The Future 5 is a selection of the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Five talented and ambitious youngsters driven to become a next-gen top entrepreneur.
Take the spotlight
As part of The Future 5, you will get the opportunity to share your inspiring entrepreneurial story and pitch your startup on the stage of Future Entrepreneurship 2024.
Your story will take center stage in a dedicated social media campaign, and we’ll actively pursue opportunities to feature you in prominent news articles. Elevate your entrepreneurial presence – seize this chance to shine!
Expand your network
Getting the word out and making people aware is super important for every young entrepreneur.
We’ll actively spread the word about you and your startup, helping you build your network and grow your team of advisors. Whether your goal is to gain more customers or achieve anything else that matters to you, we’ve got your back!
Get mentored
We are strong believers in the selection of The Future 5. That’s why we will bring you in contact with mentors, experienced entrepreneurs and our partners who can help you advance to the next stage of your entrepreneurial story.
Do you need extra help in a specific field? We will help you find the right people to assist you in overcoming this hurdle.
TIMELINE
NOVEMBER 28, 2024
Applications open
Applications are open. You can now apply to be part of The Future 5!
MARCH 9, 2025
Applications DEADLINE
Ensure that your application is submitted no later than March 9th.
MARCH 16, 2025
Pitch selection
The selection of startups that are invited to the #TF5 Pitch Night will be unveiled.
MARCH 20, 2025
INFOSESSION
The selected startups for the #TF5 Pitch Night will be invited for a mentoring session to optimise their pitch.
MARCH 27, 2025
Pitching time!
Pitch you startup in front of a professional jury at Future Entrepreneurship 2025 at Waagnatie, Antwerp.
APPLY TO PITCH
Step into the spotlight of innovation! The Future 5 is thrilled to announce that applications are officially open! Are you the spark of the next startup sensation? Seize this opportunity by filling out the form below. Got burning questions? We’re here for you — reach out and let’s shape the future together!
FAQs
To be considered for The Future 5, your venture needs to meet specific criteria:
- Innovative Solution: We’re looking for ventures that are actively working on innovative solutions to address current challenges in your field.
- Product/Service: Your company must be operational, possessing a company number, and either a working prototype or a functioning product or service.
- 3 years: Your startup cannot be operational for more than 3 years (this relates to the first day since your product/service was released on the market).
- Customer Base: While having a customer base is not mandatory, it’s a plus if you’ve already started building one.
- Age Under 27: To be eligible, one of your team members should be under the age of 27.
- Geographic Location: Your company must be located in Belgium.
The application deadline for The Future 5 is on March 9th, 2025.
Ready to supercharge your startup? Apply for The Future 5 now!
Get expert advice from experienced entrepreneurs, connect with a supportive community, and boost your innovative idea. It’s your ticket to fast-track growth and make meaningful connections.
Please submit your application exclusively through the form on our website located just above this section. Ensure your application is complete, as changes cannot be made once it’s submitted.
The fate of The Future 5 rests in the hands of a discerning jury comprising entrepreneurs, esteemed partners, and external experts. This diverse panel brings a wealth of experience and insight to the selection process. Their collective expertise ensures that only the most promising and innovative ventures will emerge as the final Future 5.
Following the application deadline on March 10th, an initial screening will take place to identify standout candidates.
Successful entrepreneurs from this screening will receive invitations to an exclusive pitch preparation session. Here, you’ll fine-tune your project presentation. On march 21st, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch your project directly to the esteemed The Future 5 jury, who will ultimately make the pivotal decision in selecting the final participants.
Still have questions?
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
THE FUTURE 5 OF 2024
Julien Lanssens
Meet Julien from Yoshi Foods. They offer an innovative coating solution for powdered foods that extends shelf life, improves texture and taste, and eliminates the need for traditional packaging, reducing waste and enhancing product quality.
Ulysse Maes
Meet Ulysse, the founder of Scribewave. His aim is to streamlines media processing with accurate multilingual speech-to-text, advanced editing tools, and multimodal conversions, saving time for journalists and content creators.
Ben Bauwens
Meet Ben from Homely. The company aims to helps young professionals buy homes by providing down payment assistance through a social impact investment fund, offering investors equity in properties while reducing homeowners' financial burden.
Chiara Rousseau
Meet Chiara, the co-founder of kofVie. Their aim is to transform coffee grounds from waste into a valuable resource, inspiring sustainable choices and making a positive impact on the environment and society.
Karst Vereecken
Meet Karst, the founder of Kiko Foods. With his company he creates healthy, Nutri-score A biscuits from fruit waste, making nutritious snacks convenient, tasty, and fun for kids while promoting sustainable eating habits.
THE FUTURE 5 OF 2023
Elly Van der Heyden
With sustainability and convenience in mind, Elly came up with the idea of Yui Skin, a powder-based face cleanser that can easily be mixed with water.
Thomas Desaranno
Meet Thomas, the Co-founder of Mindthriven, a company that is transforming the mental health industry with their innovative platform, Mindy.
Manush Barvar
Meet Manush, the co-founder of BRAUZZ. BRAUZZ. is committed to providing customers with eco-friendly and easy-to-use cleaning products.
Sophia Huybrechts
Sophia is the founder of 3-DEE, a company that creates customized virtual tours to enhance the customer experience and accelerate the sales process.
Emiel Cockx
Meet Emiel, the Co-founder and CEO of Genvision, a cutting-edge company that is revolutionizing the way we measure and visualize carbon capture.
