Koen Schietecatte has been working for De Lijn for almost 20 years. He first focused on developing the bus network, and later managed innovations in the technical department. For the last 10 years, he has coordinated De Lijn’s strategic studies and pilot projects in the fast-developing world of automated driving. Among his recent achievements is De Lijn’s pilot with self-driving shuttles in Leuven, enabling real-life testing of autonomous technology on the route between Leuven station and Heverlee.

I am committed to unite technical excellence with meaningful sustainable impact. My background lies in Energy Engineering and hands-on experience bringing large-scale energy technologies to market. In my current role as Technical Project Manager of BESS Drogenbos (80MW/320MWh), I direct the engineering to execution, by managing multi-disciplinary stakeholders, mitigating technical risks, governing change management, overseeing the integrated schedule and ensuring regulatory compliance.

I am a BESS Electrical Engineer at ENGIE, contributing to the development and deployment of Battery Energy Storage System projects across the EU perimeter, with a primary focus on Belgium and the Netherlands. My role spans a wide range of activities, from conducting detailed engineering reviews to overseeing on-site construction progress and supporting commissioning test phases. I collaborate closely with contractors as well as ENGIE colleagues from various departments. It ensures that each project progresses smoothly from design to operation, with strong alignment on quality, safety, and performance objectives.

De Lijn - Engineering the Future of Mobility

Ik ben COO bij The Company UA, een vzw die via een leertraject studenten toegepaste ingenieurswetenschappen introduceert in het ondernemerschap en hen begeleidt bij het opstarten van een succesvolle onderneming.

After working for 14.5 years in Clinical Biology – including 11 years in the Bacteriology laboratory and 3.5 years as a study coordinator within the lab – I internally transitioned to the overarching UZA Clinical Trial Center. There, I gained another 3 years of experience as a study coordinator for the departments of Immunology, Allergology, and Rheumatology, with a strong focus on acting as the link between industry, physicians, and patients. Afterwards, I was given the opportunity to use my experience across the different departments of UZA to contribute to the further development of the Biobank Antwerp.

Hasan Özer is a student entrepreneur at KdG University in Antwerp and the founder of CryptoScope. He builds AI-driven KYT/AML decision-support tools that help banks and fintechs investigate and document crypto transactions faster and more consistently.

Charlie Beirnaert is the data-scientist and CTO at Innocens, a spin-off company from the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA). Innocens aims to improve care for the most vulnerable of patients, premature infants. Their AI decision support software aims to warn clinicians when subtle signs of sepsis start to appear in the patient vital signs, effectively they built a data-nurse which works 24/7. Charlie Beirnaert was there from the early beginning and so he is the best one to illustrate what it takes to go from research idea to healthcare start-up company working on a global scale.

Hi. Ik werk als medewerker klinische studies binnen het Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen. In mijn job ben ik betrokken bij de uitwerking, opstart en uitvoering van verschillende klinische studies rond nieuwe geneesmiddelen en innovatieve technieken. Zo draag ik achter de schermen bij aan de zorg van morgen.

Experienced scientist with background in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical sciences. I gained expertise in drug resistance and Leishmaniasis during my PhD (UAntwerp) and further enhanced my knowledge at UZA and at the Institute of Tropical Medicine. Skilled in communication and people management, with a knack for out-of-the-box thinking. I am at my best when I can inspire people, exchange knowledge and explore multidisciplinary research collaborations. I'm currently working as senior researcher at the University of Antwerp, coordinating research projects on pandemic preparedness and high-consequence infectious diseases within the team of Prof. Erika Vlieghe. In addition, I am the academic coordinator of the High-Level Isolation Unit of UZA where I am involved in organizing trainings and simulation exercises with internal and external partners.

Kris Martens (KdG) is working for the research centre Sustainable Industry (RCSI), which has three main research domains:  “Circular industry”, “Data science for industry” and “Renewable energy and mobility”, where he is the research coordinator. The research at RCSI focuses on practical challenges that businesses encounter and developing practice-based tools and solutions that can immediately be deployed in the workplace. The research domain Sustainable Energy and Mobility focuses on: vehicle data analyses using simulations and reverse engineering on CAN-bus systems, development of sustainable propulsion/fuel systems and emission measurements on internal combustion engines. Kris has 20 years of experience in implementing, testing and evaluating alternative fuels (methanol and Hydrogen), flex-fuel combustion engines and vehicles running on these fuels. Today, he is the research lead in the development of a retrofit dual-fuel injection kit diesel-methanol for the non-road mobile machinery sector (NRMM), including inland ships. The focus of the research is on optimising engine performance and reducing greenhouse gases and harmful emissions.

Renka Cools heads the Transmural Care Unit at the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA). Together with a dedicated multidisciplinary team, she designs and coordinates innovative, patient-centered care models that bridge hospital care and life at home. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in healthcare, Renka leads cross-disciplinary projects that bring together physicians, nurses, IT specialists, and external care partners. The Transmural Care Unit develops and implements solutions such as home-based care pathways and digital monitoring, combining technology with human expertise to support patients throughout their care journey. Driven by a strong belief in accessible, high-quality care beyond traditional clinical settings, Renka works at the intersection of healthcare delivery and system transformation. Her work aims to make healthcare more sustainable, integrated, and responsive to the real needs of patients and their families.

