iCUBES: ICT incubator
Founded in 2007, iCUBES is an incubator for the ICT sector: the project of POM East Flanders, IMEC, PMV and the City of Ghent wants to create a dynamic climate for ICT companies in the start-up and growth phase. iCUBES welcomes initiatives that are knowledge-intensive and have a scientific collaboration with UGent or another affiliated knowledge institution. The incubator offers them logistical and operational support in a striking building built in 2015. There is still room.
The incubator is located on the 7th and 8th floors of the AA tower at the gateway to TechLane Ghent in the Zwijnaarde technology park. Thanks to the presence of several UGent research groups and the international research centres IMEC and VIB, that science park is growing into a unique cluster of knowledge and innovation. The new AA Tower, a sustainable building built in 2015, is within cycling distance of Ghent’s Sint-Pieters railway station. An undeniable added value is the proximity of the research groups and centres, creating a community that promotes networking and synergies. The link with PMV is also an asset: the Flemish investment company meets the financing needs of seed, early-stage and more mature ventures in the ICT sector via venture capital.
Synergy leads to innovation
Since the incubator’s inception, dozens of companies have already grown successfully in various ICT fields, thanks in part to the cooperation with the research groups and centres that ensure a thorough synergy between the various fields, thus facilitating the emergence of new innovative activities. iCUBES offers them logistical and operational support: there is a strategic service package to successfully start up and expand companies. There are furnished offices from 28 m² in a highly adaptable formula, both in time and space. Besides office space, there is also professional reception from 8am to 6pm, extensive meeting facilities with the necessary IT and video equipment, a diverse range of services and a kitchen with dining area. Parking is available just next to the building.
Capital participation of PMV
PMV has a minority equity stake in iCUBES. The project was a pilot project in its strategy to also structure and finance other incubators and science parks, which has since been done. Among other things, PMV invested in Blue Gate with incubator BlueChem, in Tech Lane Ghent Science Park and in the bio-incubator at the VIB headquarters. PMV also has a role to play in financing the companies in iCUBES: the Flemish investment company can provide them with capital directly if a convincing, promising and profitable business plan is submitted.
The project in numbers
iCUBES contains more than 2,000 m² of gross floor space for different types of workplaces. The new building has been in use since 2015.
Other partners
- POM East Flanders;
- IMEC;
- City of Ghent.
A capital participation from PMV: also for your project?
Find out how a capital participation from PMV might be the solution for financing your heritage project: request the presentation.
