Vlerick in top five European business schools for efficient start-up creation 

We’re proud to have been named as one of Europe's major engines for entrepreneurship in a leading start-up index. 

The ranking – in the 2026 Redstone University Startup Index – recognises our ability to transform entrepreneurial talent into successful new ventures. With 66 startups created per €100m of institutional budget, we significantly outperform the European average and rank alongside some of the continent's most entrepreneurial institutions. 

The index is published annually by venture capital firm Redstone, in partnership with AlpMomentum, the Technical University of Munich and the University of Trier. It analysed more than 1,050 academic institutions across Europe. As well as measuring start-up creation in absolute numbers, the index assesses how effectively institutions convert their resources into viable start-ups. 

Turning entrepreneurial ambition into action 

Professor of Entrepreneurship, Miguel Meuleman, says the ranking highlights our distinctive approach to nurturing entrepreneurialism. It’s embedded throughout the learning experience, giving students and programme participants direct exposure to founders, investors and real-world entrepreneurial challenges. 

He said: "Our strength lies in turning entrepreneurial ambition into action. We expose students to multiple routes into entrepreneurship, provide access to entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, and create an environment where taking the leap becomes a realistic next step rather than a distant aspiration. At Vlerick, we don't just teach entrepreneurship. We build entrepreneurs.”  

Our alumni are the brains behind a number of thriving start-ups – including in recent years: Spotable, Conveo, Donna, ResultX, PermiPro and Labo Mérilo. 

Through programmes like our Masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Masters in General Management, they gained the skills, mindset and confidence to take the leap. Professor of Entrepreneurship, Veroniek Collewaert, says there are a number of ways Vlerick helps to accelerate start-up creation. 

“Our faculty know what it takes to pitch, build and scale a venture,” she said. “Unlike many institutions, our faculty blend world-class research capability with boardroom experience – sharing evidence-based, relevant insights that have been tested in real business environments. 

“We also tap into Vlerick’s vast entrepreneurial ecosystem – bringing founders and investors into the classroom to share best practice, hear pitches and offer advice. Our aspiring entrepreneurs immediately become part of an active community that offers support, guidance and opportunities to accelerate their start-up journey.”

Discover how we instill an entrepreneurial mindset at Vlerick 

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur – or you’re already developing your venture – we can help you go further…  

• Take a deep dive into the world of start-ups, scale-ups and innovation on our Masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship  
• Get the tools, insights and confidence to grow your business on our Challenge Bootcamp –and check out a bootcamp success story 
• Discover how we tap into Ghent’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem  
• Learn more about the Vlerick Student Entrepreneurship Fund, which supports three ambitious start-ups every year