In the Antwerp Biobank, we collect human biological material for scientific research. This can include leftover tissue from surgery or samples used for diagnosis. For larger studies, we often collaborate with Belgian and international hospitals and research partners. My job here includes a lot of data cleaning and the training of researchers for correct registrations of the study materials they take.

Comakers is a small software consultancy for starting businesses. As a team, we focus on close communication with each and every client. This way we can make your software together with you, not just for you.

The Antwerp University Hospital (hereinafter: “UZA”) guarantees top clinical and customer-friendly patient care, high-quality academic training and ground-breaking scientific research with an important international dimension. As a university center, the UZA wants to occupy a leading position in, among other things, scientific research as well as transmural care. Data collected routinely during patient care is an essential cornerstone for medical research and the improvement of care. As an IT Project Manager you can plan, execute, and close technology-related projects, such as software development, network upgrades, or security rollouts. Also managing budgets, timelines, resources, and stakeholder communication, acting as the bridge between technical teams and business are goals in your portfoliogoals.

Cedric Dumont is an adventurer, helicopter pilot, sports psychologist and keynote speaker. His goal: to help people push their limits and realize their full potential. That same mindset with which he successfully made thousands of jumps, he now uses to inspire others, and compiled in two books: Dare to Jump (2020) and Defy Gravity (2025).

The Electrification Institute, founded in 2024 at the University of Antwerp, is a leading research center based at BlueApp, the university’s pre-incubator. The Electrification Institute brings together expertise from ELCAT, ElectrifHy, and PLASMANT to develop innovative technologies that drive industrial electrification. Focused on power-to-x solutions, the Electrification Institute aims to drive Belgium and Europe in creating a more sustainable, electrified industrial landscape. With Europe setting ambitious sustainability goals, electrification has emerged as a key solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially for the chemical industry. Located in Antwerp, home to eight of the world’s largest chemical companies, the Electrification Institute is uniquely positioned to drive impactful innovations in this transformative field.

Streamyst is a startup focused on creating meaningful connections in digital spaces by bringing people closer together through interactive technology. Streamyst explores new ways to enhance engagement between livestreamers and their audiences using Innovative Extended Reality (XR) technologies. By combining wearable technology, expressive digital overlays, and real-time audience feedback, Streamyst transforms livestreaming from passive viewing into collaborative and interactive experiences that create meaningful connections. Following its first proof-of-concept phase, Streamyst has demonstrated positive engagement shifts between creators and their communities, reinforcing its vision of more connected digital environments. The team is driven to develop Streamyst into a creative platform where expression, interaction, and human connection are at the heart of every digital experience. To experience the future Streamyst envisions, we invite you to explore the website and discover the interactivity firsthand at streamyst.com

SkillsUpp transforms organizations where technical expertise makes the difference. We carefully and continuously optimize the technical competencies and process knowledge of your employees. The result? Better-trained technical staff, more efficient processes, a stronger safety culture and an organization that fully leverages its potential for the future.

My name is Des De Borger, I am 19 years old, and I study physics at the University of Antwerp. Together with my parents and younger brother, I live on Antwerp's Left Bank. During the COVID period, like many, I sometimes didn't know what to do to keep myself active. I decided to immerse myself in 3D computer graphics and design using Blender and was immediately hooked. I really enjoyed recreating everyday objects or simply using my imagination to create unique scenes. However, I was disappointed that my creations only existed on my computer screen. For my fifteenth birthday, my parents got me an Ender 3 3D printer, and thanks to this new challenge, everything changed. Since then, I have not only been able to see my designs but also hold them in my hands and share them with others. In the following years I created personalized gifts for friends and family and even designed measuring instruments for school projects. When I turned 18, I wondered if it could be possible to do more with my hobby, so I started my own business, DESign3D. I enjoy designing and selling my own designs, but also make all kinds of things on request. My favorite part of my permanent collection are the locally insipred prints, such as the Antwerp skyline and miniature versions of Antwerp's most iconic buildings and statues. For me, 3D printing is the perfect way of bringing together creativity, technology, and my love for the city.

Martijn Rymen is Product Owner Virtual Production at VRT, shaping the broadcaster’s real time production workflows across LED walls, Unreal Engine, and next gen studio pipelines. His team turns complex virtual production technology into stable, creative tools used daily in VRT’s studios. They develop innovative workflows that strengthen VRT’s broadcast capabilities. At Antwerp Tech Night, Martijn shares how VRT is building its virtual production ecosystem to power the future of broadcast.

Britt Van Mieghem is Career Services Manager at Antwerp Management School, where she builds the bridge between international talent and organisations. Beyond designing and moderating high-impact career events, sector nights, and employer engagements, she also develops and delivers hands-on career workshops and skills labs focused on employability, recruitment processes, and career strategy. With a strong focus on inclusion and meaningful matchmaking, Britt supports students throughout their career journey—from self-awareness and preparation to real-world opportunities. She is passionate about creating spaces where students and companies genuinely connect, and where conversations go beyond job titles to real career journeys.

