On June 23, 2025, a new chapter was written in Belgium’s entrepreneurial story.
During the national finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) in Brussels, 12 leading startups took the stage - but more importantly, a powerful signal was sent: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels are joining forces to build an ambitious, cross-regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. In a country where cooperation is often hindered by complex structures and fragmented competencies, this EWC showcased the power of connection - tangible, workable, and scalable.
As Bruno Delepierre, Managing Director of GEN Belgium, put it: “We didn’t just reach a Belgian compromise, we built a truly Belgian ecosystem.”
More than an Event
Since its launch in 2019, the Entrepreneurship World Cup has become a global benchmark. This initiative by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) hosts the world’s largest startup pitch competition. Belgium has participated from the beginning, but the 2025 edition marked a significant acceleration, made possible through a unique collaboration that transcended regional boundaries.
“With the EWC, we aim to offer startups a strong platform. Together with AKT for Wallonia and the Brussels Alliance for Entrepreneurship, we bring promising ideas to the surface and give entrepreneurs the chance to pitch to investors and ecosystems that can accelerate their growth.” - Jens De Vos, Voka – Flanders’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Voka acted as the national host and coordinator but deliberately chose not to go it alone. Together with AKT for Wallonia and the Brussels Alliance for Entrepreneurship (including Beci and Voka Metropolitan), a joint trajectory was set up—one that identifies top regional talent, supports it, and prepares it for the global stage. The message was clear: entrepreneurship doesn’t stop at the language border. It’s a shared ambition, strengthened by collaboration.
“The entrepreneurs we support today are the ones who will make the difference for Belgium tomorrow. It starts here, with these driven startups.” - Fabien Bruyneel, AKT for Wallonia
Cooperation in a Divided Context
Belgium is made up of three regions, each with its own rules, funding mechanisms, and economic pace. That this edition of the EWC was jointly supported by partners from all regions - as well as by the three public investment funds (PMV, finance&invest.brussels, and Wallonie Entreprendre) - is far more than symbolic.
“As a jury member and public investment fund, we saw a surprisingly broad spectrum of projects across various sectors. That diversity of ideas offers a solid foundation for strengthening our Belgian regions for the future.” - An Meers, Wallonie Entreprendre
It’s a statement of intent: Belgium’s entrepreneurial ecosystem wants to move forwardtogether. Not through a traditional compromise, but through a shared vision that respects each region’s unique strengths. That is rare - and precisely why it matters.
The Power of Co-Creation
Following eight regional pitch rounds and a national final featuring twelve carefully selected startups, the results reflect months of intensive collaboration. The process was a textbook example of co-creation - both in content and organization. This was reflected in the lineup: each finalist represented their region not only as an entrepreneur but as an ambassador. That strong local grounding, combined with a global outlook, made this edition truly unique.
Exoligamentz was crowned the Flemish winner. Founder Ashkan Joshghani designed a supportive glove specifically for combat sports. A high-level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete himself, Ashkan experienced firsthand the lack of effective hand and finger support. He developed a new kind of glove to protect athletes’ fingers from impact. Exoligamentz is a spin-off from Ghent University and is based in the iconic Wintercircus building.
“It’s my dream to build a global sports brand rooted in innovation and creativity. What drives me? Doing something that hasn’t been done before—and creating social impact. I was born in Belgium as the son of a political refugee from Iran. I’ve come a long way, and I’m incredibly proud of this recognition.” - Ashkan Joshghani, Exoligamentz
Govrn was named the top Brussels startup. The company develops AI-powered solutions for boards of directors. Founder Jean-Louis Van Houwe, longtime CEO of Monizze (a provider of meal voucher services), continues to innovate with new ventures.
“I’m proud that even as a seasoned entrepreneur, I can still innovate with new startups like Govrn. Thanks to Govrn’s AI technology, board members can focus on what truly matters—productive meetings and sound decision-making.” - Jean-Louis Van Houwe, Govrn
ODIX took home the title of best startup in Wallonia. This Belgian health-tech company focuses on medical rehabilitation, specifically for lower back pain. They use technologies such as augmented reality to enhance patient recovery.
“We’ve worked hard for this. I’m proud that a Walloon company has the chance to represent Belgium internationally. ODIX started with a real social problem—lower back pain—and developed a true solution with innovative orthopedic rehab devices. We’re giving people their quality of life back.” - Valérie Gordenne, ODIX
Matchmaking that Matters
Beyond the stage, EWC Belgium was all about creating meaningful connections. More than 150 startups and investors engaged in targeted, thematic matchmaking facilitated by the scale-up Conversation Starter. The platform matched profiles based not on chance, but on substance - leading to impactful meetings that went far beyond exchanging business cards.
“The matchmaking event was a great opportunity to introduce our company in an accessible way. We connected with interesting businesses that took the initiative to start a conversation. Following a valuable meeting at EWC, our first follow-up is already scheduled.” - Ruben Gobrecht, Merlin Innovation
Voka as the Connecting Force
Voka’s central role in this edition was no coincidence. Not as an exclusive player, but as a connector—bridging regions, networks, and entrepreneurs. By stepping into this role, Voka shows that Flemish drive and Belgian cooperation can go hand in hand.
Voka positions itself as:
- A structural bridge-builder, linking regional expertise with Flemish and national ambitions
- An international player within the GEN network, grounded in strong local roots
- A federal initiator, shaping a Belgian entrepreneurial narrative that transcends administrative boundaries.
The Starting Gun
The June 23rd final was not the end—it was just the beginning. The ambition of the organizing partners is clear: to make the EWC final a yearly milestone where Belgium’s entrepreneurial ecosystem comes together—and grows together.
With three strong winners advancing to the international EWC bootcamp, Belgium is back on the global map. The momentum is real. Now it’s time to maintain it. The foundation has been laid for a forward-looking, cross-regional collaboration built on trust, ambition, and action. Not a one-time event—but the start of a new chapter.
“If you want to discover the future of entrepreneurship in Belgium, look no further. The EWC brings together bold ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and ambitious founders. At PMV, we’re ready to support them. I’ve already reserved my spot for next year.” - Kenneth Vanhecke, PMV