A VUB initiative supporting researchers as they explore commercializing research through venture-development tracks.
Some program details are not available yet. Check current requirements, deadlines, and terms before you apply. Official program page
The program targets PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and people employed under or affiliated with a VUB contract who want to commercialize their research. Build applicants need a research project or a clear idea. Grow applicants should have explored market potential and be motivated to build a spin-off or startup.
Build offers in-person workshops in English, held weekly or every other week. Grow offers flexible modules, individual mentor support for business development, and monthly advisory boards with domain experts; it can be attended online or in person and is offered in English. VUB TechTransfer also lists access for academic participants to networking events and coworking and meeting rooms.
Build is advertised as an annual October intake, running from October to March. The linked 2026–2027 form describes 10 sessions, while the program page lists four first-semester and nine second-semester sessions, so the published session counts conflict. VUB identifies October 6, 2026, as the first session. Participants may take only the first semester as an introduction to academic entrepreneurship. Grow can be joined anytime and is listed as six months, with a possible extension based on progress.
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
The program targets PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and people employed under or affiliated with a VUB contract who want to commercialize their research. Build requires a research project or clear idea; Grow is for people who have explored market potential and are motivated to build a spin-off or startup.
The academic program page describes both Build and Grow as free. Whether any separate contribution applies to academic participants is not established by the available evidence.
Build is advertised for October through March, with October 6, 2026, identified as the first session. The 2026–2027 form lists 10 sessions, while the program page lists four first-semester and nine second-semester sessions; those published counts conflict.
Grow offers flexible modules, individual mentor support for business development, and monthly advisory boards with domain experts. It is listed as six months, with a possible extension based on progress.
Incubator
Empowering early-stage entrepreneurs in Brussels.
From public sources
The official apply page advertises an academic Grow email application route.
Source: Apply to StartLab.BrusselsThe official apply page links a readable first page of the 2026-2027 academic Build application or interest form; submission functionality was not tested.
Source: StartLab.Brussels AcademicsThe academic program page labels Explore as coming soon.
Source: Program for academicsStartLab's general FAQ describes a success-triggered solidarity contribution for startups created during its program within five years of leaving; application to academics remains unresolved.
Source: Contact – FAQ – StartLab.BrusselsStartLab's general FAQ says the incubator does not offer direct funding.
Source: Contact – FAQ – StartLab.BrusselsStartLab's general FAQ states an 80% Build workshop attendance threshold to remain in the program; academic-specific application is unconfirmed.
Source: Contact – FAQ – StartLab.BrusselsSuperscout Pro
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