Spin-offs

Founded as a spin-off from the Expertise Centre for Digital Media (EDM) of the former L.U.C., Androme (est. 1990) introduced expertise in software technology. Over the years, the company has grown into a centre of excellence in ICT, developing innovative software solutions for both multinationals and SMEs. One of their products is androme.tv, a television platform for telecom companies and TV broadcasters.

Quinta Essentia Software Development (QueSD) (est. 1999) was founded as a spin-off from the Expertise Centre for Digital Media (EDM) of the former L.U.C. QueSD is the software company behind SoccerLAB, a centralised information and management system designed to support football clubs at all levels, from management and coaching staff to players. The system integrates data and video into a single platform. Its clients include both Belgian clubs (KRC Genk, Club Brugge…) and international teams (PSV Eindhoven, Bayer Leverkusen, LA Galaxy…).

CommArt International N.V. (est. 2007) commercialises language e-learning modules based on international research conducted by the Centre for Applied Linguistics (CTL) at Hasselt University. The focus is on learning effectiveness, the impact of geographical culture on language use and non-verbal communication, as well as communication needs and challenges in multilingual and multicultural professional contexts. Additionally, CommArt markets the authoring software E.M.C.G.2.0©, which enables the creation of multimedia e-learning modules that comply with the latest technological standards.

Apitope International NV (est. 2008) was founded by combining the activities of Apitope, a spin-off from the University of Bristol (UK), with expertise from our Biomedical Research Institute. The company develops potential first-in-class treatments for autoimmune diseases such as MS and Graves' disease through its proprietary technology platform. In 2009-2010, Apitope raised over €10 million in a Series A funding round led by LRM and Vesalius Biocapital. Between 2015 and 2017, it secured an additional €12.5 million in a Series B round led by the Wales Life Sciences Fund. In 2021, Apitope was acquired by Worg.

Cubigo (est. 2011), originally founded as Aristoco, is a spin-off from Hasselt University and an interactive online platform providing easy access to various products, services, and applications that support independent living for as long as possible. Features include meal ordering, medication reminders, and a communication log for caregivers. In 2013, the company won the prestigious IWT Award and, in 2015, became the first Belgian company selected by Google to participate in the two-week Blackbox Connect training programme in Silicon Valley. In 2017, Cubigo raised €4 million for expansion, followed by an additional €2 million in 2019. The company has its headquarters in Hasselt, with additional offices in North America.

AbeonaConsult BVBA (est. 2014) was founded by researchers from the Institute for Mobility (IMOB). The company specialises in smart solutions, software, and services in the field of traffic safety and mobility. Its products include Route2school, designed to ensure safer routes to school for students, and MobiMelder, a reporting application that allows residents, community wardens, and local police to quickly and easily map dangerous traffic spots, parking issues, and other mobility problems in real time.

Qompium (est. 2014) is the spin-off company behind Fibricheck, an app developed as part of the Limburg Clinical Research Program (LCRP), now the Limburg Clinical Research Center (LCRC). The app detects irregular heart rhythms using a smartphone or smartwatch. The collected data can be reviewed by the treating physician, who can also prescribe the app to patients. It is one of the few medically approved health apps, holding certifications such as CE marking and FDA approval.

Bio2Clean (est. 2015) was founded to commercialise the expertise of the Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK) in bacteria-assisted phytoremediation. This ecological technique uses a combination of bacterial cultures and plants to remediate contaminated soil. Compared to more invasive methods like excavation or pumping, this approach offers significant advantages.

DriveSimSolutions (DSS) (est. 2015) provides driving simulator solutions, including both hardware and software. These simulators can be used for research on driver behaviour and road infrastructure, as well as for driver training and testing. The company benefits from the extensive experience of the Transportation Research Institute in this field.

AZilPix (est. 2015) offers Studio.One, a multi-camera video recording and production system. Developed at the Expertise Centre for Digital Media (EDM), its innovative virtual camera concept enables 360° image capture with greater flexibility and creativity while reducing operational costs.

Safe.T (est. 2018) was founded by the Transportation Research Institute (IMOB) in collaboration with insurance provider Dhondt. The company offers an innovative online HR programme for transport companies and truck drivers. This programme guides drivers towards safer and more eco-efficient driving, with a focus on their overall performance.

Avroxa (est. 2018) markets innovative polymers under the brand name Ultroxa polymers. These polymers, known as poly(2-oxazolines), have potential biomedical applications, including improving the solubility of drug candidates, advanced drug delivery systems, and coating implant surfaces. The patented production method was jointly developed by Ghent University (UGent) and the Institute for Materials Research at Hasselt University.

VivaDrive (est. 2019) offers Digital Fleet, an AI-powered platform designed to reduce the operational costs of corporate vehicle fleets. It achieves this by improving driver behaviour, which positively impacts fuel consumption, insurance costs, and the residual value of company vehicles. The company leverages the expertise of the Transportation Research Institute (IMOB).

TakeASeat launched the SWIDG platform, designed to facilitate carpooling among employees in large companies or business parks. The platform's algorithm maximises the chances of a successful match between employees. By implementing a financial framework within companies, SWIDG encourages the behavioural change necessary to promote carpooling.

Equivita Genetics (est. 2021) provides breeding services for horses, including the sorting of sperm cells for sex selection. The company leverages expertise from the Biomedical Research Institute in cell sorting technologies, using innovative techniques to enhance the breeding process.

EnFoil (est. 2023) is a spin-off from the imo-imomec research institute at Hasselt University and imec within EnergyVille. The company develops thin-film solar cells that can be integrated into various surfaces. These ultra-thin, flexible, and highly durable solar panels are only a few millimetres thick. EnFoil has already secured support from the European Research Council (ERC) with a €150,000 Proof of Concept grant.

Rovixus BV (est. 2019) was founded by the Visual Computing group at the Expertise Centre for Digital Media, led by Prof. Dr. Frank Van Reeth. The company specialises in real-time robot control software, developed in-house and exclusively licensed to Rovixus. Their goal is to provide industrial robots that can be directly controlled via a low-cost microcontroller.