Vlerick and VITO enhance Scaleup Flanders with cleantech and expanded support for scale-ups
Scaleup Vlaanderen, the leading growth programme by Agoria and Sirris, is evolving into Scaleup Flanders. With new partners Vlerick Business School and VITO, the programme is getting a fresh boost: its focus is expanding to include cleantech, and the range of services is significantly growing, allowing even more ambitious companies to be supported.
Antwerp, October 2024 – In a major step to reinforce its position as the leading support programme for scale-ups in Belgium, Scaleup Vlaanderen is relaunching as Scaleup Flanders, with new partners Vlerick Business School and VITO on board. This transformation not only brings a new international name and a refreshed visual identity, but also significantly expands the programme’s scope, with a dedicated focus on cleantech companies alongside digital growth businesses.
The relaunch, which begins with a high-profile networking event on October 10 at Bluepoint Antwerp, introduces a new website and an even broader range of services designed to meet the needs of ambitious scale-ups. By combining Vlerick's academic expertise and VITO's scientific knowledge in cleantech and sustainable development, alongside Scaleup Flanders' renowned hands-on approach, the programme aims to become the go-to reference for scale-ups in Flanders and beyond.
The newly expanded service offering includes not only the revamped core acceleration programme (the ‘Scaleup Masterclass’) but also an international business mission and six 'deep dive' intensive day programmes. These deep dives will tackle key topics crucial for scale-ups, such as pricing strategies, attracting top talent, and scaling through industrialization. In addition, a brand-new corporate partnering programme will connect scale-ups with interested corporates, creating valuable growth opportunities for both sides.
“The addition of Vlerick and VITO means scale-ups in Flanders now have access to unmatched resources that can help them accelerate growth”, says Frederik Tibau, Programme Manager at Scaleup Flanders and lead Scaleup Programmes at Agoria. “We are creating opportunities that will allow these companies to overcome challenges in leadership, culture-building, internal scaling, internationalization, talent acquisition and even industrial scaling. With these partnerships, we are strengthening the entire ecosystem by combining top-level academic expertise with hands-on coaching and practical support.”
Vlerick Business School, the internationally renowned Belgian business school, brings academic rigor and a global perspective to the programme. "This partnership enables Vlerick to take the Scaleup Masterclass to the next level, providing fast-growing companies with both the strategic frameworks and practical support they need to scale globally”, says Sylien Kesteleyn, Portfolio Manager at Vlerick Business School. "Additionally, it allows us to significantly expand the services we offer to fast-growing companies."
In collaboration with VITO, the Flemish research organization specializing in cleantech and sustainable development, Scaleup Flanders is addressing the increasing importance of sustainability by focusing on cleantech solutions. “Sustainability is at the heart of VITO, which is why we are excited about this partnership,” says Nils Wuytens, Programme Director of VITO4STARTERS. “Through this collaboration, VITO strengthens its VITO4STARTERS programme by extending support to scale-ups, significantly expanding and enriching our offering.”
VLAIO
Launched in 2016 by Agoria, the Belgian technology federation, and Sirris, the collective center for the technology industry in Belgium, Scaleup Flanders has been supported since its inception by the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). The programme has assisted over 500 Flemish scale-ups in their growth journeys.
As Scaleup Flanders continues to grow and evolve, the programme is set to support even more companies in the coming years, particularly in the burgeoning climate tech sector. In 2026, Scaleup Flanders will celebrate its 10th anniversary, solidifying its role as a crucial force in Belgium’s scale-up ecosystem.
For more information, visit www.scaleupflanders.com.
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About Agoria
Agoria is Belgium’s largest technology federation, representing the interests of companies in the technology sector. Agoria actively supports its members by advocating for an improved business environment, fostering innovation, and offering practical advice and services that help companies achieve sustainable growth.
For more information, visit www.agoria.be.
About Vlerick Business School
Vlerick Business School is an internationally renowned Belgian business school with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and impactful leadership. With strong ties to the business world, Vlerick offers a wide range of executive education programmes and works closely with fast-growing companies to help them scale.
For more information, visit www.vlerick.com.
About VITO
VITO is a globally recognized Flemish independent research organization, renowned for its scientific expertise in cleantech and sustainable development. By collaborating with businesses and governments, VITO drives the transition toward a more sustainable future through cutting-edge technological solutions and expert insights in areas such as sustainable energy, materials, chemistry, water, health and climate change.
For more information, visit www.vito.be.
About Sirris
Sirris is the collective center for the technology industry in Belgium. It provides companies with technological advice and support to help them make the right technological choices and innovate successfully. Sirris works closely with companies across industries to accelerate innovation, offering tailored solutions that enable them to turn technological challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
For more information, visit www.sirris.be
About VLAIO
The Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) supports entrepreneurs in Flanders through financial incentives, advice, and services. VLAIO helps companies at every stage of growth, from startups to scale-ups, with a focus on fostering innovation and sustainable development.
For more information, visit www.vlaio.be
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Contact Information
- Agoria
Contact: Frederik Tibau
Email: frederik.tibau@agoria.be
Phone: +32 497 25 56 01 - Vlerick Business School
Contact: Sylien Kesteleyn, Portfolio Manager
Email: sylien.kesteleyn@vlerick.com
Phone: +32 498 64 89 29 - VITO
Contact: Nils Wuytens, Programme Director, VITO4STARTERS
Email: nils.wuytens@vito.be
Phone: +32 496 13 15 92 - VLAIO
Contact: Mieke Mallants
Email: mieke.mallants@vlaio.be
Phone: +32 498 57 74 50
