Mastercard launches 'Mastercard Lighthouse' to support the next generation of Belgian startups

Built in Belgium and anchored in Europe, Mastercard Lighthouse Belgium connects high potential startups with real partners and opportunities, leveraging Mastercard’s expertise, network and longstanding presence in the Belgian and European ecosystem. The program reflects Mastercard’s commitment to supporting local innovation and creating the conditions for startups to grow sustainably within Europe.

“Belgium has a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, with startups that have the ambition and potential to grow beyond their home market,” said Benjamin Dessy, Country Manager BeLux at Mastercard. “Mastercard Lighthouse is a very practical way for Mastercard to contribute to the local ecosystem and support European growth journeys that start here in Belgium. By launching this program locally, we also aim to reinforce Belgium’s role as a market where innovation can be tested, refined and scaled, supporting startups that want to grow within Europe while remaining closely connected to the local ecosystem.”

A program built around partnerships and execution

Unlike traditional startup engagement programs, Mastercard Lighthouse is not focused on prizes, equity or pitching competitions. The program is built around access, credibility and execution.

Selected startups gain exposure to potential customers and partners, participate in relevant Belgian and international events, and work closely with Mastercard experts and senior mentors to move from pilot projects to long‑term partnerships.

The program also provides practical support to scale, including tailored workshops and coaching on topics such as compliance, product development and go‑to‑market strategy. The focus is on tangible outcomes and sustainable collaboration.

Reinforcing Belgium as a place to build and scale

Belgium is already one of Europe’s most dynamic startup hubs, combining strong talent, deep tech expertise and a dense SME fabric. With its European headquarters in Belgium and a long‑standing local presence, Mastercard is deeply embedded in the Belgian economy and committed to supporting innovation, SMEs and partnerships for the long term.

“The Lighthouse Program by Mastercard is a unique opportunity for Tech-startups, especially as innovation often takes time, confidence and even sometimes failure to fully mature. Startups need all the support they can get. I am convinced that being part of an ecosystem within a well-established company like Mastercard provides an inspiring environment to nurture innovation and accelerate growth," said Federal Minister of Economy, David Clarinval, "Europe must accelerate the creation of its next generation of champions and scale-ups. In 2024, more than 55% of all unicorns were located in the US, while less than 10% in the EU. Initiatives like Mastercard Lighthouse Belgium are a step in the right direction to help close this gap, strengthen our innovation ecosystem, and boost the competitiveness of our continent. I’m particularly pleased to see this initiative taking place in Belgium, as it reinforces our country’s position as an open, dynamic hub for innovation, rich in talent and full of potential.”

Who the program is for

Mastercard Lighthouse Belgium is open to Belgium based startups that:

The program welcomes startups whose solutions support or strengthen the broader financial services and SME ecosystem, including areas such as payments, cybersecurity, data and AI, small business solutions, blockchain and automation.

Each cohort will select 6 to 8 startups for a structured three month core Lighthouse curriculum which will include access to expert mentors and executive sponsors, Mastercard’s global assets, as well as training and workshops. Participation is free, with no equity or investment obligation. Selected companies may be fast-tracked to the selection days of Mastercard Start Path, Mastercard’s global scaleup engagement program.

Applications for Mastercard Lighthouse in Belgium are open from May through August 15, 2026, on mastercard.be. Companies that would like to be notified as soon as registration opens can sign up here.