Supporting tech entrepreneurs since 2000

In 2000, the Wallonian government created WSL, the first tech incubator in Europe. It was intended to launch space-related spin-offs from all the universities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

The very mission of WSL has rapidily expanded beyond its spacial mandate to provide services for all engineering fields and sectors (aerospatial, electronics, defense, healthcare, cleantech, ...).

The DNA of WSL is to offer the best support to tech entrepreneurs who tackle key issues.

The team of experienced entrepreneurs is
listening every day to the needs and issues they encounter on the field. Each year, pilot projects are beeing launched so as to test new solutions, services or tools, useful for everyone.

This agility participates to WSL international renown as Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in its field, with tools having become industry references, such as MatMax™.

WSL development is pursued in close collaboration with its natural partners: universities, graduate schools, research centers, AWEX (Wallonia Export & Investment Agency), Wallonie Entreprendre, ...
This commitment to collaborating, deeply rooted in our vision, is also demonstrated through our many other partnerships in Wallonia-Brussels and abroad.

The WSL team is present at each stage of the support process

Our services to project leaders and to young growing companies

2023NATO - OTAN
2022TRL Booster MedTech
2021FinMax
2020CRL Booster
2019UBI international ranking
2019Green Booster
2018Belgian MedTech Booster
2017MatMax™
2017MedTech
Wallonia
2016Atom-it creation
2015Opening of the Well
2014Inauguration of The Labs
2012Opening of 3 new branch offices
2011Launch of Startech
2011Opening of the ESA label
2009Cross axis sustainable trade
2007New Luxembourg office
2005NBIA label obtained
2000Opening up to the first startups
2000Creation by the Walloon region

Geographic deployment

A presence all over Wallonia and Brussels territory as well as an international deployment.

If the cradle of WSL is situated in the heights of Liège, in the Liège Science Park, its outreach has always comprised the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in its entirety.

Over time and with successes, it has become essential to be physically present all around this territory. This presence within local ecosystems allows for a greater proximity with incubated businesses, universities, graduate schools, investors and other actors involved in the support.

In 2005, WSL became the first incubator outside of the USA labelled by the NBIA. Behind this honorary title lies significant efforts towards internationalization.

In 2007, WSL became the best incubator for European tech entrepreneurs.

In 2020, WSL reached the worldwide top 10 and European top 3 of tech incubators.

The companies supported by WSL

in a few figures
1.3 billion

Cumulative turnover of incubated companies since 2000

1,715

Direct jobs

205 million €

Total turnover in 2023 (193 M€ and 2022)

84%

Survival rate after 5 years for companies monitored by WSL

80,000 m2

Built-up area in Wallonia

30 million €

Cumulative turnover of incubated companies in 2023

16%

Annual rate of direct job creation

Between 25 and 40%

Annual growth in added value

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