Svetlana Samsonova is an innovation leader at Antwerp Design Factory, working at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and research to turn early-stage ideas into real-world impact. She supports multidisciplinary teams, nurtures young talent, and helps transform research into scalable ventures. With a strong focus on collaboration and knowledge-sharing, she actively mentors students and researchers, guiding them from concept to execution. Svetlana is also a co-founder of Sveric Docking Technology, a spin-off of the University of Antwerp.

Commissioner Christophe Van Bortel is a specialized cybercrime investigator and Head of the Computer Crime Unit (CCU) of the Federal Judicial Police of Antwerp. The mission of the CCU: to detect, secure and analyze the digital traces left behind by criminals. Cyber investigators of the Federal Police provide operational support during searches, crime scene operations and interviews. They conduct forensic analyses on ICT systems, deliver specialized technical support, perform OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) investigations and contribute to solving cybercrime-related cases. About the Federal Judicial Police: At the Federal Judicial Police, we fight serious and organized crime on a daily basis and provide highly specialized support to our partners. We handle complex criminal phenomena such as cybercrime, economic and financial crime, human trafficking and smuggling, drug trafficking, terrorism, environmental crime, and more. We also provide cutting-edge technical and scientific support through our ICT experts, criminal analysts and specialists from the Technical and Scientific Police. When a situation requires high-risk intervention, our Special Units (DSU) take over.

Yorrick is a podcaster and AI enthusiast fascinated by how technology can amplify creativity. While producing his own podcasts, he taught himself to use AI tools like Cursor and n8n to streamline and automate his workflows. This led to building an autonomous AI newsroom and social media content creator for his film podcast Cinematen, opening professional doors he never imagined possible. He is passionate about bridging the gap between storytelling & content creation and code & technology, showing that you don't need a degree in Computer Science to engineer your own digital AI solutions.

Tech Entrepreneur | Helping businesses save time and money with custom apps

Arne Sas is a musician and creator of Reset Sessions, where live ambient music, live looping, and advanced sound design are used to help people slow down, reset their nervous system, and regain focus in high-pressure environments. His work sits at the intersection of sound, technology, attention and mental space. Exploring how intentional pauses can improve both well-being and performance.

Evert Bulcke is a technology executive and current CEO of Tresco Group, the global leader in inland navigation technology.
He previously served as CEO of Rombit, where he led the creation and international growth of industrial IoT and safety solutions. A city employee for three years, he managed the launch of Antwerp Startup City (Startit@KBC '14, StartupVillage '15, The Beacon '18), awarded with the Global Entrepreneurship Award for Local Policy Leadership. Evert Bulcke holds board positions at several tech and healthcare companies, is active in cultural governance, cofounded De Studio (’12), coaches student entrepreneurs at KdG University College and is guest author for the MIT Innovations Journal.

Jan Mertens is Scientific Director at ENGIE R&I, where he leads the company’s long-term vision on emerging energy technologies through strategic foresight, research management, and international collaboration. He specializes in technology scouting across the full energy value chain and builds partnerships with leading global research institutions, while also managing ENGIE’s Scientific Council. His background includes extensive research in energy and environmental impact assessment, over 50 peer-reviewed publications, board memberships, and teaching Sustainable Energy at Ghent University. In 2025, he joined the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Human Science of Environment Action.

Peter Van Aelst is a professor in political communication at the university of Antwerp; His research deals with the mediatization and digitalization of politics. recently he focuses on politicians on social media and the problem of (online) disinformation.

From first sketches to the roar of launch, at Be-Rocket students join forces from universities across Belgium to turn ambition into altitude. Every challenge fuels our growth and every launch takes us closer to the stars. Our mission extends beyond building rockets: we provide students with hands-on experience, the chance to collaborate across universities, and the skills to turn ideas into reality.

Valentin Carlan is a guest-professor of innovation and processmanagement at the University of Antwerp (Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Transport and Regional Economics). His work focuses on the economic evaluation and practical implementation of emerging technologies such as AI, digital twins, data platforms, and 5G in maritime, port, and logistics environments. He is actively involved in research on how these innovations can improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making across global supply chains. In addition to his academic role, Valentin is linked to DigiTrans, a university spin-off developing AI-driven solutions for logistics operations, including intelligent data entry and decision-support tools. He collaborates closely with industry partners, ports, and technology providers to translate research into real-world applications. Through his teaching, research, and entrepreneurial activities, he aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and its economic and operational impact in the transport and logistics sector.

Toon joined the UAntwerp Solar Boat Team in 2024 as a third-year bachelor’s student, where he focused on optimizing the steering system for his bachelor’s thesis. In the following academic year, he became Team Manager and led the project to make the team’s boat fully autonomous—an new milestone for the UAntwerp Solar Boat. This effort resulted in a first-place finish in the AI Class at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. He is currently continuing as Team Manager while completing his master’s thesis, which focuses on developing a custom autonomous navigation stack for the upcoming competition.

Dockflow is the world's first logistics enablement platform