Ghent, Belgium – 28 January 2026 – Alides, PMV and Ghent University today announce the official start of the commercialisation of The Brain – AI Tech Hub. With this announcement, the partners are bringing the project at Tech Lane Ghent Science Park to the market, positioning it with the ambition to grow into a leading hub for artificial intelligence and deep tech, embedded within one of Europe’s strongest innovation ecosystems.
The Brain is located in Ghent, a city home to a world-renowned university and a thriving technology and innovation sector. The hub is part of the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, a 60-hectare science park that fosters close collaboration between academia, research, and industry. More than 5,500 researchers and 5,800 students work on-site across fields including AI, ICT, biotech, health, pharma, chemistry, photonics, and materials science.
Construction began last year and is progressing according to schedule. From summer 2027, companies, start-ups, scale-ups, and research organizations will be able to move in.
Three pillars supporting a strong ecosystem
The Brain is designed as an integrated ecosystem built around three complementary pillars:
- The Brain: A landmark tower of 20,000 m² offering sustainable, flexible, and light-filled workspaces, 360° views, and a rooftop terrace. It provides an ideal location for companies looking to establish themselves within the AI and deep tech ecosystem.
- Settlers: A flexible business and coworking concept for tech professionals. Whether a solopreneur, start-up, or growing team, Settlers offers tailored solutions to meet diverse needs.
- AI Tech Hub: A community where start-ups, researchers, and established companies collaborate to shape the future of AI.
Find out more about The Brain: www.thebrain.be.
“Launching The Brain marks a significant step in further establishing Flanders as a leading AI region,” said Rikkert Leeman, CEO of Alides. “This project goes far beyond real estate. We are creating a place where talent, research, and entrepreneurship mutually reinforce one another, in a prime location in Ghent at the heart of an internationally recognized knowledge ecosystem.”
Ghent as an International AI Tech Hotspot
With The Brain, Alides and PMV reaffirm their ambition to position Ghent as an international reference point for artificial intelligence and deep tech. The combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurship, and high-quality infrastructure makes The Brain a natural next step in the development of Tech Lane Ghent Science Park and the wider Ghent knowledge region.
PMV also emphasizes the strategic importance of the project. “The Brain contributes to the sustainable anchoring of AI and deep tech in Flanders,” said Michel Casselman, General Manager of PMV. “By investing in this initiative, we support an ecosystem that brings together research and industry, strengthening Flanders’ international position.”
The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Fund for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FIO), with additional support from the City of Ghent and the Province of East Flanders.
Find out more about The Brain: www.thebrain.be.
For more information, please contact:
- Lease offices:
Nicolas Vuylsteke, Commercial Manager Alides, +32 497 19 25 04, n.vuylsteke@alides.be - AI Community:
Wim De Wispelaere, Imec-IDLab-UGent Business Developer, +32 497 55 60 78, wim.dewispelaere@ugent.be
About Alides
Alides (www.alides.be) is an international real estate investor and developer active in Belgium and Poland. The company is backed by the Maes family, an entrepreneurial family from Ghent. Alides combines more than 130 years of experience with a forward-looking vision on real estate through Real Estate Upcycling, placing quality, sustainability, and innovation at the heart of everything it does.
With Settlers (www.settlers.be), launched in 2025, Alides offers a flexible business and co-working concept that responds to the evolving workplace needs of modern companies.
About PMV
The 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 customised 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 essential 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 across 11 faculties, the institution offers high-quality, research-supported education in nearly every scientific discipline. Ghent University is pluralistic and open to all, regardless of ideological, political, cultural, or social background. UGent actively participates in national and international cooperation in education, science, and industry.
