![Des entrepreneurs échangent entre pairs autour d’une table dans la salle de conférence du BLSI](/sites/default/files/styles/l05_064000_1024x512/public/2026-08/27-reseau-BLSI.jpg?itok=npjJ0bGm) # Network and partners to help grow your start-up ## Turn a complex ecosystem into tangible resources for your business Funding, expertise, advice, market access, research or setting up: developing an innovative business requires knowing who to turn to, clearly articulating your needs and convincingly presenting your project. There are numerous actors and mechanisms within the Brussels ecosystem, but their roles and the eligibility criteria are not always obvious. BLSI helps you clarify your needs, identify the relevant contacts, and align your project presentation with their expectations. Both within the incubator and through its public, academic and private partners, you benefit from a structured network that BLSI can mobilise according to your project. In this way, we facilitate targeted connections, some of which would be particularly difficult to make on your own. PEERS, EXCHANGES, OPPORTUNITIES ## Your first network is already at BLSI By joining BLSI, you become part of a community of innovative businesses and an in-house team. Day-in, day-out, you will be working alongside business leaders facing similar challenges. This close proximity fosters trust, experience-sharing, and practical answers to the common issues that come with starting a business. The ‘BLSI village’ also creates opportunities for collaboration and helps you identify business opportunities through these exchanges. On a demanding entrepreneurial journey, this peer network allows you to test your ideas, share your challenges and draw on the experiences of others. [ ![Des entrepreneurs échangent entre pairs autour d’une table dans la salle de conférence du BLSI](/sites/default/files/styles/p03_040000_640x960/public/2026-08/35-reseau-video-a.jpg?itok=XftpkmCy)](https://blsincubator.com/sites/default/files/styles/l08_104000_1664x936/public/2026-08/35-reseau-video-a.jpg?itok=9b7Y78Bl) [ ![Des entrepreneurs échangent entre pairs autour d’une table dans la salle de conférence du BLSI](/sites/default/files/styles/p03_040000_640x960/public/2026-08/27-reseau-BLSI.jpg?itok=O4GZjOzV)](https://blsincubator.com/sites/default/files/styles/l08_104000_1664x936/public/2026-08/27-reseau-BLSI.jpg?itok=KzjG2xHH) [ ![Des entrepreneurs échangent entre pairs autour d’une table dans la salle de conférence du BLSI](/sites/default/files/styles/p03_040000_640x960/public/2026-08/35-reseau-video-b-BLSI_1.jpg?itok=yLSyPwmg)](https://blsincubator.com/sites/default/files/styles/l08_104000_1664x936/public/2026-08/35-reseau-video-b-BLSI_1.jpg?itok=fHV612Jg) ASSESSMENT AND TARGETED GUIDANCE ## Clarify your needs and draw on the right expertise Depending on your project’s stage of development, it may be useful to supplement BLSI’s assessment with a more targeted analysis. The aim is to better identify the company’s needs, obtain an initial expert assessment, and gain more direct access to the services or expertise that can meet these needs. BLSI then facilitates contact with the relevant point of contact within **hub.brussels** or **lifetech.brussels**, depending on the nature and sector of the project. ![HUB Brussels](/sites/default/files/2026-06/logo-hub-brussels.svg) [**hub.brussels**](https://hub.brussels/fr/) has teams specialising in financing, grants, fundraising and internationalisation. They can help identify funding sources and advise entrepreneurs on structuring their financial plan or application. Depending on your needs, BLSI will connect you with the right department. ![Lifetech Brussels](/sites/default/files/2026-06/logo-lifetech.svg) [**lifetech.brussels**](https://lifetech.brussels/), the healthcare cluster of hub.brussels, mobilises specialist resources for projects in medtech, biotech and e-health. Its team helps you structure your project and facilitates collaborations with hospitals, research centres and experts in regulatory affairs, clinical validation, market launch and prototyping. GRANTS, LOANS, GUARANTEES AND EQUITY INVESTMENTS ## Funding innovation and the development of your business The question of funding is unavoidable. However, you still need to identify the right funder and funding mechanism for your project, ensure that your application meets their criteria, and compellingly present your business. BLSI helps you select the relevant funding mechanisms, strengthen your case, review your application and refine your pitch. In collaboration with certain partner organisations, BLSI also acts as an initial filter to help you assess whether the project is suitable for the proposed funding. **Innoviris.brussels, finance&invest.brussels and VIVES** are funding bodies. Each assesses projects according to its own criteria and decides whether to award funding. ![Innoviris Brussels](/sites/default/files/2026-06/innoviris-logo.svg) [**Innoviris.brussels**](https://innoviris.brussels) supports and funds research and innovation in the Brussels-Capital Region through schemes tailored to different stages of development. BLSI can help you identify the relevant scheme, review your application and recommend ways to make it clearer and more robust. ![finance&invest.brussels](/sites/default/files/2026-06/finance-brussels-logo-green.svg) [**finance&invest.brussels**](https://finance.brussels/) offers Brussels-based start-ups and scale-ups minority equity investments, loans and guarantees to finance their development, market launch, growth or cash flow requirements. BLSI helps you identify the right solution and strengthen your case