Digital Future Lab - collaboration

Over the years, our research expertise has broadened and deepened enormously. But our enthusiasm for exploitation of research results has not changed. Digital Future Lab aims to conduct research that creates impact far beyond the walls of the university. And in doing so, we also like to - and often do - join forces with partners from other disciplines, organisations and companies.

Collaborate with us and turn ideas into impact

Looking to solve complex challenges, develop cutting-edge technology, or bring research-driven solutions to market? We partner with companies and organizations to turn ideas into impact.

Collaborate on Applied Research – Work with us on innovative research projects supported by Flanders Make, VLAIO, FWO or Horizon Europe.
Expert Consultancy & Tailored Support– Get 1-on-1 guidance from our experts to explore and tackle your unique challenges.
Access Breakthrough Innovations – Leverage our research through technology licensing and transfer.

💡 Did you know? VLAIO or other funding may be available for expert consultancy.

Let’s shape the future together!

Digital Future Lab has concluded licensing agreements with spin-off companies and external companies and organisations. Our research is industry-driven, ensuring that our innovations address real-world challenges. We actively seek collaborations with companies to co-create cutting-edge solutions.

Our approach

We closely monitor all our research results with commercialization potential and use all available channels to bring these results closer to the market.

Digital Future Lab is working closely with the Flanders Make ecosystem to create impact on the manufacturing industry with our research results.

Digital Future Lab is involved in several industry-oriented projects, such as XR Innovatiefonds and Flanders AI EDIH, in which we advise and support small and large businesses on the use of eXtended Reality, AI and other innovations.

Why work with us?

Academic Curiosity blended with Practical Problem-Solving – Our dedicated team drives top-tier international research with enthusiasm and excellence.
Science, Engineering and Design to Tangible, Impactful and People-Oriented Solutions – We specialize in applied research and turning innovations into market-ready solutions.
Strong Industry Partnerships – Collaborating closely with key industrial players, including the Flanders Make network, to maximize impact.
Results That Matter in a digital future that is Inclusive, Sustainable, Enjoyable, Productive and Innovative – Our research delivers concrete, practical solutions tailored to your challenges.

Testimonials

Grounded in science, proven in practice. Discover how our collaborations are making a real difference for our partners.

Louise Paepe

Consultant Education - Labour market RTC Antwerpen (XR Actieplan)

We are very happy that Flemish students at secundary schools can visually discover and experience specific physics concepts through the collaboration with Digital Future Lab for our XR Action Plan. This is particularly useful for their later careers and steps in the labor market.

Eline Verschraegen

Process Expert Training Coördinator Novartis

By using Augmented Reality technology of Digital Future Lab, we were able to record participants' movements, observe them, adjust them and provide instructions. The main goal was to create awareness about the challenges and importance of cleaning in such environments. This approach was extremely successful because we allowed people to experience it in a visual and practical way instead of just having them to listen to a course or instructions.

Raf Van Ham

CEO Androme

Androme and Digital Future Lab are sparring partners who like to join forces to create added value. We provide the commercial instinct. If software technologies are suddenly moving in a different direction, we can build innovative applications very quickly using Digital Future Lab’s strong scientific basis. We move forward together.

Veerle Van Der Linden

General Manager ViTalent

Digital Future Lab's AR Cleanroom Cleaning tool trains new employees in cleaning and also allows experienced employees to improve their expertise. One of the great benefits of this tool is visualizing the actions you take.

Siemon Ariens

Co-Founder Eye Opener Decors

In the professional no-nonsense context of the university, we were able to put our creative ideas fully on the table. The research team then shifted gears. We were inundated with a tsunami of knowledge, without too heavy investment. A fascinating concept in view of our growth ambition.

Our spin-off companies

Digital Future Lab has a very strong tradition in spin-off creation. Since its foundation, our research institute has started no fewer than ten spin-offs. The first spin-off company, Androme, was established in 1991, while the latest spin-off company was born in 2023! The fact that Digital Future Lab was already setting up a spin-off back in 1991 proves that a focus on commercialisation is really at the heart of our identity. Creating economic and social added value has always been our major concern. Back then and still today.