Vlaams Instituut voor de Eerste Lijn

What Vlaams Instituut voor de Eerste Lijn does

Vlaams Instituut voor de Eerste Lijn (VIVEL) is a Belgian non-profit organization (vzw/ASBL) established on May 1, 2019, and recognized and funded by the Flemish government as the central partner organization for primary care in Flanders and Brussels. Headquartered in Brussels (Lakensestraat 76) with 11-50 employees, VIVEL serves as the mandated dialogue platform and coordination hub between the Flemish government and first-line care actors, supporting 60 care councils (zorgraden) across 60 first-line zones, frontline healthcare and welfare professionals, informal caregivers, and persons with care and support needs (PZON).

VIVEL operates a digital ecosystem anchored by VIVEL Academie (a Moodle-based learning management system at vivelacademie.be delivering e-learnings on targeted care, prevention, safe digital communication, and information sharing), a digital collaboration platform built on Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Yammer, the eerstelijnszone.be portal covering all 60 zones, and the dedicated mantelzorgers.be platform for informal caregivers. Key programmatic offerings include Doelgerichte Zorg (targeted care), the Flemish Informal Care Plan coordination, a prevention program spanning HALT2Diabetes, Exercise on Prescription (Bewegen Op Verwijzing), and fall prevention via Interprofessional Training (IPT), support for the RIZIV convention on first-line psychological care, the GIZO learning network for integrated care, and the 8CTP evaluation framework for digital applications in care and welfare.

VIVEL's revenue model is structurally a government-subsidy operation: it is primarily funded through Flemish government grants as a recognized partner organization, with marginal supplementary revenue from paid training courses and event cancellation/absence fees. The organization is currently exposed to a significant political risk following the September 2025 proposal by Flemish Minister for Welfare Caroline Gennez to cut its subsidies by 50%, prompting a public petition campaign and institutional pushback while VIVEL continues to anchor its role into the 2027-2032 care council multi-year planning cycle.

Name

Vlaams Instituut voor de Eerste Lijn

Legal name

Vlaams Instituut voor de Eerste Lijn vzw

Website

https://vivel.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

VIVEL (Vlaams Instituut voor de Eerste Lijn) is the Flemish-government-recognized non-profit partner organization coordinating primary care across 60 first-line zones in Flanders and Brussels, supporting care councils, frontline professionals, and informal caregivers through training, e-learning, and policy advice.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Primary Care Coordination Services

NAICS

Health Care and Social Assistance (62)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYHLADAEAH

Continuing Care at Home (CCaH) / Virtual CCRC Programs

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Elder Care & Long-Term Care/Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

Keywords

• Primary care coordination
• Care council support
• Informal caregiver services
• Health prevention training
• E-learning healthcare

Headquarters

HQ city

Brussel

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Subsidy: VIVEL is recognized and funded by the Flemish government as a partner organization for Primary Care since May 1, 2019. The organization receives public funding to carry out its core missions including supporting care councils, developing training programs, coordinating the Flemish Informal Care Plan, and promoting prevention in primary care. In September 2025, it was announced that the Flemish Minister for Welfare Caroline Gennez proposed to halve VIVEL's subsidies by 50%, prompting a public petition campaign.
2. Training and E-learning Fees: VIVEL offers training programs through VIVEL Academie. While many courses are free, some paid training and events apply cancellation fees: 50% of participation fee for cancellation 5-2 weeks in advance, 100% for cancellation less than 2 weeks before the first training day. Free training events apply an absence fee of €25 per half-day or €50 per full day.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

VIVEL (Vlaams Instituut voor de Eerste Lijn) is the Flemish government-recognized central hub for primary care in Flanders and Brussels. It coordinates, supports, and trains 60 care councils (zorgraden), primary care professionals, informal caregivers, and persons with care and support needs through its VIVEL Academie e-learning platform, digital collaboration tools, policy advice, and coordinated programs in targeted care, prevention, informal care, and psychological care.

Product overview

VIVEL (Vlaams Instituut voor de Eerste Lijn) is the Flemish Institute for Primary Care, a flexible expertise and network organization recognized and funded by the Flemish government since May 1, 2019. The organization operates primarily through its VIVEL Academie digital learning platform (vivelacademie.be) and a digital collaboration platform. Key offerings include: Doelgerichte Zorg (targeted care) training programs with multiple modules; the Mantelzorg (informal care) expertise center coordinating the Flemish Informal Care Plan; a Preventie (prevention) program covering HALT2Diabetes and Exercise on Prescription; support for Zorgraden (care councils); the 8CTP evaluation framework for digital applications in care; RIZIV conventie support for psychological care; and the GIZO learning network for integrated care. The organization also provides e-learnings on topics like patient health data, secure digital communication, and information sharing between professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VIVEL Academie: The learning platform of and for primary care, offering training courses, toolboxes, and e-learnings tailored to primary care needs.

