In the framework of the ICMPD EMLINK project Compact Acceleration Course, 10 Georgian startups participated in a comprehensive 10-day tour to Belgium from 14-24 October 2024, designed to immerse them in the country’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and startup infrastructure. The tour offered a strategic platform for Georgian startups to broaden their networks and establish connections with investors, accelerators, incubators, and research institutes. Furthermore, they gained invaluable insights into EU projects and available support for startups operating in both Belgium and Georgia.
Through the participation in the European Angel Investment Summit (2024) at the European Commission Headquarters in Brussels, Georgian startups, both as participants and pitchers, gained exposure to European angel investment trends. The event enabled them to establish meaningful contacts in alignment with the ICMPD EMLINK Project’s goals, which focus on promoting startup mobility and entrepreneurial exchanges between Georgia and Belgium. Through networking with angel investors, startup representatives, and influential stakeholders in innovation and entrepreneurship sector, participants laid the foundation for future formal discussions.
Furthermore, the startup founders explored soft-landing opportunities in Belgium and were warmly welcomed by key regional hubs, the Hub Brussels, AWEX, FIT as well as EISMEA (European Innovation Council), ICAB Business & Technology Incubator and WSL Accelerator. Additionally, they also engaged with prominent private-sector entities, including the Flemish Network of Enterprises and Startit @KBC, Belgium’s largest entrepreneur network, helping them establish a foothold in Belgium’s startup ecosystem. Moreover, the startups had exclusive opportunity to connect with specialized private companies and academic institutions, including Voxdale, Digital Vallonia, MedReSyst Touchpoint, Reference Fitness, Digital Wallonia, AGESIA, 1Point61, and Biopark, building critical linkages for future innovation and growth.
The startup tour also included the opportunity to raise the visibility among the diaspora and facilitate introductions between Georgian startups and potential Belgian partners. Additionally, explored avenues for collaboration between Startup Georgia (Association of Startups in Georgia) and SME Europe/SME Connect, with an eye toward advancing networking and policy advocacy initiatives that highlight the needs and contributions of startups to the broader SME sector.
The significance of international cooperation in migration and startup mobility, and thus importance of the EMLINK project and similar initiatives in this regard, has been highlighted by the Head of Cabinet of the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration of Belgium, Mr. Peter Robberecht, at the concluding workshop, designed to reflect on the experiences and insights gained during the startup compact acceleration tour to Belgium.
The EMLINK project is funded by the European Union through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) on behalf of Belgium.
European Angel Investment Summit 2024, Brussels, Belgium