Contribute to a better society
Digitalization
In today's complex and changing world, the technology industry aims to be a problem solver. We develop technology that accelerates the digitalisation of society and supports the data economy. At the same time, we make efforts to mitigate the negative effects of digitalisation.
Why is this important?
Embedding digitalisation in the economy and society
Digitalisation has become an integral part of our economy and society. It enables companies to carry out their processes more efficiently, quickly and accurately. With the right data and technologies, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, companies can develop products and services that meet new customer needs. Governments have also made significant progress in digitalisation, allowing citizens to handle more and more administrative matters online.
Helping Belgium’s digital sector thrive
The social and economic value generated by a strong digital sector is immense. It creates new jobs and offers countless opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. Moreover, it acts as a catalyst for the further digital transformation of various industries and public institutions.
Contributing to the climate transition
Digital applications are essential to achieving the climate transition. Smart buildings and IoT technologies help reduce energy consumption. Intelligent energy management systems ensure that renewable energy sources are used to their full potential. Digital technologies also make it possible to monitor resources, reduce waste production and optimise supply chains.
Agoria’s initiatives in 2023 and 2025
AI in action: from awareness to implementation
Since 2018, Agoria has been actively involved in artificial intelligence. The rapid developments in (generative) AI have made even more business leaders aware of the potential of this technology. Agoria launched the successful START AI initiative, helping companies identify AI opportunities within their own context. This programme runs across the three regions, each time in collaboration with the respective funding authorities. In 2024, the Agoria Corporate Event was entirely dedicated to AI under the theme “Unboxing AI”. More than 1,000 participants took part in a rich programme featuring an international keynote, breakout sessions, panel discussions and a Tech Fair. Agoria also organises inspiration sessions and masterclasses on topics such as AI Legal and AI4HR, co-coordinates the Flanders AI Forum, and provides guidance on the AI Act and Data Act.
Expanding the digital horizon: international inspiration missions
The digital world is evolving at lightning speed. For business leaders, it is more important than ever to look beyond their own environment and draw inspiration from other regions and sectors. That’s why, at the end of 2023, Agoria organised its first inspiration mission to Miami and Atlanta, focusing on Web3.0 and AI. At the end of 2025, a new mission will follow to Shenzhen and Taipei, centred around the latest trends in industrial AI, semiconductors and humanoid robotics.
Smart governments: digitalising the public sector
Agoria continues to advocate for the digital transformation of our public institutions. For years, digital companies have been part of the Digital Public Sector Working Group, and in early 2025, the new platform “TECH Belgium Government & Public” was launched. Through this platform, Agoria hosts business opportunity events where public-sector clients exclusively present their strategies, investments and upcoming projects to members. Agoria also defends its members’ interests through mandates within public administrations, focusing on digital priorities such as administrative simplification, eHealth, GEO-ICT, e-invoicing and more.
Technological innovation and digitalisation are essential to remain competitive. Companies that fail to keep up in time face real risks.
Katelijne Norga, Pantarein
Digitalisation is not only a technological but also a strategic challenge. It plays a key role in determining the future resilience of companies.
Katelijne Norga, Pantarein
Digitalisation is no longer an option but a necessary condition for sustainable employment and a future-oriented industry.
Wim Careel, ABVV
Our commitments
We aim to reach €2 billion in raised capital by 2030.
We aim for 60% of Belgian companies with at least 10 employees to be using at least one AI technology by 2030.
Where are we today?
The funding of young technology companies is a strong indicator of a country’s digital maturity and innovation capacity. In Belgium, no less than €1.43 billion was raised across 125 investment rounds in 2024 — a clear revival after the dip in 2023. This increase reflects growing confidence in the Belgian tech ecosystem and the appeal of digital solutions beyond the life sciences sector.
After steady growth in 2020 and 2021, Belgium experienced a record year in 2022, with €1.6 billion raised across 113 rounds. In 2023, investment activity fell to around €1 billion and 79 rounds, influenced by economic uncertainty and investor caution. However, the strong recovery in 2024 demonstrates that Belgian tech companies continue to position themselves as resilient and attractive players.
Although Belgium remains smaller in absolute volume compared to countries such as Germany, France or the UK, it performs remarkably well relative to its size. The deal value per capita and the high quality of its startups make Belgium an attractive destination for venture capital. In 2024, Belgium followed the European recovery trend but achieved relatively stronger growth than the average.
In 2024, 24.7% of Belgian companies with at least 10 employees were using at least one AI technology, an increase of 10.9 percentage points compared to 2023. This places Belgium among Europe’s top performers, just behind Denmark (27.6%) and Sweden (25.1%). These figures show that Belgian companies are increasingly using AI to automate processes, analyse data and enhance customer interactions. Larger companies are leading the way: in 2023, 47.9% of large enterprises used AI, compared with 12.5% of SMEs.
Across the European Union, the average AI adoption rate in 2024 was 13.5%, up 5.5 percentage points from 2023. Belgium’s figure is nearly double the EU average, highlighting its relatively high level of digital maturity. However, challenges remain. Companies report a lack of in-house expertise, high costs and difficulties integrating AI into existing systems as the main obstacles to further adoption.