before making contact. ![VIVES](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_normalized/public/2026-06/VIVES_Logo-Baseline.png?itok=wRLe1_1a) [**VIVES**](https://vivesfund.com) is an early-stage investment fund started by UCLouvain. Active across multiple sectors, it invests in young technology companies developing disruptive innovations with a positive societal impact. BLSI can help you assess whether your project is aligned with its strategy, and arrange an initial contact. RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND VALORISATION ## Draw on high-level scientific, technological and hospital-based expertise Some projects require scientific expertise, a technological platform, a link to a research team or collaboration with the hospital sector. Thanks to its close ties with **UCLouvain** and the **Saint-Luc university clinics**, BLSI can facilitate meaningful connections. BLSI also helps you to clearly articulate your needs so that **LouvainTransfer** can more quickly identify the right contact to address them. Image ![La rectrice de l’UCLouvain et le CEO du BLSI marchent dans un couloir, accompagnés de plusieurs collaborateurs](/sites/default/files/styles/p03_040000_640x960/public/2026-08/21-reseau-ucl-BLSI.jpg?itok=PzuZXdpi) ![UC LOUVAIN](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_normalized/public/2026-08/UCLouvain_Logo_Pos_RVB.png?itok=91fjfFll) [**L’UCLouvain**](https://www.uclouvain.be/) is an internationally recognised research university. It has an extensive network of researchers and technology platforms across health sciences, science and technology, and many other fields. Depending on your project, BLSI can help you identify the expertise, equipment or analytical services most likely to meet your needs. ![Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_normalized/public/2026-06/logo-cu-st-luc.png?itok=L6MqiqAv) The [**Saint-Luc University Clinics**](https://www.saintluc.be/fr), key partners of BLSI and located in the immediate vicinity, combine cutting-edge healthcare, research and university teaching. When a project in the life sciences or healthcare requires medical expertise, a better understanding of healthcare practices or input on its clinical validation, BLSI can arrange contact with the right person. ![Louvain Transfer](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_normalized/public/2026-08/Logo-LouvainTransfer-HD.png?itok=Q-j4jjCK) [**LouvainTransfer**](https://www.uclouvain.be/fr/louvaintransfer), UCLouvain’s knowledge transfer service, is BLSI’s key point of contact for identifying the research team, technology platform or expertise within the university that matches the project’s needs, and then arranging an initial introduction. ![Logo Sopartec](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_normalized/public/2026-06/logo-sopartec-baseline.jpeg?itok=OOc1Ux1q) [**Sopartec**](https://sopartec.com) is UCLouvain’s technology transfer and investment company. Its experience in creating and valorising spin-offs informs BLSI’s strategic thinking on transforming a technological innovation into a sustainable business. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS ## Incorporate AI into your strategic thinking today Artificial intelligence is transforming products, services, processes, customer relations and the competitive landscape. Every innovative business must now assess how these developments are impacting its operations, even if AI is not a core feature of its product or service. BLSI helps you identify which issues need be examined and, where specialist expertise is required, and facilitates contact with **SustAIn.brussels.** ![SustAIn Brussels](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_normalized/public/2026-06/sustAIn.brussels.jpg?itok=f2UB6HyE) [**SustAIn.brussels**](https://www.sustain.brussels/fr_BE) helps Brussels-based businesses assess their digital maturity, identify relevant use cases and trial solutions before rolling them out on a larger scale. Its experts can also advise them on the legal, ethical and regulatory issues associated with artificial intelligence. BLSI can arrange an initial contact tailored to your project. FROM INCUBATION TO INDEPENDENT OPERATIONS ## Grow at BLSI, continue your development in Brussels At BLSI, you benefit from the environment, support and resources you need to set up your business and guide its first steps towards growth. When the time comes to continue your development independently and you need more space or different types of premises, BLSI helps you prepare for the transition. We can then put you in touch with citydev.brussels so that you can find a suitable location and continue your growth in Brussels. ![CityDev Brussels](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_normalized/public/2026-06/citydev_logo.png?itok=2dtw9rHH) [**citydev.brussels**](https://www.citydev.brussels/fr) offers various commercial premises in Brussels, including offices, workshops, warehouses and land. Depending on your business and growth needs, the citydev.brussels teams can help you identify a suitable site and guide you through the process. LET'S GET ACQUAINTED ## Surround your project with the right people Come and present your project and priorities to BLSI. During this initial, no-obligation discussion, we take the time to understand your needs and explore how BLSI’s environment, expertise and network can bolster your development. [Present your project](/en/contacte-blsi-incubator-in-brussels?interet=presentation#contactForm) ![L'équipe du BSLI ](/sites/default/files/styles/sq_064000_1024x1024/public/2026-08/1-Equipe-BLSI-md.jpg?itok=vN_pPW9p)