About us

We bridge academic research with industrial practice, focusing on product and process optimization, ‘Smart Food’ applications, circularity, and sustainable water management. In doing so, we support efficient resource use, by-product valorization, and innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

We help the food industry with implementing technological innovations related to potato and vegetable processing:

• Water and energy management
• By-products
• Food safety and food quality
• Food processing
• Hygienic design
• Economic, ecologic and social impact

Access to VEG-i-TEC

At VEG-i-TEC, we believe in tailored solutions: every project is customized to meet the specific needs of your company or research team, ensuring collaboration aligns with available resources, level of involvement, and scale.

Companies can choose from three options

1. Full support: We carry out the entire project for you.
2. Shared approach: We guide and support your team during implementation.
3. Infrastructure use: Access to our facilities and equipment only.

The process follows a structured path:

• Initial contact and intake meeting: We discuss your experimental setup and requirements.
• Responsibilities and cost estimate: Clear agreements on resources, involvement, and budget.
• Quotation and agreement: A detailed proposal is prepared. Depending on the scope, a service agreement, research contract, and/or NDA will be signed.

This way, you gain full transparency on the process and conditions for working with VEG-i-TEC.

Partners and support

This living lab has been made possible by the cooperation of several national and international partners in 3 pioneering European projects:

• EFRO project: construction of a research building
• EFRO GTI WVl project – living lab Food-Water
• INTERREG FWVl project – pilot infrastructure

Team

Team leaders

• Prof. Katleen Raes
• Prof. Imca Sampers