Products and services

• VIVEL Academie Digital learning platform for primary care professionals offering e-learnings, toolboxes, and training courses tailored to the needs of care and welfare actors in the first line. Available at vivelacademie.be after one-time registration.
• Doelgerichte Zorg (Targeted Care) Person-centered care program with basic training and three advanced modules that shift focus from disease-focused to goal-oriented care centered on life goals of persons with care and support needs. For primary care professionals and care organizations.
• Vlaams Expertisepunt Mantelzorg (Informal Care Expertise Center) Expertise center coordinating the Flemish Informal Care Plan, supporting informal caregivers through projects on psychosocial support, young caregivers, hospital transitions, and workplace support. Manages the mantelzorgers.be platform.
• Preventie (Prevention) Program Prevention program focusing on HALT2Diabetes, Exercise on Prescription (Bewegen Op Verwijzing), and fall prevention through interprofessional training, factsheets, and conversation support tools for primary care professionals.
• Zorgraden (Care Councils) Support Program Support program for care councils (zorgraden) established by the primary care decree, providing training, policy planning assistance, multi-year planning support, and resources to organize primary care within the 60 first-line zones in Flanders and Brussels.
• 8CTP Evaluation Framework Evaluation framework for digital applications in care and welfare based on the 8 Caring Technology Principles and Quintuple Aim principles, including a practical reflection tool for care councils and organizations to assess digital applications within their context.
• RIZIV Conventie Psychologische Zorg Support Support program for the federal NIHDI convention on psychological care in primary care, including public dashboards, training materials, Medical Psychological Consultations (MPO) materials, and implementation assistance for first-line psychological care.
• Leernetwerk GIZO (Learning Network Integrated Care) Flemish learning network for integrated care and support providing a platform for practices working with building blocks of integrated care across Flanders and Brussels.
• Persoon en Diens Omgeving (Person and Their Environment) Program placing the person with care and support needs and their environment at the center of primary care, including a toolbox with knowledge clips and a manual to help organizations involve patients and informal caregivers in care decisions.
• Eerstelijnszone.be Portal Portal website providing information about the 60 first-line zones in Flanders and Brussels, including zone-specific news, activities, and resources for care councils and primary care professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,184 participants enrolled in the Onder 4 Ogen e-learning on sexual health, with 600 enrolled in 2025 alone
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SamanacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Recognized informal caregiver association leading the project 'Ondersteuning van jonge mantelzorgers' (Support for Young Informal Caregivers) in collaboration with Steunpunt Mantelzorg, under the Flemish Informal Care Plan coordinated by VIVEL's Expertise Point for Informal Care.
• Steunpunt MantelzorgcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Recognized informal caregiver association co-leading the project on supporting young informal caregivers, working with Samana under the Flemish Informal Care Plan 2022-2024 coordinated by VIVEL.
• OnbegrensdcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Recognized informal caregiver association leading the project 'Psychosociale begeleiding van mantelzorgers' (Psychosocial Support for Informal Caregivers), focused on psycho-education to increase mental well-being and resilience.
• CoponchocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Recognized informal caregiver association leading the project on supporting informal caregivers during hospital admission and/or discharge, under the Flemish Informal Care Plan.
• Okra ZorgrechtcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Recognized informal caregiver association leading the project 'Mantelzorgondersteuning door professionals tijdens het zorgproces' (Informal Care Support by Professionals During the Care Process), focused on sensitizing and guiding care and welfare organizations.
• MantelzorgnetwerkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Recognized informal caregiver association leading the project 'Versterken van de werkende mantelzorger' (Strengthening the Working Informal Caregiver), focused on supporting informal caregivers in the workplace and informing employers and HR departments.
• Diabetes LigacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with VIVEL on promoting the HALT2Diabetes prevention methodology and Bewegen Op Verwijzing (Exercise on Referral) through interprofessional training, factsheets, and workshops targeting various primary care professional groups.
• Expertisecentrum Val- en Fractuurpreventie VlaanderencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with VIVEL on fall prevention methodology within the interprofessional training program, contributing to the training on lifestyle, motivational interviewing, and referral to preventive support.
• Vlaams Instituut Gezond LevencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with VIVEL on prevention methodologies including HALT2Diabetes and Bewegen Op Verwijzing, contributing to factsheets and interprofessional training for first-line care providers.
• GezondheidsmakerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with VIVEL on promoting healthy lifestyle and prevention methodologies, participating in the interprofessional training program alongside Diabetes Liga, Expertisecentrum Val- en Fractuurpreventie, and Gezond Leven.
• SensoacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with VIVEL on quarterly follow-up meetings regarding the implementation plan for the e-learning Onder 4 Ogen (sexual health for youth). Since its launch, 1,184 participants have enrolled, with 600 in 2025 alone.
• Domus MedicacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with VIVEL, VVKP, ELP Academie, CAW, and Huis voor Gezondheid to develop materials for Medical Psychological Consultations (MPO), including presentation slides and a manual for local GP-psychologist collaboration.
• VVKP (Vlaamse Vereniging voor Klinisch Psychologen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with VIVEL in developing MPO materials and provides free training for first-line care providers on non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia, within an implementation project of the FOD Volksgezondheid.
