Education

One of the world’s prime regions for health, high-tech and creativity

Health, high-tech and creativity are at the forefront of Leuven’s ecosystem.
This ecosystem is the result of interaction between research, industry and local government.

Leuven houses one of Europe's most modern and state-of-the-art hospitals. Leading edge healthcare is combined with fundamental clinical research. Internationally active biomedical research institutions collaborate with global players in the healthcare industry. 300 high-tech companies and 140 spin-off companies form a tight network of international players in nanotechnology, mechatronics, ICT and clean-tech.
In recent years creative managers and producers have joined the Leuven ecosystem, resulting in a growing number of creative thinkers, companies and incubators.

Leuven is an economically strong knowledge region with a very international character.
One of the success factors is the strong collaboration between industry, knowledge institutes and local government. This so-called “triple helix” creates a perfect matrix for knowledge exchange and interaction at a top level.

- Johan Merlevede - Director LeuvenMindgate

University Hospital Leuven

A solid track record in health

Leuven has a solid track record in health and life sciences. The University Hospitals of Leuven are among the most modern and well-equipped hospitals in Europe, bringing together education, advanced research and medical care in one single location.

The Health House

KU Leuven, knowledge institution imec , and VIB (Flemish Institute of Biotechnology) all have a strong focus on biomedical R&D.
They collaborate with several global players in the pharmaceutical and health care industries and have set up numerous spin-off companies with global appeal
Furthermore, medical software and IT applications developed in Leuven are known for their reliability and innovative approach
It comes to no surprise that Belgium boasts the highest number of clinical tests per capital worldwide.

clean room@imec

At the cutting edge of high-tech

The Leuven region is a hotspot for technology development and high-tech entrepreneurship.
This favourable climate for knowledge-driven entrepreneurship has resulted in a dense network of high-tech companies. The presence of world leaders like imec, Materialise and Siemens allows Leuven to excel particularly in nanotechnology, mechatronics, intelligent systems, ICT and cleantech.

Renowned companies such as CommScope, Materialise, Waterleau and Siemens (previously LMS) are just some of the many top players in these fields, forming a tight network of more than 140 spin-off companies and 300 high-tech companies.

A hotspot for creative minds

Innovation and creativity are indispensable within the public, private and community spheres.
Next to great infrastructure for performing arts and heritage such as the renowned M Museum.
Leuven also houses creative talent and showcase companies such as Hotel Hungaria, De Chinezen, Boondoggle and numerous architectural firms.

Over the past few years, attention for young and creative entrepreneurship has grown. Students' incubator LCIE was founded, Startit@KBC came to Leuven and Leuven MindGate Starters was born.
The epicentre of all that creative energy is to be found in Leuven's canal zone. The area has become the figurehead of a network consisting of creative companies and creative incubators.

Source: Leuven MindGate