SALKturbo kicks off new legislative term with 28,7 million euro in investments
Green light for nine projects, five receive European support
Yesterday, the SALKturbo task force met for the first time at the Limburg Provincial Government building. Ten new projects were immediately approved, representing a total investment of €28.7 million. Additionally, five SALKturbo projects will receive €9.7 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
According to Tom Vandeput, Provincial Deputy for Economy and chair of the task force, this approval round demonstrates that SALKturbo is more than just an economic plan: “Today we have 105 approved SALKturbo projects, representing more than €500 million in investment. These projects fully align with our ambition for an innovative, digital, sustainable, and inclusive economy. This transition is necessary to overcome our historical economic lag behind the rest of Flanders—and even to take the lead in some areas. Given the current geopolitical context, it is more important than ever to unite Limburg’s strengths behind the collective ambition of SALKturbo.”
The new SALKturbo projects span a wide spectrum. UHasselt, through LLL@UHasselt, is making a major step in lifelong learning with a new campus that combines educational programs with demonstration spaces. PXL University of Applied Sciences is investing in the HyperSphere HUB, an infrastructure hub where technology and the creative sector intersect, with applications in immersive media and virtual production. Hyve BV is launching the Porcolate project, focusing on green hydrogen production using advanced nano-membranes developed with imec and VITO. SyntraPXL is transforming its workshops in Hasselt into a state-of-the-art e-mobility lab focused on training for electric vehicles.
“These projects all offer societal and economic value in their own way,” says Deputy Vandeput. “We are not investing in plans that sit in drawers—we are funding concrete realizations. These projects create jobs, build knowledge, and increase the resilience of our region.”
10 new SALKturbo projects
LLL@UHasselt – Hasselt University – 7.200.000 euro
In addition to its regular bachelor’s and master’s programs, UHasselt is strategically investing in lifelong learning with the LLL@UHasselt project. As part of a broader master plan, a new building with demonstration spaces will be constructed, linked to training in fields such as medicine and engineering. The infrastructure will be accessible to professionals, companies, and organizations. In living labs, new technologies can be tested and demonstrated without financial barriers for companies. UHasselt thus contributes to innovation, knowledge sharing, and strong skills for tomorrow’s labor market.
E-Mobility Lab – SyntraPXL – 550.000 euro
SyntraPXL is converting its automotive workshop in Hasselt into a high-tech training center focused on electric mobility—cars, bikes, and light vehicles. This project addresses the rapid rise of e-mobility and the growing shortage of technicians knowledgeable in electric propulsion and sustainable transport. The lab will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to train participants with hands-on experience for the jobs of the future. It contributes to climate targets and supports the transition to greener transport in Flanders.-
HyperSphere HUB – Hogeschool PXL – 2.400.000 euro
PXL-MAD School of Arts is launching the HyperSphere HUB, a high-tech learning and demonstration environment for the fast-growing experience economy. Young talents will be trained in future-proof skills while companies gain access to cutting-edge technological applications. This synergy accelerates innovation, strengthens Limburg businesses, and creates additional jobs in creative sectors. With integrated infrastructure for immersive media, virtual production, and creative technology, aimed at both students and businesses, the HyperSphere HUB fosters digital transformation, sustainable growth, and cross-sector collaboration. The initiative makes Limburg more attractive to startups, investors, and international partners, helping to retain young talent.
Porcolate – Hyve BV – 970.000 euro
Through the Porcolate project, Hyve, in collaboration with imec, VITO, and industrial partners such as Bekaert and John Cockerill, takes a next step toward commercializing green hydrogen. Central to the project is the scaling up of an innovative technology using nanoporous membranes for more efficient hydrogen production. Pilot lines and demonstrations will test and produce these membranes on an industrial scale in real-world conditions, accelerating the transition from lab to market. The technology, based on slot-die coating, offers high speed, scalability, and broad applications in the energy transition. The project anchors Hyve at Thor Park and strengthens its collaboration with partners like EnergyVille and FacThory.
