One problem. Thousand brains to solve it.
Flanders Make is the research centre for industrial innovation.
We bring together the knowledge and expertise of more than 1,000 Flanders Make researchers, working at the five Flemish universities and in our department for application-oriented research.
Flanders Make is the research centre for industrial innovation.
We connect companies with our top researchers and other companies with similar challenges, and help them innovate faster and more efficiently.
We offer advice and support to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies into the business.
Addressing the needs of every sector with groundbreaking innovations
Flanders Make is the leading research centre that brings knowledge and technology to industry at scale. From our laboratories, a thousand researchers turn ideas into reality and solve complex industrial challenges, helping companies become more resilient, agile, and future-proof.
Scalable knowledge, shared across sectors
Every innovation developed at Flanders Make is designed to be transferable and reproducible. What works for one company today can be applied across entire sectors tomorrow — from agritech and construction to the process industry and healthcare.
Making a difference on every shop floor
The driving force behind industrial innovation
Flanders Make connects companies within an independent, knowledge-driven ecosystem.
Together with leading researchers, universities, government bodies, spearhead clusters, other strategic research centres, sector federations, and (member) companies, we accelerate innovation — from idea to impact.
Our research programmes are driven both by the concrete needs of industry and a strong ambition for technological advancement. We focus on cutting-edge technology development that is state-of-the-art at a global level.
By translating rich academic knowledge into practical, industry-ready solutions, we make a real difference on the shop floor. Combining hands-on expertise with deep technological knowhow, we help companies adapt faster and turn every innovation into tangible progress across sectors.
Innovation with respect for people and the environment
Technology should be sustainable and human-centred. That’s why we integrate societal priorities such as climate neutrality, circularity, and quality of work across all our research domains.
Together with our industrial partners, we develop smart, connected products and production systems where humans and machines collaborate seamlessly. In doing so, we are shaping a sustainable industry that is technologically advanced, future-proof, and focused on people.
Flanders Make in 2024
- 430
Companies actively participating in research projects.
- 578
Ongoing research projects.
- +1000
Each day, over a 1000 colleagues give their best to strenghten our valuable industry.
Download activity report
And learn more about our activities over the past year.
Good governance
Good governance is crucial for an organisation such as ours. This means that we adhere to two important management principles in everything we do: an unambiguous and transparent division of powers and responsibilities, and a balanced set of processes for accountability.
Because we started as a Flemish initiative, we make sure we stay firmly rooted in Flanders at every stage of our growth.
Board of directors
The members of the Board of Directors of Flanders Make are:
- Geert Van Poelvoorde - Independant Director
- Julie Lietaer - Independant Director
- Jolyce Demely - Independant Director
- Jan Vercammen - Independant Director
- Thomas Beauduin - Industrial Director
- Geert Bruyneel - Industrial Director
- Katrien Wyckaert - Industrial Director
- Koenraad Debackere - University representation
- Ignace Lemahieu - University representation
- Elke Piessens - University representation
- André Bouffioux - Director nominated by the government
- Koen Christiaensen - Director nominated by the government
- Peter Cabus - Government Representative
- Wim Verrelst - Government Representative
- Annie Renders - Observer
- Erwin Dewallef - Observer
Gender equality
A stimulating and inclusive working environment
As the leading research centre for industrial innovation, Flanders Make strives to create an environment where people feel valued, can grow and give their best. Creativity, collaboration and innovation only truly flourish in an atmosphere where well-being is central. That is why we continuously monitor workplace well-being and take both proactive and corrective initiatives to strengthen it.
Equal opportunities for all
We believe that people can only realise their full creative and innovative potential when there is equal treatment and respect. Regardless of origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation or beliefs, everyone at Flanders Make is given equal opportunities.
We actively support European initiatives on gender equality and align our policy with the criteria of the European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon Europe). Since 2022, we have been including the key indicators of our gender equality plan in our annual activity report and embedding the measures and guidelines in our HR policy.
In this way, we are gradually building a prosperous, inclusive and future-oriented work culture.
Who is who?
Management team
Commercial team
