POM Limburg and the province of Limburg provide Limburg companies with a digital innovation boost
GENK – POM Limburg and the Province of Limburg have joined forces to give Limburg companies a strong boost in digital innovation. With a subsidy fund of €550,000, they are focusing on the development of practical applications using Extended Reality (XR) technologies, which can act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. The first companies have already begun using the subsidy to rethink or improve products and services with digital tools.
“The technological advancements of recent years are impressive and offer companies unprecedented opportunities to enhance their efficiency and productivity,” says Tom Vandeput, Deputy for Economy and Chairman of POM Limburg. “Fifteen years ago, XR technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) were primarily known from the gaming world. Today, we see that these technologies are ready to make a breakthrough in the business world. We want to prepare Limburg companies for this transition.”
The current economic reality presents challenges for companies. Products and machines are becoming increasingly complex, while production needs to accelerate. Extended Reality (XR) allows companies to better visualize products and processes with relevant information or instructions. This enhanced visualization can help prevent additional costs and delays. With its high adaptability, the technology is widely applicable.
Despite XR’s potential, only 1 in 100 Limburg companies currently uses these technologies. The reasons include high investment costs and a lack of direct applications in business operations.
Deputy for Economy Tom Vandeput: “A digital transition cannot be limited to a few demos or training sessions. To make a real difference, these technologies need to be integrated into companies’ daily activities. International studies show that 93% of companies using VR experience positive results. Limburg cannot afford to lag behind.”
Digital innovations foster economic resilience
All Limburg knowledge institutions (UHasselt EDM, PXL, UCLL, and LUCA School of Arts) possess expertise to support companies with the integration of XR applications. These institutions also collaborate with one another to pool their knowledge and resources, enabling the development of more effective and innovative solutions. POM Limburg works with these partners to encourage the development of tailored applications. The Province of Limburg has allocated a fund of €550,000 to accelerate the adoption of XR technology in a business context.
Through this fund, companies can apply for a subsidy of €50,000 to collaborate with a Limburg knowledge institution on XR projects and integrate them into their operations. “In the current climate, innovation is still often concentrated in large companies. However, Limburg is characterized by a landscape of predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises. With this financial incentive, we aim to ensure that SMEs also have the opportunity to innovate and participate in the digital revolution that strengthens the economic resilience of Limburg,” says Deputy and POM Chairman Tom Vandeput.
Overview of approved projects
Five Limburg projects will now focus on XR solutions to address specific challenges, supported by a total of €235,000. They will collaborate with UHasselt and PXL University College to develop and implement these solutions. The approval of subsidies was based on advice from a review committee that included representatives from the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO), POM Limburg, the Province of Limburg, and external experts. The committee assessed the projects’ innovative nature, feasibility, and economic potential.
These cases will serve as inspiring examples for the region. “By showcasing these innovations, we hope to encourage other companies to embrace XR. This is a significant step forward in Limburg’s digitalization and will help drive our economic engine at full speed,” says Deputy Tom Vandeput.
Project Details
- XR Talent Bridge
AlterEyes – PXL University College
AlterEyes is developing an XR-based screening tool to enhance and optimize traditional methods for assessing candidates’ skills. The tool creates simulated, safe work environments where candidates can demonstrate their abilities, enabling fairer and more efficient evaluations. In collaboration with PXL, scientific data collection and analysis are ensured, while BEWEL serves as a test site for implementation. This innovation aims to transform HR processes in various sectors through cost savings, improved efficiency, and a better candidate experience. - XR Lighting: Dynamic Lighting Simulation
LednLux – Toster – UHasselt
LednLux is launching a project to revolutionize how lighting is designed and experienced. By using Augmented Reality (AR) technology, architects, installers, and end-users can virtually place light sources in real environments to see how they transform spaces in real-time. This realistic simulation of shadows, reflections, and lighting effects sets a new standard for the lighting industry. - Hybrid Virtual Twin for Serial Robots
Rovixus – UHasselt
Rovixus and UHasselt’s EDM are developing a Hybrid Virtual Twin that combines software simulation with a microcontroller-based robot controller. This innovation enhances the programming and control of industrial robots, reducing risks and costs. The technology will be tested and validated in an industrial setting to improve automation processes. - AR Dashboards for Operational Teams
The Data Forest – UHasselt
The Data Forest, in partnership with UHasselt, is creating AR dashboards that provide real-time insights to production teams via AI-powered smart glasses. This technology allows faster data-driven decision-making, optimizing machine performance and capacity planning. - CleanAR: Cleanroom Maintenance with AR
Eazer Maintenance – ABN Cleanroom Technology – UHasselt
Eazer Maintenance and ABN Cleanroom Technology are collaborating with UHasselt on an AR tool to optimize cleanroom maintenance. The CleanAR tool provides real-time, interactive instructions to ensure precise cleaning, helping meet strict hygiene standards. This innovation will enhance training, quality control, and efficiency in cleanroom environments.
