This selection features large research institutes in Belgium, predominantly universities and university hospitals. These organizations are engaged in higher education, advanced scientific research, and often provide specialized services to society. Many were founded in the 19th century, with others established more recently in the late 20th or early 21st century.
Key institutions include KU Leuven, a multidisciplinary university founded in 1425, and Ghent University, which offers diverse courses and conducts extensive research. Imec innovates nano- and digital technology, while VIB conducts pioneering basic research. Hôpital Erasme is an academic hospital providing patient care, education, and research.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
KU Leuvenkuleuven.be
A multidisciplinary university founded in 1425, offering research-driven education and being Belgium's largest and one of Europe's most renowned universities |
14,935 | |||
| 2 |
Ghent Universityugent.be
Offers diverse courses and conducts extensive research across multiple scientific fields, welcoming students from all backgrounds. |
11,347 | |||
| 3 |
Université libre de Bruxellesulb.be
Large multicultural university offering diverse academic programs, conducting advanced research, employing thousands, and fostering international collaborations and scientific events. |
7,528 | |||
| 4 |
Université catholique de Louvainuclouvain.be
Provides higher education programs, conducts high-level research, and offers services to society across multiple campuses in Belgium, employing thousands of staff. |
7,288 | |||
| 5 |
Vrije Universiteit Brusselvub.be
High-quality research, customised education, and strong social commitment focused on addressing future challenges with critical thinking and humanism. |
5,504 | |||
| 6 |
University of Antwerpuantwerpen.be
Offers bachelor and master programs, conducts competitive research, supports doctoral studies, and fosters student-centered, competency-based education. |
5,488 | |||
| 7 |
University of Liègeuliege.be
A public university in the Belgian French-speaking community focused on excellence in teaching, research, and innovation within a pluralistic vision |
4,883 | |||
| 8 |
imecimec-int.com
Innovates nano- and digital technology with global partners to create advanced solutions in healthcare, clean energy, and Industry 40 Shapes future |
4,867 | |||
| 9 |
Thomas More University of Applied Sciencesthomasmore.be
Largest university of applied sciences in Flanders offering a range of bachelor's degree and postgraduate programs in English and Dutch |
2,855 | |||
| 10 |
Hasselt Universityuhasselt.be
Dynamic university offering interactive education, fostering critical thinking, conducting innovative research, and supporting regional and international collaboration for sustainable development. |
2,297 | |||
| 11 | 1,772 | ||||
| 12 |
UMONSweb.umons.ac.be
Comprehensive academic institution providing diverse undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, engineering, economics, architecture, and medicine including specialized adult training and international research. |
1,714 | |||
| 13 |
Hôpital Erasme - Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelleserasme.ulb.ac.be
Academic hospital affiliated with a university, providing patient care, education, and research in various specialized fields with over 3,000 staff members |
1,633 | |||
| 14 |
Université de Namurunamur.be
A prestigious university in Namur, Belgium, with six faculties and 1300 staff members, offering cutting-edge research and unique Jesuit-inspired education |
1,497 | |||
| 15 | 1,388 | ||||
| 16 |
Thomas Morethomasmore.be
Leading educational institution offering a wide range of bachelor and associate programs to over 17,000 students in various locations, serving as a key partner for businesses and organizations |
1,033 | |||
| 17 |
Hasselt Universityuhasselt.be
An independent university with a global focus, specializing in education, cutting-edge research, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through interdisciplinary research and technology transfer |
951 | |||
| 18 | 889 | ||||
| 19 |
F.R.S. - FNRSfrs-fnrs.be
Funding and supporting fundamental scientific research, promoting intellectual freedom, fostering innovation, and training researchers for societal and economic growth. |
833 | |||
| 20 |
Sciensanosciensano.be
A multidisciplinary research institute focusing on the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health through the "One Health" concept |
828 | |||
| 21 |
HOWEST University of Applied Scienceshowest.be
Applied sciences university offering multidisciplinary, practice-based education, research, and community service with strong industry collaboration and innovative programs. |
787 | |||
| 22 |
HOWEST Hogeschool West-Vlaanderenhowest.be
A forward-thinking university offering diverse programs, focusing on practical education, research, and innovation to prepare students as competitive professionals |
663 | |||
| 23 |
Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerpitg.be
A leading institute in Antwerp, Belgium specializing in training, research, and assistance in tropical medicine and healthcare for developing countries |
625 | |||
| 24 |
LUCA School of Artsluca-arts.be
Multidisciplinary arts education and research across multiple cities, offering diverse professional and academic programs in visual, performing, and design arts. |
604 | |||
| 25 |
European Research Council (ERC)europa.eu
Stimulates scientific excellence in Europe, encouraging competition for funding between the very best, creative researchers of any nationality and age from anywhere in the world. |
598 | |||
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| 26 |
Vlerick Business Schoolvlerick.com
A leading international business school offering accredited programs, innovative research, expert faculty, and a spirit of openness, vitality, and innovation |
592 | |||
| 27 |
ILVO (Instituut voor Landbouw, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek)ilvo.vlaanderen.be
A research institute focused on sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and food processing, conducting policy-supportive scientific research to improve products and policy instruments |
