From data to impact: how to shape sustainable entrepreneurship
At Start it, we believe that the best way to predict the future is to shape it ourselves. After ten years of supporting more than 1,800 startups, we've learned that sustainability is no longer a 'nice-to-have' – it's the foundation on which the next generation of entrepreneurs builds their companies.
The numbers tell the story
Of the 1,571 Belgian startups we've supported to date, 56% tell a story of sustainable impact:
- 473 startups (30.1%) have fully integrated sustainability into their core activities
- 405 startups (25.8%) implement sustainable practices, even though it's not their main focus
Together, they contribute to a better world through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What stands out is where our startups focus their energy. Health and well-being (SDG 3) tops the list with 14.1% of our startups, followed by responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) with 9.9%. This focus on health and conscious production reflects the current mindset we live in – post-corona, we're more aware of our well-being and our impact on the planet.
Hardware Startups: the unexpected champions
One of the most surprising insights from our 10 years of startup data? Hardware startups are the real sustainability pioneers. A remarkable 74% of our hardware startups contribute to SDG objectives, compared to 54% across all sectors. These are entrepreneurs working on waste reduction, smart agriculture, clean water systems, and sustainable packaging – sectors where technology enables tangible change.
Despite typically facing higher complexity and costs, hardware startups show exceptional resilience: they have higher survival rates than average, often create more value through patents, and deliver greater impact on sustainable development.
Recognizing this potential, we recently launched Start it Hardware in partnership with Leuven MindGate – Belgium's first dedicated hardware accelerator.
From theory to practice
Love Tomorrow Summit: where innovation and impact meet
On July 24th, we brought together 17 carefully selected startups at the Love Tomorrow Summit in Boom – one per SDG. For the 3th year in a row, Start it X and Love Tomorrow joined forces to connect sustainable innovators with business leaders, investors, and policymakers from Belgium and abroad.
The diversity of solutions was impressive: from Bloom Biotech developing textiles based on microalgae (SDG 14) to UTO Technologies making traffic safer for cyclists with AI cameras (SDG 16). Aspilon develops high-quality camouflaging cosmetics for people with skin conditions (SDG 10), while Slimbox reduces parcel volume by 40% through custom packaging (SDG 12).
These startups didn't just get a unique platform, but also intensive pitch training, access to mentors, and C-level introductions.
Our matchmakers facilitated targeted introductions with relevant partners – because the goal is clear: match innovative,sustainablesolutions with markets, capital, or distribution partners to accelerate positive impact.
Scale it Agro: where innovation meets agriculture
Through programs like Scale it Agro, we go a step further - building thematic accelerators that target key sectors for sustainability.
Launched in early 2025 with the support of AIF, Arvesta, Boerenbond, Cera, and KBC, Scale it Agro is designed to help agri-tech and agri-food scale-ups bring sustainable innovations to the field - faster.
Sustainability in agriculture is about more than just reducing emissions. It's about preserving soil health, respecting biodiversity, lowering climate impact, and still ensuring that farming and horticulture remain economically viable.
Opportunities for tomorrow
What we've learned in ten years is that sustainability doesn't stop at green technology. It's about creating ecosystems where entrepreneurs can thrive while contributing to a better world.
Our analysis also shows where there's still room for growth. SDGs like povertyreduction (SDG 1), gender equality (SDG 5), and climate action (SDG 13) are still underrepresented in our ecosystem. These aren't just challenges – they're opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs to make an impact.
The future is green ♻️
Sustainability at Start it @KBC isn't a marketing term – it's woven into our programs, our matchmaking, and our ecosystem logic. From hardware to health, from circular economy to clean energy: we support founders with ambition and a mission.
Because ultimately, it's not just about building successful companies. It's about shaping a future where entrepreneurship and sustainability go hand in hand.