Ghent as a capital of knowledge: compact, yet world-class

Ghent proves that size isn’t everything. According to the latest ranking by Dealroom.co—an international data platform for startup and tech ecosystems—Ghent ranks 10th globally as a “Density Leader” and 4th in Europe, after Cambridge, London, and Stockholm. In other words: nowhere else packs as much innovation and knowledge per capita as Ghent.

Dealroom doesn’t just assess the number of companies or investments but focuses on impact relative to population size. And that’s exactly where Ghent excels. The city combines top academic talent, cutting-edge research, and a business-friendly environment within a compact setting.
This makes Ghent exceptionally attractive for conferences and seminars: knowledge, research, and innovation are literally within walking distance of each other. You’re not spread across a vast metropolis, but right in the heart of a dynamic ecosystem that works, evolves, and grows.

Ghent is the ideal location to host a conference or seminar and maximize its impact: you combine meaningful content with a powerful context. Whether you want to share knowledge, build networks, or find inspiration in tech, research, or sustainability—you’ve come to the right place. Moreover, Ghent is centrally located and easily accessible from across Belgium and the Netherlands, with Brussels Airport just an hour away by car. Its proximity to Bruges and the port of Zeebrugge-Ostend also adds strong logistical advantages. And after a full day of content? Then you can enjoy a vibrant student city, offering a lively nightlife, diverse gastronomy, and a rich cultural scene.

Our office is based in Ghent, so yes, we might be a little biased 😉. But precisely because of that, we truly understand how strong this city is. Ghent doesn’t feel like a typical large city, but rather as a perfectly integrated knowledge hub where everything is close by and seamlessly connected.
During projects, we consistently experience how easy it is to build connections between universities, companies, and research centers. This dynamic collaboration makes every event here more impactful and content-rich. Ghent is vibrant and thriving, something you can feel before, during, and after every seminar.

What makes Ghent so strong?

• Top universities such as Ghent University (UGent, including its globally renowned Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) and KU Leuven
• Strong educational institutions: university colleges, Vlerick Business School, KASK & Conservatory, and LUCA School of Arts
• Internationally recognised research centres such as VIB, VITO, imec, and the Flanders Heritage Agency
• Active knowledge sharing through Technology Transfer Offices
• A progressive business climate for start-ups and scale-ups
• A strong focus on future-oriented sectors, including technology and the circular economy

Ghent’s place in the top 10 is no coincidence. It is a city that deliberately invests in knowledge, innovation, and collaboration—and you can feel that in everything you organize or undertake there.

Curious how your next conference or seminar can grow in this compact powerhouse?
👉 Contact us and discover what Ghent can do for your event.