On the site of the AZ Maria Middelares hospital in Gentbrugge, WATT The Health is rising, an innovative office hub developed by Revive, aimed at growing HealthTech, MedTech and SportTech companies, and promises to be a catalyst for innovation in the health sector; ‘We will open in May, but the project has already filled 40% of its capacity,’ says Julie Daelman of project developer Revive.
Importance of a place for innovation
WATT The Health emphasises collaboration and community building. ‘We are not a traditional business centre,’ says Julie Daelman, Commercial Executive at WATT The Health and HealthTech Consultant at Revive. ‘We focus on growing companies from four to about 50 employees, active in HealthTech and related sectors. By bringing like-minded entrepreneurs together, we accelerate innovation.’
The importance of a physical location, where entrepreneurs collaborate and exchange ideas on a sustainable basis, is essential to ensure a long-term innovative mindset. Innovation networks provide support, but collaborative working and cross-fertilisation in such a place makes all the difference.
WATT The Health supports the community through partners such as Deloitte, Imec.istart and MEDVIA. ‘With them, programmes will be launched to accelerate the growth of these tech companies,’ Daelman said.
Working with Maria Middelares as a testing ground
A key asset of WATT The Health is its proximity to medical institutions and experts. There can be intensive collaboration with hospital doctors and specialists to test and develop new technologies. Regular pitch rounds, events and networking sessions will also be organised to promote cross-pollination between entrepreneurs, doctors and researchers.
Maria Middelares will also open a Health Arena on the site in 2026: an innovative prevention centre where people can work on their health. It will be an ideal testing ground to test and demonstrate innovations in preventive healthcare. ‘We want to build a bridge between technology, science and practice,’ says Daelman.
Healthy working environment
Revive also aims to create a healthy working environment in the building itself. The sustainable and ecologically designed setting provides modern offices with plenty of light and natural ventilation. On each floor, employees can hold outdoor meetings, and the entire site is surrounded by a 6,500 sq m green park, where people can relax and exercise.
The site will house a healthy lunch bar Lubbi, operated by chefs from Ghent culinary hotspot Souvenir. ‘We want to offer a healthy and inspiring workplace,’ says Daelman.
Strong property developer with the S of ESG
Future entrepreneurs welcome
WATT The Health calls on innovative companies to be part of this unique community. ‘Whether it is medical technology, sports innovations or specialised suppliers, companies that want to contribute to the future of healthcare are welcome,’ Daelman concludes.
‘The opening in 2025 marks a new standard in the way Healthtech companies collaborate, innovate and grow. It positions Ghent as a key player in the health revolution.’
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