Leuven Mindgate puts city on the map as innovation hub

The two main players are nanotechnology research centre imec and the University Hospital of Leuven, which will together in the short term invest €2 billion in the project, and the city is investing  €500,000 in setting it up. Other partners include digital research centre iMinds, the University of Leuven and companies Materialise and ThromboGenics.

The headquarters will include space for conferences, the reception of expats and the international school of Leuven. The platform will also support start-up companies and be responsible for organising events and congresses in Belgium and abroad.

At the end of the year, the initiative should lead to the opening of the Health House, an educational centre that promotes healthcare and life sciences via a hands-on approach, like Technopolis in Mechelen.

“The ambition is to attract top scientists, investors and international funds to Leuven,” said economics alderman Mohamed Ridouani. “The competition of other European regions is increasing, so our promotion and collaboration has to be stronger.”

Photo: The launch event for Leuven Mindgate