MolenGeek Laeken, the new AI centre in Brussels

On Wednesday 25 September 2024, the King inaugurated MolenGeek Laeken, dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, an initiative supported by the City of Brussels. This new technological ecosystem marks a new stage in the expansion of this ecosystem dedicated to digital innovation and artificial intelligence. MolenGeek Laeken aims to train talent, incubate start-ups and organise events (workshops and hackathons), thereby contributing to the transformation of the technology sector in Belgium. The project aims to make new technologies accessible and encourage entrepreneurship among people with little training or who are excluded from the job market. 

A city that is dynamic and smart

AI trainings

A range of training courses are planned, including:

- AI training for job seekers: 15 students will be able to follow a seven-month programme with sessions lasting 5 days a week, from 9am to 5pm. The aim of this training is to become a Data Analyst. Selection will be based on motivation, with the additional criteria of being of age, registered with Actiris and living in Brussels.

- There are also two CEFA (Centres d'Education et de Formation en Alternance) classes planned for 15 students, in collaboration with the Athénée Royal Rive Gauche in Laeken, for a period of 2 years. Classes will take place 2 days a week, with 3 days of work experience in the company. Students will learn the Python development language, widely used in AI. Applicants must be aged 15 or over.

Support from the City of Brussels
In its desire to support the digital sector, an exponential provider of jobs, the City of Brussels has been associated with the initiative from the outset, which also helps to revitalise the district through innovative technological projects by creating economic and social prospects through inclusive initiatives. The initiative is in fact intended to reduce the digital divide, prevent a talent drain and offer innovative prospects in terms of training in both substance and form.

“As Alderman for Economic Affairs, Employment and the Smart City, I am pleased to attend the opening of this brand new training centre, which has been supported for 5 years by my predecessor Fabian Maingain. This innovative project combines my 3 mandates since it allows investment in projects with clear economic and employment benefits while contributing to the influence of our City, its attractiveness and its desire for digital innovation at the service of citizens.” Benhur Ergen, Alderman for Economic Affairs, Employment and the Smart City at the City of Brussels.

Actors of the ecosystem

His Majesty the King of the Belgians honored the event with his presence, alongside many of MolenGeek's strategic partners, such as Google.org, Meta, Amazon, Proximus, BNP Paribas Fortis, PwC, JPMorgan and Microsoft. The event brought together these key players to celebrate the launch of this new technological ecosystem.

The inauguration was punctuated by the announcement of significant support from Google.org, which has made a contribution of €600,000 to support the expansion and activities of MolenGeek. This funding includes the “Work and Learn” reskilling program, designed to help job seekers acquire technological skills while working, thus offering new opportunities in the field of IT. Several cohorts have already been launched, including with Proximus. In addition to the reskilling program, Google.org has also provided MolenGeek students with free access to Google AI Essentials, a course taught by Google’s artificial intelligence experts.

An international expansion
MolenGeek Laeken is the network’s fourth ecosystem in Belgium, after Molenbeek, Antwerp and Charleroi, and the ninth worldwide, with sites already established in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Padua and Casablanca. This expansion illustrates MolenGeek’s ambition to become a global player in the development of technological talents.

 

 

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