Shaping the future of AI in Brussels together

Artificial Intelligence is creating new opportunities for businesses, but turning those opportunities into concrete growth also raises important questions:

• How can companies navigate the European AI landscape? 
• Where can they find the right support and funding? 
• And how can Brussels strengthen the connection between businesses, technology providers, public institutions and the wider AI ecosystem?

The Representation of the European Commission in Belgium, Agoria and BECI invite Brussels-based companies to join the Entrepreneurs’ Dialogue: Opportunities and Challenges for the AI Sector.

This evening will bring together companies, entrepreneurs, European institutions and business organisations for an open exchange on the opportunities and challenges facing the AI sector today. Representatives from the European AI Office and HADEA (European Health and Digital Executive Agency) will provide perspectives on the European AI framework and available funding opportunities, while Agoria and BECI will bring the discussion closer to the realities and needs of businesses in Brussels and Belgium. The evening will conclude with an interactive roundtable discussion, moderated by Jelle Hoedemakers, followed by networking.

Programme

17:30 – 18:00 | Welcome & registrationArrival and welcome of participants.

18:00 – 18:20 | The European framework for Artificial IntelligenceAn introduction to the European AI landscape and framework, with a representative from the European AI Office.

18:20 – 18:35 | AI opportunities and challenges in Brussels and Belgium perspectives from Agoria, sustAIn.brussels and BECI on the opportunities, needs and challenges faced by businesses developing or adopting AI.

18:35 – 18:45 | European funding opportunities for AIAn introduction to relevant European funding opportunities with a representative from HADEA.

18:45 – 19:45 | Entrepreneurs’ Roundtable: Opportunities and Challenges for the AI Sector. An interactive discussion bringing together companies, institutions and ecosystem representatives to exchange perspectives on the needs of the AI sector and the conditions required to support AI innovation and adoption. The discussion will be moderated by Jelle Hoedemakers and will include contributions from companies to help kick-start the exchange.

19:45 – 20:30 | NetworkingContinue the conversation and connect with companies, policymakers and representatives of the Brussels and European AI ecosystem.

Who should attend?

This Entrepreneurs’ Dialogue is intended for companies based or operating in the Brussels-Capital Region, particularly:

• SMEs and entrepreneurs developing AI solutions
• Companies looking to integrate or adopt AI in their activities
• AI and technology companies
• Business leaders and innovation managers
• Start-ups and scale-ups active in AI and digital technologies
• Organisations looking for European AI support, funding or collaboration opportunities

Whether you are developing AI technology or exploring how AI can support your organisation, the dialogue is an opportunity to share your experience, raise concrete challenges and connect directly with the organisations shaping and supporting the European AI ecosystem.

Practical information

📅 Date: Thursday 21st of January 2027

🕠 Time: 17:30 – 20:30

📍 Location: BeCentral Brussels, Cantersteen 12, 1000 Brussels

🌐 Language: English

💶 Participation: Free of charge

🎟️ Registration: Registration is required, please provide an example of a case you can bring to the round table when subscribing for the event. 

Organisers

The Entrepreneurs’ Dialogue is organised by:

• The Representation of the European Commission in Belgium: The European Commission’s voice in Belgium, connecting European policies and initiatives with citizens, businesses and stakeholders at national and regional level.
• Agoria: Belgium’s technology industry federation, bringing together and supporting companies in their digital transformation, innovation and sustainable growth.
• BECI: Brussels’ Chamber of Commerce, supporting entrepreneurs and companies in Brussels through business services, expertise, networking and advocacy.
• sustAIn.brussels: Brussels’ European Digital Innovation Hub, helping companies accelerate their digital and AI transformation through expertise, testing, training, access to finance and ecosystem connections.

The event brings together the Brussels business community and European institutions to create a direct dialogue around the opportunities, challenges and support needed to strengthen AI development and adoption in Brussels.