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VUB programme lifts AI start-ups and new entrepreneurs to the next level

University launches second edition of the project

Friday 2 February 2024 - The Business Development Academy (BUDA) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the AI for the Common Good Institute (FARI) are launching the second edition of the FARI AI Accelerator programme. Over six months, new start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs will acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to help their business grow. Through the project, VUB is assuming its responsibility as an urban engaged university: the aim is to give a boost to the economic fabric of the Brussels region.

The BUDA and FARI AI Accelerator programme consists of training on business development and personal guidance for participants from experts in the sector. The first edition was a great success, thanks to the cooperation between the BUDA team, guest speakers, mentors and participants. Given the success, and the fact that AI remains a vey relevant issue, the partners have decided to launch a second edition.

A closer collaboration with hub.brussels and its medtech accelerator programme means that participants are offered an even wider programme. This will help them to grow much faster, according to Geoffrey Aerts, director of VUB BUDA:

“Our hybrid programme includes both online and in-person meetings in Brussels. Panels of experts from the industry share their experiences and give valuable advice on topics such as fundraising, product development and market strategy. At the end of the programme, participants have the chance to present their start-up at a pitch session with a group of potential investors. This cross-pollination of ideas and insights will help participants to improve and realise their ambitions.”

The programme is free of charge. Interested AI-related start-ups and entrepreneurs can register until 15 March via the BUDA website.

About BUDA
​The VUB Business Development Academy aims to encourage high-quality academic business development by offering market research and customised training courses. BUDA also strives to offer researchers the tools, resources and connections they need to translate their knowledge and expertise into social or economic value.

About FARI
​FARI is an initiative aimed at developing, studying and promoting the application and management of AI, data and robotics technology, in a reliable, transparent, open, inclusive, ethical and responsible way. Inspired by humanistic and European values, FARI focuses on AI-related technologies for social benefit, such as strengthening and upholding fundamental human rights and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

More information

Nathalie Vlaemynck

Nathalie Vlaemynck

Woordvoerder en algemeen perscontact (beschikbaar op maandag, dinsdag en woensdagvoormiddag)

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About Press - Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an internationally oriented university in Brussels, the heart of Europe. By providing excellent research and education on a human scale, VUB wants to make an active and committed contribution to a better society.

The World Needs You

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel assumes its scientific and social responsibility with love and decisiveness. That’s why VUB launched the platform De Wereld Heeft Je Nodig – The World Needs You, which brings together ideas, actions and projects based on six Ps. The first P stands for People, because that’s what it’s all about: giving people equal opportunities, prosperity, welfare, respect. Peace is about fighting injustice, big and small, in the world. Prosperity combats poverty and inequality. Planet stands for actions on biodiversity, climate, air quality, animal rights... With Partnership, VUB is looking for joint actions to make the world a better place. The sixth and last P is for Poincaré, the French philosopher Henri Poincaré, from whom VUB derives its motto that thinking should submit to nothing except the facts themselves. VUB is an ‘urban engaged university’, strongly anchored in Brussels and Europe and working according to the principles of free research.

www.vub.be/dewereldheeftjenodig

 


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