BNP Paribas is a global financial services company headquartered in Paris, France. Established in 1848, it operates through two primary divisions: Retail Banking and Services, and Corporate and Institutional Banking. The company offers a wide array of services, including long-term corporate financing, digital banking, wealth management, asset management, and investment services. It also provides global market services, security services, and corporate trade and treasury services to institutional and corporate clients. BNP Paribas Asset Management, a subsidiary, manages funds for individual and institutional investors, focusing on public equity and fixed income markets worldwide. Additionally, BNP Paribas Fortis, a Belgian subsidiary, offers corporate and investment banking, retail banking, and investment solutions. The company's extensive global network spans nearly 75 countries, serving a diverse range of clients from individuals to large corporations and public institutions.

PMV Re Vinci nv, based in Brussels, Belgium, is primarily focused on real estate development. The company plays a significant role in fostering the Flemish economy by providing funding to promising businesses from their inception through various growth stages and into international operations. Collaborating with government entities and other partners, PMV implements projects that are vital for prosperity and well-being in Flanders. The organization is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic development and believes that sustainable business ventures must ultimately achieve profitability. Through its investments, PMV aims to ensure that every supported project contributes positively to the economic landscape of Flanders.

V-Bio Ventures is an independent venture capital firm based in Ghent, Belgium, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in building and financing innovative life science companies, focusing on start-up and early-stage ventures with significant growth potential. V-Bio Ventures primarily invests in the therapeutics, diagnostic therapies, and sustainable agriculture sectors across Europe. The firm is dedicated to supporting technologies that aim to deliver transformative improvements in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries.

VIB is a non-profit research institute established in 1966 and located in Zwijnaarde, Belgium. It specializes in life sciences research, focusing on applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industry. VIB collaborates closely with five prominent universities in Flanders—Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University—to advance its research initiatives. The institute aims to contribute significantly to the life sciences sector by fostering innovation and development in various scientific fields.

Founded in 2011, Inventures Investment Partners is an impact investment firm based in Brussels, Belgium. The firm manages the impact venture capital funds, Inventures I, which focuses on societal goals including health, education, environment, economic growth, and social progress, and Inventures II, which invests early-stage capital in smart and innovative European SMEs answering at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Volta Ventures, established in 2014, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, with an additional office in Amsterdam. It specializes in providing seed and early-stage funding to internet and software companies based in the Benelux region. The firm's approach involves more than just capital; it actively supports founders and management teams by helping identify new markets and customers, aiding in senior talent recruitment, offering ongoing guidance, and facilitating further financing rounds. Volta Ventures works closely with a network of over 30 business angels to maximize its impact on investee companies.

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen, established in 1995 and based in Brussels, Belgium, is a government organization focused on investing in startup and growth-stage companies. The organization targets diverse sectors including media, software, retail, infrastructure, energy, and real estate. Its investment portfolio is structured with a significant allocation towards financial fixed assets and receivables, reflecting its commitment to supporting emerging businesses. Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Belgium by providing essential financial backing to projects at various stages of development.

Gimv, established in 1980, is a Belgian-based investment company specializing in private equity and venture capital. With over 40 years of experience, Gimv manages a portfolio of 85 companies across Europe, generating a combined turnover of over EUR 6 billion and employing more than 28,000 professionals. The company focuses on business-to-business, financial services, healthcare, information technology, and other sectors, with a majority (75%) of its investments in private equity.

Nausicaa Ventures, established in 2009, is a Belgium-based early-stage venture capital firm. It invests in early growth and early-stage companies primarily in Belgium, with a focus on projects within a 300 km radius of Brussels, extending to France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The firm targets investments in healthcare, medtech, ICT, manufacturing, clean technology, and high-tech industries, typically investing between €1 million to €4 million per company. Nausicaa Ventures prefers to invest alongside angel investors or family offices and has an average holding period of five years, aiming to exit after three to six years.

Noshaq S.A., formerly known as Meusinvest, is a venture capital firm established in 1985 and based in Liège, Belgium. The firm specializes in seed, start-up, and growth capital investments in small and medium-sized enterprises, focusing on sectors such as energy, sustainable development, biotechnology, digital technologies, industry 4.0, real estate, quality food, and cultural industries. Noshaq typically invests in companies with annual revenues up to €50 million or an enterprise value up to €43 million, often taking a minority stake in these businesses. The firm may also request a seat on the Board of Directors as part of its investment strategy. In addition to equity investments, Noshaq provides financing solutions, including convertible bonds and loans, supporting strategic projects to stimulate economic development in the region.

