Brussels Airport launches mentorship program to boost Flemish start-ups

Brussels Airport has partnered with five leading innovation hubs in Flanders to mentor start-ups, in order to enhance their competitive edge. The collaboration’s first initiative, “Pitch Your Seat,” is a six-month program that provides 30 start-ups with four in-depth coaching sessions focused on achieving product-market fit, alongside individual follow-up support.

The program targets early-stage start-ups, with participants selected based on criteria like innovation, team strength, and engagement. Successful applicants will pitch their ideas to a jury for a spot in the program.

Brussels Airport’s Strategy and M&A Manager, Karen Dams, emphasized the airport’s commitment to guiding start-ups in areas like smart transport, sustainability, and vibrant community development, stating ‘we are open to any kind of innovative young companies that can make a difference.’

The selected start-ups will have access to the Aviation Talent Hub, a dedicated space at the airport that fosters training, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They will receive a dedicated space for a period of six months, with a possibility to rent a workspace in the accompanying hub afterwards.

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