WeAreFounders is designed for ambitious first-time founders who want to turn an innovative tech idea into a startup. You can apply alone or with co-founders. The program is open to people from all backgrounds with a strong motivation to learn, test, and build their startup.

Your startup should have a clear technology or digital component. Technology should be at the core of your solution or play a central role in how it creates and delivers value to users.

Yes. You do not need to be a developer yourself, but you should have the technical skills within your team or access to the resources needed to build and test your MVP. By the end of the program, founders should be able to develop and launch an initial version of their solution.

Your project should be at an early stage, have a clear technology or digital component, address a meaningful problem, and show potential for growth. However, we look beyond the idea itself. We also value your motivation and willingness to develop your solution throughout the six-month program while contributing to the founder community. If you have the ambition to turn your idea into a reality, we encourage you to apply.

Applications are open from 17 August to 20 September 2026. To apply, complete the online application form, where you will explain your motivation and present your startup idea. There is no application fee. After the closing date, applications will be reviewed based on the eligibility criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their project during the selection jury on 28-29 September 2026. All applicants will be informed of the outcome before the program starts on 6 October 2026.

No. The program is designed for first-time founders, so you do not need to have officially incorporated your company before applying. You can apply with an idea or an early-stage project and explore its potential during the program.

No. You can apply with an idea or an early-stage project. You should, however, be ready to test your assumptions, learn from feedback, and actively develop your solution throughout this intensive six-month program.

Yes. WeAreFounders welcomes applicants from Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia, and abroad. Please note that the program takes place in person, so participants must be able to regularly attend activities at BeCentral throughout the six months. A minimum of 80% attendance at mandatory activities is required to successfully complete the program.

Yes. The program is open to employees, freelancers, students, and jobseekers, provided you can commit to the required participation throughout the six-month program.

Up to 30 startups will be selected to join the next WeAreFounders cohort following the jury selection on 28 and 29 September 2026. The program will start on 6 October 2026.

f you are not yet registered as a jobseeker, we recommend contacting your regional employment service (Actiris, FOREM or VDAB) as soon as possible to discuss your eligibility for the WeAreFounders training contract. If you are selected for the program, the Brussels Formation team will guide you through the administrative steps required before the program starts. As procedures may vary depending on your personal situation and region of residence, we also encourage you to contact your employment advisor if you have any questions.

If you are a jobseeker, Brussels Formation will provide you with a three-month training contract (35 hours/week) for the BUILD track. If you progress to the GROW track, your contract will be extended by a further three months. This contract changes your status from ‘active jobseeker’ to ‘jobseeker in training’ and entitles you to a training allowance (€2 gross/hour for Actiris jobseekers; conditions may vary for FOREM and VDAB). You will also benefit from insurance during the training and a lump-sum reimbursement of your travel expenses, paid upon arrival. Following recent reforms, Brussels Formation cannot guarantee that your unemployment allowance will remain unchanged during the training. This depends on your personal situation. For more information, please contact your advisor at Actiris, VDAB or FOREM.

You are expected to fully commit to your startup project and actively participate in the WeAreFounders program (including workshops, coaching sessions, events and networking opportunities.) As you receive a training allowance based on a 35-hour week, your commitment will be monitored throughout the program by Brussels Formation. This includes attending at least 80% of the mandatory workshops and completing the expected milestones on time. **What happen if my statut change during the program?** If you become a full-time freelancer or start a full-time job during the program, you must inform Brussels Formation so the necessary administrative procedures can be completed.

Startups selected for ESA BIC Belgium automatically join the WeAreFounders program as part of their incubation journey. Over six months, they follow the BUILD and GROW tracks alongside the WeAreFounders cohort, with access to workshops, peer learning and BeCentral's community. They also benefit from ESA BIC Belgium's dedicated technical coaching and equity-free funding for startups developing or leveraging space technologies.

The program lasts six months and starts on 6 October 2026. It is divided into two tracks, BUILD and GROW, with a jury evaluation halfway through to determine which startups progress to the second track.

Participants are expected to actively work on their startup throughout the six-month program and make their best effort to attend all mandatory workshops, coaching sessions, and key events. A minimum of 80% attendance at mandatory activities is required to successfully complete the program. The detailed schedule will be shared during the onboarding.

The entire program is delivered in English. Participants should have at least a B2 level to fully engage in workshops and exchanges with fellow founders throughout the program.

The program is in person. It takes place at BeCentral, the tech campus located directly above Brussels Central Station (Cantersteen 12, 1000 Brussels). This location is easily accessible by public transportation and a bike room is available for everyone. No dedicated parking is available on-site but the nearest option would be at Square de l’Albertine (Rue des Sols 3, 1000 Brussels).

If you join the new cohort, you will receive a BeCentral badge during onboarding, giving you access to the coworking spaces, common areas, and facilities throughout the six-month program.

You can join one of our weekly information sessions during the application period. If you have a specific question, you can also contact the WeAreFounders team by email at wearefounders@becentral.org.