Masterplan Chemspot – Hogeschool UCLL – 8.940.000 euro
UCLL plans a new training and research facility focused on chemistry and life sciences at its Diepenbeek campus. This major investment will expand educational offerings and applied research in circularity and chemistry, tailored to the needs of Limburg’s industry. This enables professionals and students to gain directly applicable skills.
Sensor Hotel for urban cleanliness – Rematics – 1.660.000 euro
This project equips waste collection trucks with technology to help local governments improve cleanliness in cities and towns. Because garbage trucks travel everywhere, they can efficiently gather valuable data. Equipped with sensors, they can detect illegal dumping or monitor road conditions. Through the MyCSN platform, the data is securely shared with municipalities and intermunicipal associations, enabling targeted interventions.
STEM TOWER – Hasselt University – 3.600.000 euro
To meet the growing demand from companies for innovation and technology, UHasselt is investing in a new tower with modern labs and training spaces. This will accelerate the development of new products and services. The university promotes stronger cooperation between knowledge institutions and companies, aiming to generate high-quality jobs and strengthen Limburg’s economy.
Connection F75 Kolenspoor – Stad Genk – 1.715.000 euro
This project enhances the connection between the ‘Kolenspoor’ route in Genk and strategic links to local and regional hotspots. Safe, well-equipped junctions will be created to LABIOMISTA, KRC Genk, Thor Park, and surrounding neighborhoods, with bike parking and rest stops. Risky or unsafe areas will be improved to better connect residential areas. The Kolenspoor will evolve into a smooth, safe, and attractive cycling axis linking economic and residential zones.
Model farm, Black Soldier Fly Larvae breeeding – GL-Projects – 1.690.000 euro
Agriculture is under pressure due to climate change, rising costs, and a growing global population. This project focuses on breeding black soldier fly larvae to meet increasing protein demand and promote circular solutions. The larvae convert waste streams into high-value proteins and fats for use in animal feed, cosmetics, and soil improvers. The model farm will demonstrate how insect farming can be a profitable and ecologically sound activity. Alongside demonstration and training, the project aims to establish a full supply chain from residual flows to end products.
SALKturbo Keeps Momentum
Of the 105 approved SALKturbo projects, more than half are already underway thanks to European, Flemish, and provincial funding. Deputy Tom Vandeput: “For many projects, we provided initial provincial funding while waiting for European subsidies to become available. Then, transition region funding really accelerated progress. Today, the green light was given for five projects to receive €9.7 million in ERDF support.” These include four newly approved SALKturbo projects and the logistics campus from a previous SALKturbo round.
Overview of approved ERDF projects
Logistics Campus Limburg – POM Limburg – 3.380.000 euro ERDF support
Limburg’s logistics sector generates €1.8 billion and nearly 20,000 jobs. Yet the sector faces pressure from digital lag, high workload, and a negative image. To address this, the Provincial Development Agency (POM) Limburg is building an innovative campus in Genk focused on digital transformation in logistics. At the Logistics Valley Flanders site, a modern facility with a demonstration warehouse and digital experience zone will connect businesses, knowledge institutions, governments, and tech providers. The campus aims to drive innovation, knowledge sharing, and inclusion, reinforcing Limburg’s role as a top logistics region in Europe.
- Porcolate – Hyve BV: 435.000 euro ERDF support
- E-Mobility Lab – SyntraPXL: 331.000 euro ERDF support
- HyperSphere HUB – Hogeschool PXL: 1.200.000 euro ERDF support
- LLL@UHasselt – Universiteit Hasselt: 4.315.000 euro ERDF support
Structural challenges remain
Although Limburg has made important progress in recent years—particularly in employment—the region continues to face structural challenges. Its GDP per capita still lags more than 20% behind the Flemish average. The role of European support in this context is critical.
Deputy Vandeput is clear on the need for extension: “Without continued recognition as a transition region, we risk falling behind the rest of Flanders. The numbers don’t lie. We need Europe to take the final leap forward. This is not a cry for help—it’s an investment in a strong future, not just for Limburg, but for all of Flanders.”
