This selection of large research services organizations in Belgium primarily comprises universities and government-affiliated research institutes. They are characterized by their extensive workforces, often exceeding several thousand employees, and a focus on fundamental and applied research across diverse fields.
Key organizations include KU Leuven, a multidisciplinary university, Université libre de Bruxelles, a large multicultural university, and imec, which innovates in nano- and digital technology. VIB conducts pioneering basic research in molecular mechanisms, while VITO focuses on cleantech and sustainable development. The Research Foundation Flanders - FWO funds fundamental 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 |
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 | |||
| 3 |
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 | |||
| 4 |
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 | |||
| 5 |
University of Antwerpuantwerpen.be
Offers bachelor and master programs, conducts competitive research, supports doctoral studies, and fosters student-centered, competency-based education. |
5,488 | |||
| 6 |
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 | |||
| 7 | 1,772 | ||||
| 8 | 1,388 | ||||
| 9 |
Research Foundation Flanders - FWOfwo.be
This organization in Flanders funds fundamental research, providing fellowships, research projects, and awards to drive innovation and scientific excellence |
1,355 | |||
| 10 |
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 | |||
| 11 | 889 | ||||
| 12 |
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 | |||
| 13 |
Sciensanosciensano.be
A multidisciplinary research institute focusing on the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health through the "One Health" concept |
828 | |||
| 14 |
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 | |||
| 15 |
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 | |||
| 16 |
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 | |||
| 17 |
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 | |||
| 18 |
Flanders Makeflandersmake.be
Strategic research center driving open innovation, custom innovation trajectories, and testing infrastructure for manufacturing industry, contributing to future technological advancements |
325 | |||
| 19 |
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 | |||
| 20 |
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 | |||
| 21 |
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 | |||
| 22 |
Antea Group Belgiumanteagroup.es
International engineering specializing in environment, infrastructure, public space, and water solutions Driven by social issues, fostering teamwork for a better future |
239 | |||
| 23 | 237 | ||||
| 24 |
Eureka Networkeurekanetwork.org
Global network facilitating international cooperation in research, development, and innovation with presence in over 45 countries Providing research funding opportunities beyond borders |
229 | |||
| 25 |
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 | |||
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| 26 |
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 | |||
| 27 |
VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institutevliz.be
Coordination & information platform for marine research in Flanders, managing data center, research vessel, and serving as international contact point |
172 | |||
| 28 |
de Duve Institutededuveinstitute.be
A multidisciplinary biomedical research institute focused on understanding diseases to improve diagnosis and treatment, with a strong emphasis on basic research and collaboration |
158 | |||
| 29 |
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 | |||
| 30 |
Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomyaeronomie.be
A federal scientific research institute focused on studying the physics and chemistry of Earth's atmosphere, other planets, and outer space using various instruments and computer models |
150 | |||
| 31 |
ULiège - RISErecherche.uliege.be
This company at the University of Liège manages research, transfers knowledge, supports innovation, fosters collaborations, and promotes research projects with socio-economic partners |
149 | |||
| 32 |
CER Groupecergroupe.be
Provides high-quality life sciences and agriculture services including preclinical solutions, innovative products, and support for agricultural economic development. |
123 | |||
| 33 |
Belgian Road Research Centre (BRRC-CRR-OCW)brrc.be
A multidisciplinary team specializing in road construction, offering innovation, assistance, training, and expertise to support sustainable development and knowledge sharing |
120 | |||
| 34 | 116 | ||||
| 35 |
Verhaert | Masters in Innovationverhaert.com
Delivers integrated product development and managed innovation services through multidisciplinary teams to create new businesses, using sophisticated methodologies across various industrial sectors. |
107 | |||
| 36 |
Materia Novamaterianova.be
Develops sustainable materials and industrial processes through surface treatments, plasma technologies, and biopolymers while providing eco-design evaluations and technology scaling for industrial applications. |
101 | |||
| 37 |
Cenaerocenaero.be
A private non-profit research center providing numerical simulation methods and tools for innovation in various industries, high performance computing, and software solutions |
89 | |||
| 38 |
STRATECstratec.eu
Specialized consultancy in mobility, transport economics, urban and regional planning, logistics, environmental, and public services management, offering business strategy and innovative transport solutions |
82 | |||
| 39 |
VeroTechverotech.be
Specializing in consultancy and engineering services, we provide innovative solutions for R&D projects in sectors like aerospace, medical devices, and automotive |
81 | |||
| 40 |
Clean Hydrogen Partnershipclean-hydrogen.europa.eu
Finances research, development, and demonstration projects for hydrogen and fuel cells, accelerating commercial deployment of hydrogen-based energy and transport solutions across Europe. |
56 | |||
| 41 |
MOBI Electromobility Research Centremobi.research.vub.be
Innovative research hub for electromobility in Europe, dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable society through its work |
45 | |||
| 42 |
Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Biochemistry KU Leuvenbiw.kuleuven.be
A research laboratory focusing on food chemistry and biochemistry, specializing in cereals, to improve product quality and create value through collaborations and innovation |
43 | |||
| 43 |
imo-imomecuhasselt.be
A joint research institute conducting pioneering materials research for energy, healthcare, and quantum technologies, offering scientific services and collaboration with industry |
42 | |||
| 44 |
Meurice R&Dmeurice.org
Research center providing technical collaboration for brewery, fermentation, and food technology industries through bioprocesses, microorganism propagation, formulation, and protein purification services. |
29 | |||
| 45 |
De Blauwe Cluster (Blue Cluster)bluecluster.be
Blue Cluster is a group of innovative private companies focused on developing and promoting economic activities related to the sea |
27 | |||
| 46 | 21 | ||||
| 47 |
AINIGMA Technologiesainigma.tech
Specializing in AI-enabled medical applications, we focus on enhancing the accuracy and efficacy of medical diagnosis and treatment processes |
21 | |||
| 48 |
KU Leuven Additive Manufacturing Instituteset.kuleuven.be
Pioneering in Additive Manufacturing (AM) since 1990, focusing on polymer and metal parts production, process optimization, and research advancements |
16 | |||
| 49 |
Hydrogen Europe Researchhydrogeneuroperesearch.eu
A European scientific community promoting hydrogen technology, fostering innovation, supporting industry, and advocating for a circular, carbon-neutral economy through collaboration and networking |
14 | |||
| 50 |
Artialisartialis.com
European CRDO providing customized solutions from preclinical to post marketing, specializing in biomarkers for healthy ageing product development in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and supplements |
13 | |||
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How this list is built
Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
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