The startup ecosystem in Belgium is very mature, signs are the increasing size of funding rounds, growing international investor participation, and frequent unicorns. A strong support network of incubators, accelerators, and venture funds bolsters this growth. Entrepreneurs are reinvesting in the ecosystem, creating a cycle of success that attracts new talent and funding.
In 2024 the “State of Belgian Tech Report 2024” revealed that Belgium was on track to break investment records, with the first half of the year already surpassing previous totals. The surge in funding rounds, fueled by larger average deal sizes, highlighted growing investor confidence. A standout achievement for Belgium was its dominance in AI investment, securing 70% of all capital raised, establishing the country as a leader in the rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence.
AstriVax: Founded in 2022, AstriVax focuses on developing innovative DNA-based vaccines, particularly targeting diseases such as Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Their approach is unique, using engineered viruses to boost the immune system’s response. AstriVax seeks to improve vaccination efficacy and address worldwide vaccine accessibility by using its platform, especially in light of changing health issues, particularly in the face of evolving health challenges. The biotech startup headquartered in Heverlee has secured €35.5 million to advance its clinical trials and medical technology.
Axithra: Genk-based, Axithra focused on improving patient care by enabling rapid drug monitoring, specifically measuring beta-lactam antibiotic concentrations in blood. This allows doctors to personalise treatment plans, ensuring antibiotics work effectively and safely. Founded as a spin-off from Ghent University and IMEC, the startup was launched in 2023 and raised €10 million to advance its technology.
Donna: Brussels-based, Donna is a virtual sales assistant, empowering sales teams by managing and converting leads automatically. The AI-driven platform assists sales reps before, during, and after every sales interaction by providing deal intelligence, pipeline management, and actionable insights to close more deals. Donna also integrates with various CRM systems, enabling sales teams to streamline workflows, save time, and improve efficiency. Founded in 2023, the innovative startup has successfully secured €1.5 million to enhance information technology.
PANTERA: This pioneering biotechnology startup, founded in 2022 and based in Mol, specialises in producing actinium-225 (Ac-225), a crucial radioisotope for targeted cancer treatments. With €134 million in funding, the company is dedicated to scaling the production of Ac-225 to make innovative cancer therapies more accessible. By focusing on research and development, PANTERA aims to revolutionise cancer care with treatments that aim to be more precise and effective, than traditional therapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of nuclear medicine.
Powernaut: Founded in 2024 and based in Ghent, this innovative startup has developed a cutting-edge platform called the “Virtual Power Plant.” The platform enables energy providers to seamlessly integrate decentralized energy systems, such as solar panels and batteries, into a unified network. By connecting these systems, ensures they work together efficiently to manage energy use and sell extra energy to the market.
This streamlined approach simplifies the complexity of integrating renewable energy systems while maximising their value. With €2.4 million in funding, the startup is well-positioned to challenge the way renewable energy is managed and traded, contributing to a more sustainable and flexible power grid.
Protealis: Ghent-based Protealis specialises in developing seed technologies to support sustainable agriculture for soy and yellow peas tailored for European climates. By employing advanced “speed breeding” techniques to accelerate the development of high-yielding, the startup empowers local farmers with sustainable alternatives to traditional protein sources. This reduces reliance on imports, minimises environmental impact, and allows Protealis to respond swiftly to market demands and agricultural challenges. Founded in 2021, the startup has successfully raised €40.6 million to continue contributing to carbon sequestration, soil health, and reduction of fertiliser use.
Swave Photonics: This semiconductor startup funded in 2021, creates holographic extended reality chips. These holographic chips enable the creation of immersive environments where users can interact with digital content in new ways. Swave enables true holographic AR experiences in compact, comfortable glasses. This innovation allows for natural 3D visualisation, effectively blending digital content with the user’s environment. This Leuven-based startup has successfully obtained €10 million in funding.
Timefold: Launched in 2022, Timefold is developing an AI-powered platform that helps businesses improve their operational planning by solving complex scheduling and routing challenges. They offer solutions for problems like employee shift scheduling, vehicle routing, field service planning and delivery optimisation. The innovative platform is built on open-source solver technology, which allows developers to use it for a variety of industries to streamline planning processes. Based in Ghent, the startup has already raised €8 million to fuel its growth and innovation.
Vendorvue: Headquartered in Ghent Vendorvue develops a SaaS platform that enhances vendor management for procurement teams. By streamlining the vendor evaluation, selection, and monitoring processes, the pioneering app empowers procurement teams to make more informed and efficient decisions. The platform enhances the transparency and accountability of vendor relationships, ensuring better collaboration, reducing procurement risks, and optimising supply chain efficiency. Launched in 2024 Vendorvue has secured €1.4 million.
Wobby: Located in Antwerp, this startup helps professionals work more efficiently by transforming how they gather and process information. Their platform allows users to easily find, connect, and analyse public official data alongside their datasets. By simplifying the process of data integration and analysis, Wobby empowers professionals to make data-driven decisions more effectively, improving operational efficiency and insights across different sectors. The startup launched in 2023 has successfully landed €1.1 million.
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Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/01/top-10-most-promising-startups-leading-belgiums-innovation-in-2025/
