convinced that Pitch Your Seat is a unique and valuable program for start-ups.”
Image: The new group includes representatives from Brussels Airport Company, Hangar K, The Beacon, Leuven MindGate, WinterCircus Ghent and Limburg Startup (c) Brussels Airport Company
