Smart everything
“As the Internet of Things is gradually becoming more widespread, there is a growing need for IT solutions that seamlessly combine innovative hardware and cutting-edge software”, commented Luc Van den Hove, CEO of imec. “Together, imec and iMinds combine the best of both worlds. This enables us to claim a unique position to develop new concepts in various domains, ranging from sustainable healthcare to smart cities, smart mobility, smart grids, smart financing… In short: smart ‘everything’!”

Accelerating digitization in Flanders
The merger of imec and iMinds will enable Flanders to provide an answer to society’s accelerating digitization, reinforcing the region’s industrial position along the way. “We will be pairing up with more than 3,500 top researchers across 70 countries, as well as a vast business ecosystem of Flanders-based companies and start-ups”, added Danny Goderis, CEO of iMinds.

A breeding ground for innovation
Philippe Muyters, Flanders’ Minister of Innovation, complimented the two research centers on the merger: “It is their pioneering work that put imec and iMinds on the map internationally. By integrating their expertise — in hardware and software innovation respectively — they will preserve their strengths, while making for a bright future.”