The European Innovation Council (EIC), established in 2020 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is dedicated to supporting high-potential innovators, entrepreneurs, small enterprises, and researchers. Its primary focus is on fostering early-stage startups that demonstrate significant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. The EIC collaborates with private investors to co-invest in ventures, particularly within the deep technology sector, aiming to drive innovation and sustainable development across Europe. By providing financial backing and resources, the EIC seeks to enhance the growth potential of promising startups and contribute to a more innovative and competitive European economy.

SFPI-FPIM is the Federal Holding and Investment Company that centrally manages the Belgian government's shareholdings, collaborates on government projects, and implements its investment strategy to benefit the Belgian economy. With a focus on maximizing returns and promoting economic growth, SFPI-FPIM plays a crucial role in managing and optimizing the government's investments for the long-term prosperity of Belgium.

Société Régionale d'Investissement de Wallonie (SRIW) is a Belgian investment company established in 1979, headquartered in Liège. It specializes in private equity and venture capital, focusing on startups, growth, and turnaround investments. SRIW invests in a broad range of sectors, with a particular emphasis on real estate, metal engineering, and environmental technologies, among others. It primarily targets companies based in Wallonia, investing at least €1 million per portfolio company. SRIW takes majority or minority stakes and seeks board seats, often co-investing with other venture capitalists. It provides equity capital and various loan structures, including subordinated and secured loans. SRIW does not invest in steelmaking or the catering industry.

Capricorn Partners, established in 1993, is a Belgium-based asset management firm specializing in venture capital. It invests in innovative European companies that leverage technology for a competitive edge, focusing on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and clean technology. The firm's investment team comprises experienced professionals with deep technology expertise and broad industrial experience.

Asabys Partners is a Barcelona-based venture capital firm established in 2018 that focuses on investments in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. The firm targets innovative and transformative technologies within the health-tech and biopharma industries, both in Spain and internationally. Asabys Partners aims to advance the boundaries of science and medicine by financing disruptive technologies and collaborating with leading experts in the field.

Belfius Bank is a banking institution based in Brussels, Belgium, established in 1996 to serve the financial needs of local authorities and the broader community. The bank focuses on collecting savings deposits and investments through its distribution networks across Belgium. It reinvests these funds into society by providing loans to individuals, self-employed individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as corporate, public, and social institutions. With a diverse range of services, Belfius Bank also engages in sectors such as insurance and life sciences. The governance and management of the bank's assets are overseen by its Board of Directors, ensuring responsible stewardship and alignment with community interests.

Qbic I, established in 2013, is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Ghent, Belgium. It focuses on investing in software, deep tech, biotech, and medtech sectors. The fund, managed by Qbic Venture Partners, supports spin-off companies from Ghent, Brussels, and Antwerp university associations, as well as VITO. It has over €30 million under management and is backed by both public and private investors. Qbic I's investment approach involves early, in-depth analysis and subsequent hands-on involvement in portfolio companies.

Fund+ is a venture capital firm established in 2015 and headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. The firm focuses on investing in companies within the diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices, and life sciences sectors. It targets seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies, aiming to foster sustainable shareholder value and contribute to advancements in the life sciences industry. Fund+ is committed to generating a positive societal impact through its investments while striving to establish a leadership position in its chosen sectors.

Sambrinvest S.A. is a private equity and venture capital firm located in Gosselies, Belgium, established in 1985. The firm specializes in direct and fund of funds investments, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises primarily in the Charleroi Sud-Hainaut and Thuin districts. Sambrinvest targets various sectors including agri-food, audiovisual, gaming, automotive, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, construction, digital technology, environmental solutions, alternative energy, manufacturing, and real estate, while excluding retail, hospitality, and banking. The firm typically invests through minority stakes, subordinated loans, and other financial instruments, with investment amounts generally not exceeding €1.25 million in companies with revenues below €50 million. Sambrinvest is recognized as an active venture capital player in its region and remains open to opportunities in additional sectors.

The Innovation Fund, founded in 2015 and based in Schaerbeek, Belgium, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare services, life sciences, material science, biosciences, process technology, and recycling technology. The firm specifically targets companies involved in healthcare devices, supplies, and commercial services, as well as businesses operating in the fields of cosmetics, advanced materials, and nanotechnology. By supporting innovative companies across these industries, The Innovation Fund aims to foster growth and development in sectors that contribute to advancements in health, sustainability, and technology.

