Limburg companies contribute to the future of the Einstein Telescope
‘Einstein Innovators’ exchange knowledge at the Governor’s Residence
HASSELT – Limburg companies involved in the preparations for the Einstein Telescope met today at the Governor’s Residence in Hasselt. At the initiative of POM Limburg and the province of Limburg, they looked ahead to the technological and economic opportunities that the international research project will bring. The meeting also provided an opportunity for consultation and knowledge exchange between the companies involved.
The meeting takes place at an important turning point: the Flemish government recently allocated 500 million euros to the Einstein Telescope, and the federal government also recognises the project as being of strategic national importance. This means that Flanders is officially stepping up a gear in the race to bring the Einstein Telescope to the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion.
From vision to concrete innovation
During the meeting, Governor Jos Lantmeeters and Deputy for Economy Tom Vandeput spoke with the companies that are already actively contributing to the preparations for the Einstein Telescope. Twenty Limburg companies are taking a leading role in the innovative process as “Einstein Innovators”.
‘These companies show how Limburg’s know-how can contribute to one of the most ambitious scientific projects of this century,’ said Deputy Tom Vandeput. ‘Their creativity and technical expertise demonstrate that Limburg companies can also develop solutions that are relevant worldwide.’
‘The Einstein Telescope is much more than a prestigious scientific project,’ says Governor Jos Lantmeeters. ‘It symbolises a shared ambition to make our region a centre of knowledge and innovation. Limburg companies are showing that they are ready to make a difference in this regard.’
Innovation with impact
From Genk to Bilzen, Limburg companies are currently working on solutions that will help shape the future. For example, Genk-based Boolean has developed smart, modular technology that allows buildings and machines to work together more safely – crucial for the ultra-sensitive observatory. ABN Cleanroom Technology and Poels Labs have built a mobile cleanroom laboratory where components for the Einstein Telescope can be tested under the most stringent conditions. And Netalux and Omega-Tronics are jointly developing innovative laser technology to clean the vacuum tubes thoroughly and completely contact-free.
These projects were made possible with support from the ET innovation fund of the province of Limburg, managed by POM Limburg, which helps companies respond to the technological challenges of the Einstein Telescope.
Looking ahead
POM Limburg will continue to focus on promoting the Einstein Telescope to Limburg companies and knowledge institutions in the future. New collaborations, innovation projects and knowledge exchange are in the pipeline to further anchor Limburg as a high-tech region within Europe. In line with the Flemish valorisation manager, collaboration with companies from the rest of Flanders is also being encouraged in order to further strengthen and expand the existing ecosystem.
‘The Einstein Telescope is a lever for Limburg,’ concludes Tom Vandeput. ‘It connects science with entrepreneurship and shows how innovation makes our region future-proof. Today’s pioneers are laying the foundations for tomorrow’s Limburg.’
Governor Jos Lantmeeters: ‘The Einstein Telescope gives Limburg international appeal, but above all new energy. It literally brings science, entrepreneurship and innovation together under one horizon, within a single ecosystem that knows no boundaries.’
