Ghent, 10 February 2025 – Real estate developer Alides and Flemish investment company PMV have obtained the final, executable permit for the realisation of the AI Campus Hub in a UGent science park: Campus Ardoyen, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park in Ghent-Zwijnaarde. This means construction work will officially start in March. The AI Campus Hub will further Flanders’ position as a region excelling in AI, deep-tech and semiconductor photonics.
The AI Campus Hub will be a 20,000 m² landmark tower alongside the E40, where more than 600 experts from private companies and research institutes will collaborate on future digital technologies. Granting this final permit is an important step in developing this unique European deep-tech hub. Deep-tech builds on breakthroughs in science and engineering, such as AI, semiconductor photonics and quantum computing, to tackle complex societal and industrial challenges.
The AI Campus Hub is a key project within Tech Lane, the science park PMV is establishing in collaboration with UGent and Sogent. As the Hub stimulates innovation, the collaborative efforts of Alides, PMV and UGent will further enhance Flanders’ position as an international deep-tech centre.
A meeting place for co-creation and innovation
The campus provides dedicated spaces for AI and photonics innovation teams within large companies. Start-ups and SMEs will be welcome to use this meeting place for co-creation and innovation. A nearby clean room, already among the world’s top in semiconductor photonics development, will be further expanded in parallel with the tower.
Earlier this year, Alides announced the launch of Settlers, a co-working ecosystem concept aiming to address the needs of dynamic deep-tech companies and start-ups established at the AI Campus Hub.
Completion in 2027
The AI Campus Hub is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (Europees Fonds voor Regionale Ontwikkeling) and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund (Fonds voor Innoveren en Ondernemen – FIO) while receiving additional support from the City of Ghent and the Province of East Flanders. Architectural office EVR is responsible for the design. Algemene Bouw Maes will execute the construction work. Completion of the campus is scheduled for 2027.
About Alides
Alides is a renowned international investor and developer specialising in office property and residential real estate, with a strong presence in prime urban locations in Belgium and Poland. With Settlers, the company further expands its range of innovative workplace solutions while remaining committed to creating future-oriented spaces where professionals and businesses can thrive.
About PMV
Flemish investment company PMV (ParticipatieMaatschappij Vlaanderen) is a do-and-dare company that shapes the future of the Flemish economy. PMV provides capital to promising start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs to support their growth and internationalisation. PMV offers tailor-made financial solutions to entrepreneurs who can present a solid business plan and have a strong management team. These solutions may consist of capital, loans or guarantees. In collaboration with and on behalf of the government and other partners, PMV also carries out projects important for prosperity and well-being in Flanders. PMV manages a 1.7 billion portfolio.
About UGent
Ghent University (UGent), founded in 1817, is a leading university in Belgium. With its 86 departments, belonging to 11 faculties, the institution offers high-quality, research-supported education in virtually every scientific discipline. Ghent University is pluralistic and open to all, regardless of ideological, political, cultural or social background. UGent is an active partner in national and international cooperation in the fields of education, science and industry.
Media contacts:
| Kelly Moerman k.moerman@alides.be +32 (0) 479 90 36 41 | Frank Kindt frank.kindt@pmv.eu +32 (0) 472 42 07 90 | Wouter Haerick wouter.haerick@ugent.be +32 (0) 473 93 68 20 |
