27 February 2025

Leuven MindGate and De Hoorn join forces for start-ups

Startups in Leuven are getting a big boost thanks to a new collaboration between Leuven MindGate and De Hoorn. By joining forces, they are creating an innovative breeding ground where young entrepreneurs will find not only space, but also a strong network and the right support.

De Hoorn en Leuven MindGate slaan de handen in elkaar voor startups

From now on, De Hoorn will be Leuven MindGate's central operating base for the Hubs4Growth program, a Flemish-wide incubation program for start-ups.
Thanks to Hubs4Growth, six innovation ecosystems spread across Flanders (LRM - Limburg, Brussels Airport - Zaventem, The Beacon - Antwerp, WinterCircus - Ghent, Hangar K - Kortrijk and Leuven MindGate - Leuven) help start-ups grow, with the support of VLAIO.

From the kitchen table to an iconic location

“Every start-up begins small, with a laptop at the kitchen table or in a home office. But as they grow, they increasingly need a professional environment to receive customers, extra space and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. Together with De Hoorn, we are now responding to this," says Jan Paesen, director of Leuven Mindgate.

“A central location in the center, within walking distance of the station and public transportation, is becoming increasingly important for young talent. And the iconic appearance of De Hoorn? That is the icing on the cake - that place simply inspires and makes you want to be an entrepreneur.”

De Hoorn is expanding as Leuven's innovation hub

The collaboration fits in perfectly with De Hoorn's growth strategy. 

“In addition to our iconic Manhattan Brewery and Studio, we recently opened Zuidoever, which offers 4,000 square meters of office space in the renovated, trendy Vaartkom. This location is a third base for our vibrant workspace community. “Thanks to our collaboration with Leuven MindGate, both start-ups and our existing residents not only have an inspiring workplace, but are also connected to a strong community that supports, stimulates and connects them.”

Fien Paepen
CEO De Hoorn

Leuven as a breeding ground for innovation

With this collaboration, Leuven MindGate and De Hoorn are making a stand for innovation in Leuven.
Innovative organizations will find not only an inspiring workplace here, but also a network that helps them realize their plans more quickly. In this way, Leuven is increasingly profiling itself as the place to be for ambitious entrepreneurs and groundbreaking innovations.