MIC

What we do: MIC, formerly known as Microsoft Innovation Center, is a public-private partnership accelerator dedicated to supporting startups and companies whose core business or activities are technology-driven. The center focuses on helping businesses learn, innovate, and undertake entrepreneurial projects through conferences, certifications, networking events, project calls, practical workshops, and Architecture Design Sessions. MIC specializes in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, generative AI, emerging technologies, and AI training, aiming to boost performance, competitiveness, and autonomy in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Where we are located: MIC is headquartered at Avenue des Bassins, 64, 1st floor, 7000 Mons, Hainaut, Belgium.

Short history: Established in 2009 as a collaboration between Microsoft and the Walloon Region, MIC has evolved from the Microsoft Innovation Center to "Meet Innovate & Create" since 2020. It has continuously supported the digital economy in Wallonia by aiding companies in digitalization and fostering the local developer community. The center also engages in societal initiatives to reduce the digital divide.

Organization & culture: MIC operates as a non-profit association supported by both public and private partners, including Microsoft, HP, Voo, and Mobistar. It fosters a collaborative culture focused on innovation, learning, and entrepreneurship within the IT sector, particularly for SMEs and tech professionals in Wallonia.

Recent developments: In 2022, MIC launched the MIC Empower Program to assist companies in their digital transformation. Additionally, a new Experience Center is being developed to facilitate demonstrations and collaborations among IT partners and clients, further strengthening the innovation ecosystem in the region.