Meusinvest S.A. is a venture capital firm based in Liège, Belgium, that focuses on seed, start-up, and growth capital investments in small and medium-sized companies. The firm primarily targets companies within the energy, sustainable development, biotech, digital, industry 4.0, real estate, quality food, and cultural sectors, specifically in the Liège province. It invests in businesses with an annual turnover of up to €50 million or an enterprise value of up to €43 million, typically taking a minority stake. Meusinvest can request a seat on the Board of Directors of its portfolio companies and prefers management buyouts as its exit strategy. In addition to equity investments, the firm offers convertible bonds, financing solutions, loans, and support for strategic projects. Founded in 1985, Meusinvest continues to play a significant role in supporting regional economic growth.

LeanSquare is a venture capital firm and accelerator based in Liège, Belgium, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in providing seed, start-up, and growth capital investments, focusing on equity investments ranging from $0.1 million to $0.5 million. LeanSquare primarily targets opportunities in cultural and creative industries, enterprise software, and life sciences sectors. As a subsidiary of Noshaq, LeanSquare aims to support and nurture new economy startups, contributing to the development of innovative businesses in its chosen fields.

AngelWise is a venture capital firm based in Hasselt, Belgium, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in supporting startups and young companies, particularly within the information and communication technology sector, by providing guidance and resources to help them progress to the next phase of growth. AngelWise aims to empower emerging businesses by offering strategic assistance and fostering innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

White Fund is a venture capital firm based in Liège, Belgium, established in 2019, that specializes in early-stage investments in the medical device and medtech sectors. The firm focuses on companies that have demonstrated a proof of concept for their technology and have shown objective market traction. White Fund primarily targets investments within Belgium but may consider opportunities in neighboring regions. It typically invests between €2 million and €3 million in each project, spanning two to three rounds of financing, with an exit strategy aimed at five to seven years. The firm is dedicated to supporting the pre-marketing stages and the launch of sales for innovative healthcare solutions, including prevention, diagnostic, monitoring, and treatment technologies.

Alychlo is a family investment company based in Merelbeke, Belgium, established in 2015. Committed to enhancing the value of businesses, Alychlo focuses on investing in growth-stage companies and real estate. The company is driven by a philosophy of improving enterprises while also contributing positively to society. Through strategic investments, Alychlo aims to foster development and innovation in its portfolio, reflecting its dedication to both financial success and social responsibility.

Ackermans & van Haaren is a diversified investment group based in Antwerp, Belgium, founded in 1876. The firm operates across five key segments: Marine Engineering & Infrastructure, Private Banking, Real Estate and Senior Care, Energy and Resources, and Development Capital. In the Marine Engineering and Infrastructure sector, it includes DEME, a prominent global dredging company, and Algemene Aannemingen Van Laere, a leading Belgian contractor. Ackermans & van Haaren focuses on creating shareholder value through long-term investments in select companies with significant growth potential on an international scale. With a commitment to fostering development in these sectors, the group aims to support businesses that are well-positioned for expansion and success.

The Faktory, established in 2013, is a Belgian-based accelerator and venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on broadcasting and business-to-business (B2B) sectors, with a particular interest in Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices. The firm invests across Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, typically committing between €0.2 million and €1 million per transaction, taking a minority stake of around 30%. Founded by Belgian entrepreneur Pierre L’Hoest, The Faktory supports startups through its efficient approaches like the Lean Startup and Business Model Canvas, helping them validate market niches, develop customer-centric products, and successfully launch their businesses.

Newton Biocapital, established in 2017 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in the biotech and life science sectors. The company focuses on Europe and Japan, supporting promising start-ups and undervalued late-stage projects in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. As a lead investor, Newton Biocapital provides not only capital but also expert guidance and coaching to bio-entrepreneurs throughout the development stages of their projects. The firm's investment approach aligns with ESG principles, seeking opportunities that meet the criteria under Article 8 of the SFDR.

Federal Holding and Investment Company, established in 2006 through a merger, is a Belgian government organization based in Brussels. It centrally manages the federal government's shareholdings and pursues an independent investment policy to support the Belgian economy. The company focuses on investments in aeronautics, real estate, networks, international markets, and innovative sectors such as sustainable development and aging population. It prefers to have a representative in the administrative bodies of its portfolio companies and seeks international investments.

Imec.xpand is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2017 and based in Leuven, Belgium, with an additional office in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The firm specializes in early-stage investments focused on nanoelectronics-based innovations across various sectors, including deep tech, health, and agtech. Imec.xpand aims to support projects that contribute to a sustainable society, encompassing areas such as smart health, smart mobility, smart cities, smart industries, and smart energy. By leveraging its connection to imec, a leading research and development hub for nanoelectronics and digital technology, imec.xpand seeks to foster groundbreaking ideas and technologies that can drive significant advancements in these fields.

