Empowering Health Innovation in Ghent, One Tuesday at a Time

 

Ghent boasts a remarkable HealthTech ecosystem, with 1 in 6 Ghent-based startups focusing on improving the healthcare industry. In fact, Ghent represents 25% of all HealthTech startups in Flanders, and the collective market value of Ghent’s HealthTech startups has grown tenfold since 2016 (according to Dealroom).

 

What Makes Ghent Such a Vibrant Hub for HealthTech Innovation?

The tight-knit network of leading hospitals, top universities, world-renowned research centers, and a thriving pharmaceutical industry definitely helps. But add to that a layer of entrepreneurial talent that’s hungry to revolutionize patient care and radically improve our health, and you’ve got a recipe for success. 
 
But despite the fact that all these ingredients are in place, we noticed there was still something missing – a forum to bring together all these HealthTech stakeholders under one roof. 

 

Imec.istart and the City of Ghent join forces: enter Ghent HealthTech Tuesdays!

Recognizing this untapped potential within Ghent’s HealthTech community, imec.istart, in collaboration with the City of Ghent, launched Ghent HealthTech Tuesdays. This quarterly event series connects those that are building the foundation of tomorrow’s healthcare: innovators, researchers, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders to exchange ideas, collaborate, and propel HealthTech forward. 

 

The formula? Straightforward and effective!

Each edition focuses on a specific, industry-relevant topic. All events are hosted by different community members or organizations in vibrant locations across Ghent. 
 
Since its launch, Ghent HealthTech Tuesdays has welcomed 469 attendees across six editions, with over 60 repeat visitors. Covered topics include the role of GenAI in medical imaging and drug discovery; how startups can effectively collaborate with hospitals; the potential of photonics in healthcare; navigating the complexities of Medical Device Regulation; strategies for securing your first investor as a HealthTech startup. 

 

Building Bridges, Driving Impact

More than just networking opportunities, these events have sparked real impact:

• Startups landed hospital pilot projects and commercial contracts.
• Structural links have been formed between research projects and new educational programs.
• Fellow entrepreneurs meeting for the first time—even with neighbours they have not met before!
• Investors discovered promising startups.
• And most importantly, countless relationships have been built and strengthened. 

 

The Community Speaks 

We turned to the community to learn what these events mean to you – and wow, your feedback made us blush!  

• “It’s the place where you find the stakeholders you don’t see elsewhere.” 

• “A perfect way to stay on top of industry-relevant topics and connect with people working on them in Ghent.” 

• “It’s a space to share struggles and exchange ideas about bringing innovation to market.” 

• “Good vibes all around in this community.” 

• “A fantastic opportunity to engage with like-minded HealthTech enthusiasts.” 

 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next? 

 With six successful editions behind us, imec.istart and the City of Ghent are gearing up for four more exciting events in 2025. Mark your calendars: on February 11th, we’re teaming up with pioneering digital health company moveUP for a new Ghent Health Tech Tuesday edition! 

 Ward Servaes (co-founder) and Bob Moens (director of moveUP Labs) will lead an interactive session on how moveUP navigated the healthcare and reimbursement system. From countless pivots to overcoming market hurdles, they’ll share the dilemmas they faced and how their agile approach enabled adoption in a market unprepared for digital health. 

 

Get involved!

There’s always room to grow. While our community is thriving, there are still stakeholders we haven’t reached. If you haven’t attended a Ghent HealthTech Tuesday yet, now’s the time to join us. And if you know someone who could benefit from being part of this thriving ecosystem, invite them along! 

So, whether you’re looking to connect with industry leaders, insurance players, hospitals, startups, research organizations—or maybe even your future co-founder—see you there! 

➡️ Join HealthTech Tuesday #7 on February 11 at Helan HQ, Ghent!