Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Belgium's Tech Scene

Belgium's tech scene is blowing up, and it's the perfect time to jump in! Cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent are at the forefront, with industries like AI and FinTech leading the charge.

According to Deloitte's 2024 Technology Industry Outlook, the tech sector in Belgium is set for a comeback, driven by factors like cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity.

Brussels is a hub for FinTech innovators, with companies disrupting the finance game with cutting-edge solutions.

But Ghent is quickly making waves as an AI hotspot, thanks to its top-notch universities and research centers. A recent report shows that Belgian tech companies raised a whopping €493 million in just the first half of 2024, with PropTech and Energy leading the charge.

Belgium is also excelling in cybersecurity, e-commerce, and gaming.

As a newbie in the scene, you've got endless opportunities to explore and make your mark. So why not take the plunge and see where this electrifying journey leads? Check out these job-hunting tips from Nucamp to kickstart your Belgian tech adventure!

Belgium's tech scene is lit, and getting yourself out there at local events like Tomorrow's Tech Today Conference can hook you up with some seriously fire networking opportunities.

This two-day summit in Ghent is all about the digital transformation and sustainability, bringing together the big players to discuss the future of tech.

• Day one: You'll get the inside scoop on the green transition and how digital solutions can help us live more sustainably.
• Day two: It's where it's at for the ethics and governance side of emerging tech, including a session on how blockchain can drive innovation.

With attendees ranging from ICT professionals to digital experts, it's the perfect place to mingle with the movers and shakers in Belgium's tech world.

You'll also want to mark your calendar for the GreenTech Forum Brussels in June.

This two-day event is all about sustainable IT, bringing together over 40 exhibitors and 750 attendees from across Europe. With 20 conferences and 12 workshops led by nearly 100 speakers, you'll gain serious knowledge while networking with some of the biggest names in the game.

Hitting up events like these is a surefire way to expand your professional circle and stay ahead of the curve.

You'll get the inside scoop on industry trends, connect with potential mentors or collaborators, and maybe even land your next gig. Just remember to come prepared with your elevator pitch and be ready to work the room like a pro!

Joining online tech communities is the way to go for networking and leveling up your career in Belgium's booming tech scene. These virtual hangouts hook you up with a treasure trove of knowledge and connections to like-minded pros and industry experts.

Check out BeCentral, Belgium's largest online tech hub, with over 41 initiatives including tech schools, startups, and NGOs under one roof.

It's a goldmine for staying in the loop and finding your tribe.

Getting involved with communities like BeCentral unlocks a world of perks. According to the experts, active participation boosts your knowledge and career prospects.

These platforms create a sense of belonging, allowing you to pick the brains of seasoned veterans, stay ahead of the curve on the hottest trends and job openings, team up on groundbreaking projects, and attend virtual events to mingle with your crew.

To make the most of BeCentral and similar online hangouts, here's the game plan:

1. Craft a killer profile: Create a professional profile with relevant keywords and a professional headshot
2. Jump into discussions: Share your valuable insights during discussions
3. Show up at virtual events: Introduce yourself to fellow attendees
4. Find mentors or join special interest groups: Align these groups with your goals
5. Showcase your expertise: Contribute blog posts or host webinars to share your knowledge

As the visionary Steve Jobs said,

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

By immersing yourself in online tech communities like BeCentral, you unlock a goldmine of innovative ideas, industry trends, and valuable networking opportunities, propelling you to the forefront of Belgium's electrifying tech landscape.

When it comes to making moves in Belgium's tech world, co-working spaces are where it's at. These spots are like networking gold mines, where you can link up with all sorts of talented folks and maybe even land your next gig.

Take Multiburo's coworking space near Brussels Central Station, for instance.

Imagine chilling in a chic spot with a killer view of the city while rubbing shoulders with fellow techies. It's like a playground for grown-ups who love coding, design, or anything tech-related.

But it's not just about the digs, you know? Co-working spaces are all about the community vibe.

You'll find yourself swapping ideas, getting feedback, and maybe even scoring some mentorship from industry veterans. And let's be real, networking is key if you want to level up in this game.

At places like these, you might catch wind of cool events, workshops, or even job openings before they hit the mainstream.

It's like having an inside scoop on the latest happenings in the Belgian tech realm. And who knows, you could end up collaborating on the next big thing with someone you met over a cup of coffee.

So, if you're ready to dive into Belgium's thriving tech scene, don't sleep on co-working spaces.

They're the real deal when it comes to expanding your network and staying in the loop. Just remember to bring your A-game and be ready to connect with some seriously talented individuals.