• CAW (Centrum voor Algemeen Welzijnswerk)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with VIVEL, Domus Medica, VVKP, ELP Academie, and Huis voor Gezondheid to develop MPO materials for collaboration between GPs and psychologists in first-line psychological care.
• Huis voor GezondheidcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with VIVEL, Domus Medica, VVKP, ELP Academie, and CAW to develop materials for Medical Psychological Consultations (MPO) to strengthen local multidisciplinary collaboration.
• ELP AcademiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResponsible for quality training related to First-Line Psychological Care (ELP), providing general offerings and free training on the RIZIV convention for first-line psychological care.
• EetexpertminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides training for care providers (both beginning and experienced) on treatment and prevention of eating disorders and weight problems, listed among the training resources for first-line psychological care.
• PsycheminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports care professionals by spreading knowledge about good practices and innovative methodologies, offering news from the sector, intersectoral process facilitation, free e-learnings, and training. Collaborates with VAD on training about substance use, psychoactive medication, gaming, or gambling.
• VAD (Vlaams expertisecentrum Alcohol en andere Drugs)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Psyche to provide training for mental health care professionals on alcohol or drug use, use of psychoactive medication, gaming, or gambling, within the collaboration between Psyche and VAD.
• Zorgnet-IcurominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped a handy overview of the updated RIZIV convention for first-line psychological care, shared with VIVEL's network. Provides communication support for the convention's expansion.
• Instituut voor Sociaal Recht van KU LeuvencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated closely with VIVEL to develop the e-learning 'Informatiedeling tussen professionals' (Information Sharing Between Professionals). The e-learning is based on the first three guides on professional secrecy from the Institute for Social Law of KU Leuven.
• SAM vzwcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with VIVEL to create the e-learning 'Sterk Sociaal Werk' (Strong Social Work), making social work more widely known to care providers and care and welfare professionals. SAM vzw also screens online help apps, inspiring VIVEL's approach to the 8CTP evaluation panel.
• RIZIV (Rijksinstituut voor Ziekte- en Invaliditeitsverzekering)coreOthersRIZIV is the Belgian federal institute for health and disability insurance that oversees the convention for first-line psychological care. VIVEL is actively involved in strengthening the psychological care provision that the Federal Government pursues nationwide, and manages the ELP (Eerstelijnspsychologische zorg) convention with RIZIV's framework.
• VITO (Vlaams Instituut voor Technologisch Onderzoek)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 8 Caring Technology Principles (CTPs) framework, referenced by VIVEL's 8CTP evaluation framework, is hosted at 8ctp.vito.be, indicating VITO's role in the digital care technology assessment ecosystem.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Zorgnet-Icuro: Flemish umbrella network for healthcare providers that, like VIVEL, coordinates policy advocacy, communication, and training for health actors across Flanders. Both organizations serve as convening hubs interfacing with the Flemish government on healthcare reform.
• Sciensano: Belgian federal public health institute conducting research and coordinating public health initiatives, structurally similar to VIVEL in operating as a government-backed knowledge and convening body for health in Belgium.
• Domus Medica: Flemish association for general practitioners that delivers training, develops practice tools, and convenes primary care physicians. Comparable to VIVEL in coordinating primary care actors and co-developing materials such as the Medical Psychological Consultations toolkit.
• CAW (Centrum voor Algemeen Welzijnswerk): Belgian network of Centra voor Algemeen Welzijnswerk providing social welfare and well-being services, including for informal caregivers and vulnerable persons. Overlaps with VIVEL in coordinating welfare actors and supporting informal caregivers across the same Flemish ecosystem.
• Vlaams Instituut Gezond Leven: Flemish institute for healthy living that partners with VIVEL on prevention methodologies (HALT2Diabetes, Bewegen Op Verwijzing), sharing a comparable role as a government-recognized knowledge and convening body for population health in Flanders.
• Huis voor Gezondheid: Brussels-based primary care organization that supports first-line professionals and coordinates prevention and integrated care in the Brussels region, directly overlapping VIVEL's mandate across the Brussels-Capital territory.
• ELP Academie: Belgian training organization specializing in first-line psychological care (Eerstelijnspsychologische zorg), directly co-developing RIZIV convention materials with VIVEL and offering comparable accredited training to primary care providers.

Regional players

• NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research): Dutch research institute for primary care that performs a comparable knowledge, research, and coordination role for first-line care in the Netherlands. Conceptually analogous to VIVEL as a national/regional hub underpinning primary care policy.

Broad incumbents

• RIZIV (NIHDI): Belgian federal health and disability insurance institute that funds and governs the primary care convention ecosystem in which VIVEL operates. RIZIV is the regulator and budget source rather than a competing operator, but the two are tightly coupled in primary care policy.
• The King's Fund: Independent UK health policy think tank that combines research, convening, leadership development, and policy advice for health systems. Comparable to VIVEL in functioning as an external knowledge and convening hub interfacing with government on care reform.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/VIVEL.be
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/56404678/admin
• Instagraminstagram.com/vivel.be
• Xx.com/_VIVEL_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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