Ghent enters global top ten for technology and innovation
Ghent has climbed to tenth place worldwide in a new international ranking of technology cities, confirming the East Flemish city’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs.
The ranking, compiled by international data company Dealroom, analysed 325 cities across 77 countries. Ghent also placed fourth in Europe, behind Cambridge, London and Stockholm.
The report focuses on “Density Leaders”, comparing innovation output with population size. While Silicon Valley topped the global ranking, Dealroom noted that smaller technology ecosystems are increasingly competing with larger international hubs.
Strong university links and fast-growing companies
The ranking assessed factors including investment levels, economic impact, company valuations, unicorns (privately owned start-ups valued at more than 1 billion USD) and collaboration with universities. According to the report, Ghent performed strongly across all categories.
The city’s technology sector now represents a business value of more than 61 billion euros, accounting for 68 per cent of the Flemish total. Four of Flanders’ unicorn companies also originated in Ghent: Deliverect, team.blue, Lighthouse and Aikido Security.
According to the analysis, Ghent’s success is also driven by strong links between start-ups, universities and research institutions such as Ghent University and imec. The city has become particularly active in sectors including biotech, healthtech, cleantech and artificial intelligence.
Among the emerging companies highlighted in recent years are Ghent-based start-up Morrow, which is developing adaptive reading glasses using liquid-crystal technology, and sustainable innovation companies working on environmentally friendly materials and circular production methods, including alternatives to traditional soaps and cleaning products.
Wintercircus seen as major catalyst
Much attention has also focused on the Wintercircus, the former circus and garage complex that has been redeveloped into a major technology and innovation hub in the city centre.
According to Ghent alderman for economy Sofie Bracke, the ranking underlines the rapid growth of the city’s technology ecosystem. The Wintercircus is increasingly viewed as a central meeting point for entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and start-ups.
Voka East Flanders likewise described the Wintercircus as a key driver behind Ghent’s rise. “With the Wintercircus, Ghent has grown into a major tech city in Europe at record speed,” said managing director Hilde Schuddinck. “Start-ups and scale-ups are flourishing, spin-offs continue to expand, and companies from outside the region are also increasingly finding their way to Ghent.”
The renovated site now hosts dozens of start-ups and scale-ups, alongside event spaces, meeting areas and cultural venues. The broader ecosystem around the hub includes companies specialising in AI, cybersecurity, logistics software, biotech and sustainability innovation.
According to Schuddinck, technology remains “the lever of our economy and the engine of an even better society.”
#FlandersNewsService | Wintercircus Ghent © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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