Quest for Growth is a private equity firm based in Leuven, Belgium, focusing on investments in growth companies across various sectors. The company targets both quoted and unquoted firms, with interests in life sciences, information technology, software, semiconductors, telecommunications, healthcare equipment, engineering, and new materials, among others. Quest for Growth operates through three segments: investments in quoted equities, venture and growth capital, and venture and growth funds. Its strategic approach aims to generate capital gains, which can be distributed to shareholders without incurring withholding tax. By investing in both European and U.S. markets, Quest for Growth seeks to capitalize on opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cleantech, healthtech, and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors.

KBC Focus Fund is a Brussels-based venture capital investment firm that operates two compartments. The first compartment aims to provide seed capital to select startups associated with Start it @kbc, while the second focuses on identifying growth companies in advanced technology sectors, specifically nanotechnology, microelectronics, and the Internet of Things. The fund targets businesses located in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, seeking to support innovation and development in these high-potential areas.

Down 2 Earth Capital NV, established in 2013 and based in Antwerp, Belgium, is a private equity firm focusing on growth capital financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Belgium. The firm specializes in later-stage, mature companies with EBITDA between €1 million and €10 million, and revenues between €10 million and €50 million. It invests in a variety of sectors, including business products and services, industrial, and manufacturing, and considers both majority and minority stakes. Down 2 Earth Capital's partners bring extensive private equity and industry experience, making them well-versed in the challenges faced by SMEs. They typically have an investment horizon of five to eight years and may also provide moderate debt financing. The firm does not invest in startups, turnarounds, or companies outside Belgium.

Vendis Capital, established in 2009, is an independent private equity firm headquartered in Diegem, Belgium, with additional offices in Europe. The company specializes in investing in small to medium-sized branded consumer companies across Europe, with a focus on Benelux, France, DACH, and the Nordics. Vendis Capital provides growth and buyout capital, typically ranging from €5 million to €60 million, to support companies through various stages of development. It seeks to take both majority and minority stakes, actively engaging with portfolio companies to drive strategic growth, facilitate management additions, and execute acquisitions. The firm's investment horizon is typically four to seven years.

Agri Investment Fund is a private equity firm established in 2007 and located in Leuven, Belgium. Specializing in the agriculture, farming, and food sectors, the firm focuses on making growth, buyout, equity, and venture investments. By targeting innovative companies within these industries, Agri Investment Fund aims to support and enhance the development of sustainable agricultural practices and technologies.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

KBC Group is a financial services provider headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, specializing in banking and insurance solutions tailored for retail clients, private banking, small and medium-sized enterprises, and mid-cap clients. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, including loans, deposits, asset management, life and non-life insurance, as well as cash management, payments, trade finance, leasing, and corporate finance services. In addition to these offerings, KBC Private Equity, the investment arm of KBC Group, focuses on providing development capital and financing buy-outs for medium-sized companies in Belgium and Central and Eastern Europe. With an experienced team of 28 professionals and over 60 active investments valued at more than EUR 400 million, KBC Private Equity aims to establish itself as a leading private equity provider in its home markets, actively participating in strategic decision-making and supporting management teams to drive growth.

Convent Capital is a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, established in 2011. The firm specializes in buy-outs, buy-ins, and growth capital investments in small and medium-sized enterprises, primarily focusing on companies headquartered in the Netherlands and those based in Belgium and Luxembourg. Convent Capital targets investments in businesses with an enterprise value ranging from €10 million to €50 million and an EBITDA between €2 million and €8 million. The firm emphasizes sustainability and seeks to create value through strategic and operational improvements. Convent Capital generally aims to acquire majority stakes in its portfolio companies, with a particular interest in the agriculture and food sectors.

Advantage Capital, established in 1992, is a venture capital firm specializing in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments. It focuses on small businesses, particularly those in low-income communities and underserved areas, supporting state and local economic development efforts. The firm invests across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, business services, and renewable energy, with a typical initial investment range of $0.5 million to $10 million. Advantage Capital provides debt capital in forms such as senior debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, as well as equity capital to real estate development firms. It operates from multiple offices across the United States, with a headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Fortino Capital I, established in 2016, is a Belgium-based venture capital fund managed by Fortino Capital Partners. The fund, founded in 2013, specializes in growth capital investments, focusing on early and mid-cycle business-to-business Software as a Service (SaaS) companies. Its primary investment sectors are software, communications, and networking, with a regional focus on Western Europe, particularly the Benelux countries. Fortino Capital I provides expansion capital and expertise to exceptional entrepreneurs, aiding in the development of growth-enabling SaaS platforms primarily designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the fund supports companies aiming to reinvent their business models through best-in-class management practices and state-of-the-art technologies.

