The Awards is an inspiring programme with the icing on the cake being a spectacular live show on 12 May. During this evening, the prestigious titles ‘Student Entrepreneur of the Year’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Researcher of the Year’ will be awarded to the most promising finalists.
Dutch version
Are you a student entrepreneur in Ghent between 18 and 27 years old? Do you see yourself as a role model who proves the added value of combining studying and entrepreneurship? Would you like to sharpen your pitch skills? Check, check and check? Then take part in the programme and who knows, maybe you will soon be shining on stage and go home with a prize!
Are you a researcher in Ghent between 18 and 35 years old? Do you combine your research with entrepreneurship? Would you like to improve your pitch skills and be an inspiring example for other researchers? Then apply for The Awards and get a chance to become Entrepreneurial Researcher of the Year!
23 February 2026 & 24 February 2026 • Selection pitches for the programme
05 March 2026 • Pitch training
16 March 2026 & 17 March 2026 • Rehearsel pitches
30 March 2026 • Selection pitches for the live show
02 April 2026 • Photo & video shoot
21 April 2026 • Media training
05 May 2026 • Rehearsel pitches
12 May 2026 • Live show
You have until Thursday 15 February 2026 (the form will go offline at 12 noon) to apply. Applications received afterwards will not be accepted.
Tuesday 12 May is the day: The Awards! The festive evening that puts student entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial researchers in the picture!
Who will be crowned this year's Student Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurial Researcher of the Year? Get inspired by the finalists and their fascinating stories, surprising ideas and convincing pitches.
Come and support your favourite, discover the young entrepreneurs of today and enjoy a drink. It promises to be an exciting and inspiring evening!
Tickets for The Awards live show
Curious about what an evening like this looks like? Be sure to check out the videos below.
Setting up a spin-off company is adventurous and often challenging. That’s why Ghent University TechTransfer and Gentrepreneur organise the Spin-Off Café: an informal and inspiring evening where researchers with spin-off ambitions meet entrepreneurs. In this edition, we welcome three speakers who will share their personal journeys: the ups, the downs, the unexpected turns, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way. Expect concrete insights, practical tips, and lessons learned that can help you prepare for your own spin-off journey.
The Night is dé avond waar Gentse studenten, onderzoekers, jonge ondernemers en ondernemers in spe samenkomen om zich te laten inspireren, nieuwe connecties te leggen en frisse ideeën op te doen. Deze editie verwelkomen we niet één, maar twee sprekers. Ze delen hun ondernemersverhaal, de uitdagingen die ze tegenkwamen en de lessen die ze onderweg leerden.