Okay, so BetaGroup is the coolest tech community ever in Belgium! They've been around since 2008, connecting over 8,000 members who are all about that internet, new tech, e-marketing and online media life.

It's the place to be if you wanna network with other techies, present your latest projects, or even raise funds through their investment platform, BetaInvest.

But that's not all – BetaGroup knows how to throw some epic meetups and events! These are coding workshops, data science talks, cybersecurity sessions, and startup pitch nights galore.

These guys have your back whether you're a fresh-faced developer looking for your big break or an experienced pro exploring cutting-edge tech trends.

Their calendar is packed with so many events that you'll never feel left out of the loop.

From automation and orchestration meetups to panel discussions on the latest industry breakthroughs, there's something for every tech nerd out there.

Plus, it's the perfect chance to expand your network, score some valuable tips from mentors, and maybe even land your dream gig!

1. Connecting members since 2008, BetaGroup boasts over 8,000 tech enthusiasts.
2. Engage in a variety of events including coding workshops, data science talks, and cybersecurity sessions.
3. Take part in startup pitch nights to explore cutting-edge tech trends and showcase your projects.
4. Stay updated with a packed calendar of industry meetups and panel discussions.
5. Seize the opportunity to expand your network and receive valuable tips from tech mentors.

Connecting with the local tech influencers is where it's at if you wanna be part of Belgium's killer tech scene. LinkedIn is the place to be. It's like a goldmine for finding and hitting up those influential tech personalities killin' it in AI, FinTech, cybersecurity, and all the dope stuff happening in this country.

You can use LinkedIn's search game to uncover these standout individuals shaping the tech world here.

Real talk, forging connections on LinkedIn is crucial for making moves in the tech industry.

Did you know that a whopping 87% of recruiters scope out candidates on LinkedIn? It's a big deal. And a survey by HubSpot found that nearly half of B2B marketers see LinkedIn as the top social media platform for driving that revenue growth.

Right?

Alright, let me hook you up with some of the must-follow Belgian tech influencers on LinkedIn:

• Kris Buytaert, Co-founder and CTO at Inuits - This dude is a thought leader in cloud computing and digital transformation. Connect with him for some serious insights.
• Ine Lejeune, Head of Cyber at Proximus Group - A cybersecurity queen with a strong presence in the Belgian tech community. Follow her moves, it's gonna be lit!
• Bart Beckers, Vice President of AI at Melexis - This guy is a major voice in the AI game and its applications. Connect with Bart and stay ahead of the curve.

Engage with these influencers, drop comments, share their content, and get involved in the discussions.

It's how you'll establish your presence, make valuable connections, and stay in the loop on the latest trends shaping Belgium's tech landscape.

Innovation hubs are where they are! They bring the best minds together to make some serious tech magic happen. One place that's excelling is imec in Leuven, Belgium.

These individuals have been around since the 80s and have racked up an insane number of patents and spin-off companies.

imec's got a squad of over 5,000 researchers from like 96 different countries, all working on next-level nanoelectronics and digital tech.

They're not messing around, partnering with tech titans like Intel and Samsung. Talk about an innovation ecosystem on steroids!

But the real deal is that places like imec are a goldmine for networking.

You get to rub shoulders with the big shots, pitch your ideas to investors, and learn from mentors who've been there and done that. It's like a crash course in making it big in tech, and you get a front-row seat to see how the innovation ecosystem is governed.

Plus, imec is all about bridging that academia-industry gap, so you know the research they're cooking up is legit.

If you're looking to level up your tech game and make some solid connections, get yourself to an innovation hub ASAP. Trust me, it'll be worth it.

1. Attend local tech meetups: Events are great for networking.
2. Join a coworking space: A hub for startup enthusiasts.
3. Take part in tech conferences: Engage with industry leaders.
4. Participate in hackathons: Showcase your skills and meet peers.
5. Connect on LinkedIn: Build a strong professional network.
6. Attend university-sponsored events: A fusion of academia and industry.
7. Collaborate on projects: Work with diverse teams.
8. Seek out mentorship: Gain insights from experienced professionals.
9. Join online tech forums: Discuss ideas with a broader community.
10. Participate in local tech organizations: Get involved at a grassroots level.

One way to visualize some of these strategies is through a comparison:

Strategy	Primary Benefit	Example
Tech Meetups	Network Building	Meetup in Leuven
Coworking Spaces	Community Support	Silicon Sentier Brussels
Hackathons	Skill Showcasing	Hack Belgium

Networking is not just about connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities. — Michele Jennae

If you want to make headway in Belgium's vibrant tech scene, align yourself with these strategies, and you'll be mingling with people like Matthew Smith or Patricia Smith in no time.

