The Awards | Gentrepreneur

The Awards

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The Awards is an inspiring programme with a spectacular live show in the Wintercircus as icing on the cake. During this evening, the prestigious titles “Student Entrepreneur of the Year” and “Entrepreneurial Researcher of the Year” will be awarded to the most promising finalists.

Registrations for The Awards 2026 are closed. You can apply again in December 2026.

For whom?

Students with a company number and researchers with a concrete idea.

Categories

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Student Entrepreneur of the Year

Are you a student entrepreneur in Ghent between the ages of 18 and 25? Do you see yourself as a role model who proves the added value of combining studying and entrepreneurship? Would you like to sharpen your pitching skills? Check, check and check? Then take part in the programme and who knows, maybe you will soon be shining on stage and go home with a prize!

Entrepreneurial Researcher of the Year

Are you a researcher in Ghent? Do you combine your research with entrepreneurship? Would you like to improve your pitching skills and be an inspiring role model for other researchers? Then apply for The Awards and get a chance to become Entrepreneurial Researcher of the Year!

Timing

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The course of The Awards 2026 is as follows.

Selection pitches for the programme.

February 23 - 24

Pitch to a jury to be admitted to the The Awards programme (a maximum of 8 candidates will be admitted per category).

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Pitch Training

March 05

Refine your final pitch and learn how to deliver a conving story.

Rehearsal Pitches

March 16 - 17‍

Come and practice your pitch to get ready for the final selection pitches.

Selection pitches for the live show

March 30

Pitch to be selected as a finalist during the live show.

Photo and video shoot

April 02

Step into the spotlight! Professional photos and videos will be made for the campaign and live show.

Media Training

April 21

Learn how to deal with media attention and how to put your company in the best possible spotlight.

Rehearsal pitches

May 05‍

Come and practice your pitch to prepare yourself for the finals.

Live Show

May 12

Take the stage at the impressive Wintercircus and maybe you'll become the Student Entrepreneur or Entrepreneurial Researcher of the Year!

Terms and conditions

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Read the full terms and conditions here:

Student Entrepreneur
2025

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Get to know the Student Entrepreneur of 2025 in this video.

Entrepreneurial Researcher 2025

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Get to know the Entrepreneurial Researcher of 2025 in this video.

They went before you

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“

Last year, I won The Awards as Student Entrepreneur of the Year. It was a fantastic opportunity and a real learning experience. It opened doors, gave my company extra visibility and brought a nice prize package.

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Valentin Van DaeleCaramelle, Don't Drag Me, Wigs by Caramelle

They went before you

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“

Winning The Awards gave me the final push to set up my spin-off company. Moreover, it was very enriching to present my research in a non-scientific way: I got to know other researchers and how to communicate my story to journalists.

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Chiara GuidiB-COS