Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 programme

Raising the roof for tech innovation

Every year, Deloitte organises the Technology Fast 50 competition to put the spotlight on tech start-ups and scale-ups that are making their mark and give them the recognition they deserve.

The prestigious list provides one of the most objective rankings in the country, aimed at recognising innovative technology companies that redefine the cutting edge; transform the way we do business; combine technological innovation and entrepreneurship; and disrupt the technology industry.

These companies help us work smarter and more efficiently, paving the way to continued economic growth. Amid the unpredictable challenges of today, these accomplishments take passion, dedication, and resilience—and that deserves to be honoured.

The Fast 50 programme is an important part of our vibrant scale-up ecosystem. As the trusted advisor of start-ups and scale-ups, our experts share their knowledge with the entrepreneurs to help them address opportunities and challenges, and we partner with organisations to champion young companies.

This year marks 10 years of the programme celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in Belgium’s indigenous technology sector.

Application criteria

The eligibility criteria

To enter the Fast 50 or Rising Star category companies must meet the following criteria:

Considered a technology company that generates a significant portion (> 50%) of its operating revenue from the sale of products, services and/or licenses that are based on its own proprietary technology or technology related products.

Founded in Belgium and with the headquarters in Belgium

Public or private and active in one of these nine industries:

1. Communications & Networking
2. Digital Commerce
3. Electronic Devices, Hardware and Semiconductor
4. Enterprise Software
5. FinTech
6. Life Sciences & Health Care
7. Media & Entertainment
8. Mobility
9. Sustainability

What’s in it for your company?

Being recognised as a Technology Fast 50 winner has many potential benefits, including:

• Increased market visibility and credibility through the exclusive usage of the Fast 50 designation/logo
• Strengthened ability to attract and retain talent
• Benchmark your success
• Enhance your brand and customer recognition
• Increase your visibility with investors and corporate innovators
• Get local, national, and social media exposure
• Enjoy meaningful networking opportunities at the exclusive Fast 50 Awards Ceremony
• Celebrate the efforts and commitment of your entire company

The application process

To be considered for the Fast 50 programme, all applicants must go through the application process.

1. March 2023: Applications open
2. June 2023: Applications close
3. 20 September 2023: Rising Star preselections
4. End of September 2023: Fast 50 and Rising Star nominees announced
5. 26 October 2023: Fast 50 and Rising Star winners announced

We are delighted to announce the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 winners.

A select group of independent members

The Rising Stars are assessed by an external jury, whose members will be present for the Fast 50 Rising Star candidate pitches.

Duco Sickinghe

Managing Partner of Fortino Capital

Fortino Capital is a company that provides expertise and long-term investment capital to small and large businesses with growth potential. Duco Sickinghe was elected Manager of the Year for the growth and innovation achieved during his 10 years at the helm of the telecom company Telenet.

Veroniek Collewaert

Professor in Entrepreneurship at Vlerick Business School

Veroniek Collewaert is a professor, researcher and author who has published articles in journals such as Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice and Small Business Economics.

Heidi Rakels

Founder of Guardsquare

Heidi was the winner of the Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 Award in 2018 and the Deloitte Rising Star Award in 2016. Heidi was also ICT woman of the year in 2019. As a former judoka she won a bronze medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992.

Dimitri O

Co-founder Loop Earplugs

A nightlife lover and young father with tinnitus, Dimitri co-founded Loop Earplugs with Maarten Bodewes, his childhood best friend. In 2022, the company was named the fastest-growing tech start-up in Belgium. The brand of choice in markets around the world, Loop has elevated earplugs to earwear. Empowering users around the world to live life at their volume.

Benoît van den Hove

Head of Listing Belgium/Luxembourg at Euronext

Over the course of his career, Benoit van den Hove has developed wide expertise in financial markets, both from a legal and a financial point of view. Today he helps entrepreneurs and companies to raise funds in capital markets through the listing of shares or bonds on Euronext Brussels.

Ann Van Mele

Venture Acceleration Manager at Imec.istart

Ann Van Mele is passionate about innovation, embracing the unknown, and co-creation. She has helped many companies in different sectors to innovate and to grow. She currently coaches health start-ups on four levels: product, growth, market and investor readiness.

Be part of the ecosystem

In addition to the annual Awards Ceremony, we host different events to bring together the Fast 50 community throughout the year, sharing valuable insights with the members and giving them the opportunity to exchange ideas to support their growth.

The Fast 50 programme is an important part of our vibrant scale-up ecosystem. As the trusted advisor of start-ups and scale-ups, our experts share their knowledge with the entrepreneurs to help them address opportunities and challenges, and we partner with organisations to champion young companies.

Discover how you can benefit from this unique community