Flanders is calling on the private market to invest in Flanders Technology and Innovation

The Government of Flanders wants to turn Flanders Technology and Innovation (FTI), a large-scale project on technology and innovation, into an independent company. Therefore, It is calling on companies to invest, Flemish minister-president Jan Jambon (N-VA) and Flemish minister of Economy Jo Brouns (CD&V) stated in a press release.

The Government of Flanders announced earlier that it wants to relaunch the Flanders Technology and Innovation (FTI) brand, known in the 1980s as 'Flanders Technology International', to put it on the map internationally. "This fits into the ambition to position Flanders as a progressive region in the field of technology, innovation and digitalisation," minister-president Jan Jambon said.

"Flanders is a world leader when it comes to investing in research and development"

"Flanders is a world leader when it comes to investing in research and development. Therefore, FTI should further strengthen our image in that field and help provide concrete solutions," minister Jo Brouns said. "With FTI, we want to start an enthusiastic story, involve Flemish entrepreneurs and motivate young people to choose science and innovation."

The next step is the creation of an independent company around FTI. The aim is to invest with private partners in a platform where data, know-how and innovative ideas are brought together. The focus is on five areas: health and nutrition, energy and climate, education and labour market, data and media & entertainment.

Jambon said that the Flemish government will launch an open call to the broad private market as soon as possible, where potential investors can apply to co-found the company. "Even after incorporation, interested private legal entities can join, provided they meet the legal entry criteria," he added. One of the conditions is that investors must contribute an amount of at least €500,000 to the company's assets.

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