Inside the Rebrand: How Campus 19 Became 42 Belgium.
Campus 19 officially transitioned to 42 Belgium — a change that reflects the school’s evolving mission. Below is a look at how the rebranding unfolded, why it mattered, and what it means for the future.
When the Campus 19 project came into being, Belgium was experiencing a contradiction: companies were restructuring under the guise of digital transformation, while the tech sector was struggling to fill thousands of open roles. With a background in corporate marketing, communication, and sustainable development, Stéphan Salberter, now CEO of 42 Belgium, discovered 42 in Paris and recognized an opportunity to bridge that gap.
Teaming up with co-founders John-Alexander Bogaerts and Ian Gallienne, Stéphan Salberter decided to bring the concept back to Belgium, creating one of the first 42 campuses outside of France. Having been in operation since 2018, 42 Belgium is now supported by a strong network of local companies committed to opening doors for new talent.
Building a Brand That Fits Belgium Life
The 42 brand, with its depth and authenticity, reflects not just technical training, but also growth, collaboration, and mindset.
Translating that identity into the Belgian landscape presented a unique challenge. In a small yet highly fragmented country, media behaviour, language, and expectations can change every 20 km. From the outset, ensuring that 42’s brand image remained intact while resonating locally was a key challenge in this rebranding.
The transition followed a clear timeline. Internal changes (legal, signage etc.) came first, followed by a big reveal, in the form of a “funeral” for Campus 19, where Alumni and students were invited to join. After that, the campus updated its external communications and launched a creative campaign to support the rebranding, developed with a local creative agency, Flock. The campaign rolled out across several channels: online, on the air, and in print.
Looking Ahead
The change in perception is already visible: stronger press coverage, more candidate interest, and a renewed awareness around the school’s mission in Belgium.
The rebranding notably drew the attention of a journalist from the well-known newspaper: De Standaard. Following an interview and campus visit, the newspaper ran a full-page feature that captured the spirit of 42 Belgium.
“Such actions helped reinforce our position within the local tech ecosystem while strengthening the visibility of the 42 brand in Belgium.”
At its core, 42 Belgium maintains the same mission that guided its creation under the Campus 19 name: offering open, innovative, and inclusive tech education, and contributing to the broader strength of the 42 network.
