On June 6, JCI named Bart van Acker Flemish Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The founder and CEO of Quality by Design, the reference in consultancy for the life sciences industry, previously won the title in the Antwerp election, back in April. During the Flemish finals in Zwevegem, he additionally managed to beat the winners of the other four provinces.
The Junior Chamber International, an organisation for high potentials, leaders and entrepreneurs between 18 and 40 years old, presents this award on an annual basis to someone who runs a business in an exceptionally sustainable way. This year Filip Timmermans (Skilpod), An Warrens (KDS), Moustapha Kharbouch (Ensur) and Gunter Ghysels (Get Driven) were also in the running.
Similar to two months earlier, the jury seemed highly impressed with the way Van Acker founded his company Quality by Design and how he managed to turn it into the reference in consultancy in just eight years’ time.
The enormous growth QbD went through in the past few years, which was both sustainable and strategic, is truly impressive. And the company isn’t just making large strides in Belgium, but on an international level as well. Also, QbD contributes a lot to a socially highly relevant industry. That’s why Bart absolutely deserves this award.
8 years of growth
In 2011, Bart van Acker – bio-engineer specialising in cell and genbiotechnology – founded his consultancy company Quality by Design. Very quickly, QbD grew to become the Belgian reference in consultancy for the life sciences industry (pharma, biotechnology, medical devices, cosmetics, healthcare). Today, the company employs more than 180 people and is also active in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Mexico and Colombia.
Bart van Acker: “Becoming Antwerp Young Entrepreneur of the Year was already a big deal. And I’m even prouder of this Flemish award. There are very few places in the world that have such a high concentration of talented entrepreneurs and promising companies. Which is highlighted by the other participants, they’re all fantastic entrepreneurs. I have managed to turn my passion for biotechnology and entrepreneurship into an international company, filled with fantastic people who work hard and have fun together. To be recognised by a name like JCI is incredibly satisfying.”
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