576 | |||
| 28 |
Buildwisebuildwise.be
Founded by and for the construction industry, we aim to improve quality, productivity, and sustainability while fostering innovation in construction projects and companies |
439 | |||
| 29 |
UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxellesuclouvain.be
An university in the heart of Brussels focusing on humanities with programs in philosophy, law, economics, translation, and European studies |
421 | |||
| 30 |
EORTC - European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancereortc.org
A non-profit organization in Europe conducts clinical cancer research to develop better treatments, prolong survival, and improve quality of life for patients |
369 | |||
| 31 |
Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Managementsolvay.edu
Leading educational institution offering EQUIS- and AMBA-accredited programs in economics and management, focusing on training responsible professionals and promoting scientific excellence |
342 | |||
| 32 |
Royal Military Academy, Belgiumrma.ac.be
Provides academic, military, and physical training for future officers, conducts advanced training and university-level research for Defence needs. |
333 | |||
| 33 |
CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies)ceps.eu
A leading EU think tank based in Brussels since 1983, providing independent research and a forum for debate on EU affairs |
327 | |||
| 34 | 326 | ||||
| 35 |
Flanders Makeflandersmake.be
Strategic research center driving open innovation, custom innovation trajectories, and testing infrastructure for manufacturing industry, contributing to future technological advancements |
325 | |||
| 36 |
Royal Higher Institute for Defencedefence-institute.be
A leading defense institute in Belgium, focusing on research, scientific studies, training, and knowledge transfer in the fields of security and defense |
324 | |||
| 37 |
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Ghent Universityugent.be
Training future veterinarians, operating the largest national animal hospital, and conducting leading veterinary research with global recognition. |
306 | |||
| 38 |
KMDA vzwzooantwerpen.be
A society founded in 1843 managing four institutions, a nature reserve, and a concert venue, attracting over 2 million visitors annually Prominent in research and conservation |
301 | |||
| 39 |
CRA-W Centre wallon de Recherches agronomiquescra.wallonie.be
A scientific establishment under the Regional Government of Wallonia focused on agricultural research for sustainable development in Wallonia |
260 | |||
| 40 |
Faculté Polytechnique de Monsportail.umons.ac.be
Engineering education focused on civil engineering, combining scientific curiosity, mastery of sciences, and societal service with diverse career opportunities. |
255 | |||
| 41 |
INBO (Research Institute for Nature and Forest - Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek)vlaanderen.be
Independent research institute supporting Flemish government biodiversity policy through scientific research, data sharing, and advising nature and forestry organizations. |
249 | |||
| 42 |
Gembloux Agro-Bio Techgembloux.uliege.be
Leading institution in sustainable development and eco-innovation specializing in agronomic sciences, biological engineering, environmental management, forestry, agronomy, chemistry, and bioindustries |
245 | |||
| 43 | 235 | ||||
| 44 |
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciencesnaturalsciences.be
A Belgian Federal State institution involved in research, public service missions, and operating a museum with over 300,000 annual visitors |
235 | |||
| 45 |
CRM Groupcrmgroup.be
Research center providing innovative industrial solutions across circular economy, energy transition, digitalization, advanced manufacturing, and construction sectors for large companies and SMEs. |
230 | |||
| 46 |
Sirris | Innovation forwardsirris.be
Provides hands-on technological support, industrial research, and development services for Belgian companies across advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, green transition, and innovation management. |
227 | |||
| 47 |
Multitelmultitel.be
A private research center specializing in applied research and development for industry leaders, SMEs, and spin-off companies in various technological fields |
192 | |||
| 48 |
KU Leuven - Group T Leuven Campuskuleuven.be
Engineering education combining technical expertise with creativity, entrepreneurial skills, and holistic understanding of interconnected natural, cultural, and societal systems. |
190 | |||
| 49 |
Centexbelcentexbel.be
Provides textile manufacturers with technological innovation support, specialized testing, certification, and research services to enhance industrial competitiveness through sustainable development and expert consultancy. |
182 | |||
| 50 |
Royal Observatory of Belgiumastro.oma.be
Internationally renowned research institute specializing in Earth and space sciences, providing services to scientific community, government, and society |
151 | |||
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More company lists in Belgium
- The largest companies in Belgium 6,987
- Multinational companies in Belgium 1,745
- Manufacturers in Belgium 630
- Retail chains in Belgium 622
- Companies with in-house R&D in Belgium 605
- IT services companies in Belgium 551
- IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Belgium 542
- Family-owned companies in Belgium 435
- Software Development companies in Belgium 430
- Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in Belgium 409
- SaaS companies in Belgium 407
- Professional services firms in Belgium 396
- Critical infrastructure operators in Belgium 354
- Hardware manufacturers in Belgium 320
- Financial services firms in Belgium 314
- Distributors and wholesalers in Belgium 314
- Consulting firms in Belgium 285
- Retail companies in Belgium 285
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing companies in Belgium 282
- Truck Transportation companies in Belgium 259
- Logistics companies in Belgium 258
- Advertising Services companies in Belgium 222
- Education providers in Belgium 209
- Consumer goods companies in Belgium 205