Look, Agoria is like the biggest deal for tech companies in Belgium. They've got over 321,000 employees from all kinds of innovative businesses under their wing.

Their main goal? Pushing Belgium's tech scene to new heights and giving their members a serious competitive edge. It's not just about representing companies – they're all about driving innovation, nurturing talent, and keeping the industry alive and kicking.

If you're trying to make it in tech, getting connected with Agoria is a total game-changer.

Here's why tapping into their network is crucial, especially if you're just starting out:

• Knowledge Overload: Agoria hooks you up with the latest insights, trends, and best practices, so you're always one step ahead.
• Networking Galore: Their events, seminars, and conferences? Prime real estate for expanding your circle and meeting movers and shakers in the industry.
• Advocacy Squad: They've got your back, fighting for policies and initiatives that keep the tech sector thriving.
• Level-Up Central: Training programs, workshops, mentorship – Agoria gives you all the tools to sharpen your skills and accelerate your career growth.

If you're a beginner looking to tap into Agoria's resources, here's how to get started:

1. Network Events: Attend their networking events and industry forums – it's where the real magic happens, connecting with like-minded techies and soaking up knowledge.
2. Mentorship Programs: Check out their mentorship and career development programs, designed to help newbies like you navigate the tech waters.
3. Training Courses: Sign up for training courses and workshops to level up your skills and stay ahead of the curve.
4. Digital Resources: Explore their online platforms and digital resources for a treasure trove of industry insights, job opportunities, and networking gold.

By getting involved with Agoria, you'll be plugged into Belgium's tech scene in no time, making connections that could seriously boost your career.

Attending tech conferences is where it's at for networking and staying on top of the latest trends. These events are like a massive hub for connecting with like-minded peeps, sharing knowledge, and keeping an eye on what's popping in the industry.

In Belgium, the SuperNova conference is the ultimate destination for techies. It goes down in Antwerp, attracting over 5,000 attendees and renowned speakers from across Europe.

You'll get to dive deep into all the mind-blowing innovations and game-changing technologies shaking things up.

If you're serious about expanding your professional circle, tech conferences like SuperNova give you a massive edge.

Here's how to make the most of it:

1. Do your homework: Get familiar with the speakers, exhibitors, and attendee list beforehand. Scope out potential connections and plan your schedule like a boss.
2. Hit up the sessions that matter: Attend workshops, keynotes, and panel discussions that align with your interests. Engage with the speakers and fellow attendees during Q&A sessions – don't be shy!
3. Network like a pro: Most conferences have dedicated networking events like receptions or meetups. These are prime opportunities to strike up conversations and swap business cards.
4. Follow up like a champ: After the conference, follow up with your new connections ASAP. A personalized email or LinkedIn message can solidify that relationship and open doors for future collaborations.

If you're just starting out in Belgium's tech scene, attending conferences like SuperNova can be a total game-changer.

Not only do you get access to industry legends and cutting-edge knowledge, but you'll also find yourself in an environment perfect for building a strong professional network.

As one SuperNova attendee put it,

"The conference opened my eyes to the incredible innovations happening in Belgium's tech ecosystem and connected me with like-minded individuals who have become valuable mentors and collaborators."

Belgium's tech scene is straight-up fire, and a huge part of that comes from the tight connections with its top universities. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), right in the heart of Brussels, is where it's at when it comes to tech-focused programs that'll hook you up with the skills and knowledge to slay in the industry.

At VUB's Faculty of Engineering, you've got departments like Computer Science, Electronics and Informatics, and Engineering Technology covering everything from AI and cybersecurity to data science and software engineering.

There are over 2,500 students currently enrolled in these tech-related programs, so you know the demand is high.

But VUB isn't just about hitting the books.

They've got an active tech community that'll help you network and collaborate like a pro. They host all kinds of events, workshops, and meetups where you can connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers.

Some of the coolest initiatives include:

• VUB Entrepreneurship Program: Got a killer idea for a startup? They'll help you make it happen.
• AI Experience Center: A place where you can get hands-on with AI applications and solutions, working with students, researchers, and companies.
• VUB Hackathons: Coding competitions that'll put your teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test.

VUB also partners up with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, so you can score internship opportunities and access to cutting-edge resources and expertise.

According to Professor Nancy Garcia, Head of the Computer Science Department, "As a VUB student, you'll build a robust professional network, engage with industry leaders, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving tech landscape."

Of course, don't forget to check out Nucamp's guide to the top tech meetups and conferences in Belgium to keep leveling up your networking game.