Gentrepreneur

Gentrepreneur serves as the premier expertise hub in Ghent dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among students and researchers. Established as a collaborative initiative between major educational institutions, this center provides personalized guidance and resources to individuals at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey—whether they're running an established business, developing an innovative concept, or simply exploring entrepreneurial possibilities. The center's inclusive approach ensures that academic knowledge can be effectively translated into real-world business applications.

The organization's strength lies in its comprehensive support ecosystem that bridges theoretical education with practical business development. Through carefully curated programs, workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, Gentrepreneur creates valuable connections between academic research and commercial applications. Their methodology focuses on developing both hard business skills and entrepreneurial mindsets, helping participants navigate the complex journey from concept to market-ready venture.

What distinguishes Gentrepreneur is its unique cross-institutional collaboration that unites Arteveldehogeschool, Ghent University (UGent), HOGENT, Odisee-hogeschool, KU Leuven's Ghent campus, and LUCA School of Arts. This alliance creates an interdisciplinary environment where diverse perspectives and expertise converge, enabling participants to access specialized knowledge across multiple fields. The partnership is further strengthened by support from VLAIO (Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship), providing additional resources and connections to the broader Flemish innovation ecosystem.

Beyond individual guidance, Gentrepreneur has established itself as a catalyst for regional economic development by nurturing the next generation of business leaders and innovators. Their alumni have launched successful startups across various sectors, from technology and healthcare to creative industries and sustainability initiatives. By facilitating knowledge transfer between academia and industry, the center helps address market gaps while providing students and researchers with pathways to transform their expertise into viable business ventures, contributing significantly to Ghent's reputation as an emerging entrepreneurial hub in Belgium.