POM Limburg and CERN bring scientific technologies closer to Belgian companies
Hasselt – Limburg is set to become the first region in Europe to host a CERN Innovation Hub. POM Limburg and CERN, the European particle physics laboratory in Geneva, will join forces to make advanced technologies developed through scientific research more accessible to Belgian companies. Based at Corda Campus, the two organisations aim to strengthen knowledge and technology transfer and create new opportunities for innovation. The collaboration will be formalised through the signing of a Letter of Intent.
CERN develops some of the world’s most advanced technologies. Although primarily designed for fundamental research, these technologies also have applications beyond particle physics, including medical imaging, advanced sensor technology, precision engineering and data processing. This technological expertise also offers opportunities for Belgian companies.
The new Innovation Hub aims to bridge the gap between CERN and Belgian industry. Its main focus will be on connecting CERN’s expertise with the needs of companies and research institutions. Through this collaboration, both partners aim to initiate new research and development projects and stimulate the creation of innovative products and applications.
Limburg as a hub for Big Science
The CERN Innovation Hub is part of POM Limburg’s ambition to position Limburg as a hub for Big Science. This type of large-scale scientific research relies on international collaboration and advanced research infrastructure, with technological developments that also create opportunities beyond the scientific community.
From Corda Campus, POM Limburg is developing a broader Big Science Hub to help companies identify technological opportunities and establish partnerships with international research organisations. The collaboration with CERN represents the first concrete step in this initiative.
“Becoming the first region in Europe to host a CERN Innovation Hub is an important recognition of our ambitions,” says Tom Vandeput, Chairman of POM Limburg and Provincial Deputy responsible for Innovation Policy. “The Province of Limburg is allocating an additional €3.6 million to Big Science for the period 2026–2030. Our collaboration with CERN is a first concrete step within this broader programme. Through this investment, we aim to give our innovative SMEs better access to international knowledge and technology and strengthen their competitiveness.”
CERN also sees opportunities in closer collaboration with Belgian industry.
Han Dols, Head of Innovation and Technology Transfer at CERN: “This CERN Innovation Hub, initiated together with POM Limburg, is the first of a small group that will be established this year to pilot the new model. Working with a partner committed to regional innovation, we aim to help companies and researchers apply CERN’s knowledge to challenges across a range of fields. This hub will help strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Belgium, stimulate socio-economic growth, and deliver tangible societal impact.”
International ambitions
The collaboration with CERN is part of a broader strategy through which POM Limburg aims to strengthen its ties with international research organisations. This includes exploring opportunities for collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). The potential construction of the Einstein Telescope in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion also offers prospects for technology companies in Limburg and across Belgium.
Through the Big Science Hub, POM Limburg aims to become an established link between Belgian industry and major international research infrastructures. This should strengthen Limburg’s position within the international Big Science landscape, creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.