Imec is a prominent independent research center based in Leuven, Belgium, specializing in nanoelectronics and nanotechnology. With additional offices in the Netherlands, Taiwan, the United States, China, and Japan, imec employs over 1,650 individuals, including more than 550 industrial residents and guest researchers. The center focuses on both "More Moore" and "More than Moore" research, addressing semiconductor scaling and developing technologies for applications such as embedded systems, wireless solutions, biomedical electronics, and renewable energy. Imec aims to bridge fundamental research with industrial R&D, leveraging its extensive infrastructure and intellectual property portfolio. Its strong global network positions imec as a vital collaborator in advancing future technologies across various sectors, including health and life sciences.

imec.istart, founded in 2011 and based in Gent, Belgium, is a leading accelerator that supports technology startups. Recognized as the top university-linked accelerator in Europe by UBI Global, imec.istart focuses on nurturing early-stage companies across various technology sectors, including automotive, travel, telecom, real estate, music, mobility, entertainment, and advertising. The accelerator program aims to assist digital and nanotechnology startups in scaling their operations, providing them with essential resources and guidance to succeed in competitive markets.

Atlas Special Opportunities is an investment fund that offers innovative solutions to people in need of finance. They are credit-oriented, but in addition to lending, they are willing to purchase an asset or equity or function as a merchant partner in arranging a transaction between two parties. Their mission is to help individuals, organizations, and asset owners achieve what they want.

Epimède SA is a venture capital firm located in Liège, Belgium, established in 2015. The firm specializes in providing early-stage and growth capital investments to small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those in the technology sector. Its investment focus includes life sciences, such as biology and biotechnology, as well as engineering services, medtech, cleantech, and corporate services. Epimède typically invests between €1 million and €7 million in companies that have fewer than 500 employees, net capital assets not exceeding €75 million, and are not predominantly owned by non-SMEs. The firm aims to support companies with growth potential and takes an active role in their governance by participating in the Board of Directors and influencing key strategic decisions. With a strategic exit plan spanning three to five years, Epimède is dedicated to fostering the development of innovative businesses primarily based in Wallonia.

Andlinger & Company is a private investment and management firm founded in 1976 by Gerhard Andlinger, with headquarters in Tarrytown, New York, and additional offices in Austria and Belgium. The firm focuses on financing companies and technologies that have a positive impact on the global environment. It primarily targets industrial and technology sectors, providing operational and management support when necessary. As active board members, Andlinger & Company collaborates constructively with management teams to facilitate growth. The firm assists businesses in expanding from local or regional producers to national and international players by establishing agent and distributor networks, as well as pursuing add-on acquisitions.

Founded in 2016, Neope Capital Management is a private equity firm based in S-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. The firm seeks to invest in companies that are active in the Netherlands, Germany, and the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium.

Proximus Group, headquartered in Belgium, is a leading telecommunications company offering a wide range of digital services and communication solutions. It provides telephony, internet, television, and network-based ICT services to consumers, businesses, and the public sector under its Proximus and Scarlet brands. The company is the incumbent telecom operator in Belgium, with a significant market share in broadband and mobile services. Proximus is actively expanding its fiber optic network, aiming to cover 95% of Belgium by 2032. Additionally, its international carrier services division, BICS, is one of the world's largest, serving over 250 operators globally.

Eli Lilly and Company is a global pharmaceutical corporation that specializes in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and distribution of medicines. Its portfolio spans various therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, cardiometabolic, cancer, and immunology. Notable products include Verzenio for cancer, Mounjaro and Jardiance for cardiometabolic conditions, and Taltz for immunology. The company operates through owned or leased facilities in over 25 countries, selling its products in approximately 135 countries worldwide. Additionally, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, established in 1968, supports initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and promoting education, particularly in underserved communities.

Gilde Buy Out Partners, established in 1982, is a Netherlands-based private equity firm with offices in Utrecht, Paris, Zurich, and Brussels. It focuses on spin-offs, buyouts, and public-to-private transactions, investing in industrial, food and beverage, and business-to-business service companies. The firm targets equity investments ranging from €75 million to €600 million, and enterprise values between €100 million and €500 million, aiming to acquire majority stakes in its portfolio companies. Gilde is a subsidiary of Gilde Investment Management.

Founded in 1425, the multidisciplinary and research-driven University of Leuven (KU Leuven) has been a centre of learning for almost six centuries. Situated in Belgium, in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of international master’s programmes, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. Since its founding, KU Leuven has been based in the city that shares its name. Leuven is a pleasant, safe and bustling student town, where centuries-rich history meets cutting-edge science. The university also offers degree programmes at campuses in 11 Belgian cities, including Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp.