Innovator Prize Gala 2025, INSEAD Alumni Association of Belgium

The President and members of the INSEAD Alumni Association Belgium have the honor to invite you to their annual flagship gala event: The Innovator Prize 2025.

This year’s award will be presented to the Ghent Tech Ecosystem, with the prize being accepted by the following leaders: Lorenz Bogaert, Pieterjan Bouten, Alain De Taeye, Jonas Dhaenens, Matthias Geeroms, and Louis Jonckheere. Their contributions embody the spirit of a dynamic community where creativity, engineering, and entrepreneurship come together to drive world-class innovation. In recent years, Ghent has established itself as a prominent tech hub, not only within Belgium but also on the European stage.

The event will take place at Wintercircus, Ghent: an iconic venue that beautifully blends innovation with architectural heritage, offering the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration, networking, and inspiration.

Proceeds from the event will support the Belgian INSEAD Alumni and Council Scholarships Fund.

Dress code: business formal or black tie.

If you are interested in Corporate Tables or sponsoring the event please contact Muriel Van Severen via [email protected]

We look forward to celebrating this extraordinary achievement with you.

***

About the Gent Tech Ecosystem

Gent Tech is a fast-growing innovation hub powered by a close-knit community of founders, technologists, and creatives. At its heart lies the iconic Wintercircus, an architectural landmark reborn as a vibrant space for collaboration and entrepreneurship. This ecosystem reflects a unique blend of creativity, engineering talent, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Lorenz Bogaert

A serial entrepreneur behind Netlog, Delta, and Rydoo, Lorenz Bogaert has led some of Belgium’s most impactful digital ventures. His track record spans social media, fintech, and SaaS, always with a sharp eye for disruption. He is an active force in Gent Tech, mentoring and investing in new talent.

Pieterjan Bouten

Visionary entrepreneur and Co-founder of Showpad, Pieterjan Bouten has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way businesses empower their sales teams. His dedication to building user-centric platforms has positioned him at the forefront of Belgium’s tech success stories. He has transitioned from being an entrepreneur to an investor, founding his own venture capital firm, Entourage.

Alain De Taeye

Founder of Tele Atlas and board member at TomTom, Alain De Taeye is a pioneer in digital cartography and geospatial intelligence. His involvement in the Gent Tech ecosystem brings unmatched experience to Wintercircus, where he continues to inspire innovation through mentorship and leadership.

Jonas Dhaenens

As founder and CEO of team.blue, Jonas Dhaenens has built one of Europe’s leading digital enablers for entrepreneurs and SMBs. A self-taught tech entrepreneur, he has scaled the company across multiple countries, championing accessible and secure digital infrastructure.

Matthias Geeroms

Co-founder and CFO of Lighthouse, Matthias Geeroms blends strategic insight with a passion for data-driven decision-making. His ventures have empowered thousands of businesses worldwide and he remains an active contributor to Gent Tech’s thriving startup scene.

Louis Jonckheere

Co-founder of Showpad and CEO of Wintercircus, Louis Jonckheere has consistently pushed the boundaries of digital innovation. After scaling Showpad into a global leader in sales enablement, he now drives the transformation of Wintercircus into a beacon for tech and creativity at the heart of Ghent Tech.

The Innovator Prize has been awarded by the INSEAD Alumni Association in Belgium since 1986. The association, chaired by Fred Boels, has more than 2,400 members in Belgium.

Every year, the Prize is awarded to an entrepreneur or scientist for his or her innovative capabilities during a prestigious gala dinner that welcomes around 400 guests, including many captains of industry and business decision makers.

***

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wintercircus, Miriam Makebaplein 2, Gent, Belgium