From October 16 to 20, the Flanders Technology & Innovation Festival (FTI) is taking place in Brussels, where the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will showcase a wide range of innovations. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour laboratories, meet researchers, and experience new technologies up close, covering themes such as biotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence, healthcare, circular construction, and sustainable energy.
Vice-Rector for Innovation Peter Schelkens emphasizes the importance of the innovation process that begins in the lab. "During FTI, we want to take visitors behind the scenes of that process. This makes visible how fundamental and applied research can ultimately make a difference for people and society," Schelkens stated.
On October 17 and 18, the Researchpark Zellik will be presented as a living innovation lab during the 'Innovation Walk'. The VUB and UZ Brussel are collaborating with companies on green energy, mobility, health, and robotics. Highlights include the Smart Village Lab, the modular demo house Reconstruct, the future Robotics Hub, Flanders' first Tesla MRI scanner, and a sustainable data center with a supercomputer.
The theme 'Technology for Tomorrow's Healthcare' takes center stage on October 19 at TheMerode. Researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers will discuss AI-driven diagnostics, robotic prostheses, neuroscience, data ethics, and robotics. In the afternoon, the VUB campus will offer insights into high-tech laboratories and research on immunotherapy, nanotechnology, robotics, smart materials, and healthtech.
On October 20, 'Circular & City' focuses on the future of the city. Professionals from architecture, technology, and sustainability will discuss circular architecture, AI, material reuse, and the role of citizens. Following keynotes and pitches at TheMerode, the VUB campus will host 'fast tracks' on circular construction, energy, mobility, and digital technology.
The VUB campus in Etterbeek will be the venue on October 19 for the cross-pollination of science, technology, and art. Laura Vandewynckel presents 'Het parlement van de ondingen' (The Parliament of Imperfections) with mechanical puppets and sculptures, followed by the performance 'Soft Tissue' by choreographer Ugo Dehaes, exploring soft robots.
From October 16 to 18, the VUB Photonics Innovation Centre in Pajottegem opens its doors to showcase the application of light technology in healthcare, ICT, mobility, food, and industry. Researchers will demonstrate applications such as cancer detection, food quality control, optical components for smartphones, and the role of light technology in the future Einstein Telescope.
Additionally, the VUB is represented in the broader FTI program. From October 16 to 20 at WIELS with 'Shifting Worlds' on the city of tomorrow and its technological implications. From October 20 onwards, VUB research will be featured in Flanders NEXT, the expo at the Nekkerhal in Mechelen.
