Research projects

The overall aim of the AI-PathFinder project is to investigate how Flemish food companies should be supported in developing their AI strategies, thereby accelerating the concrete adoption of AI.                                                                                      

Companies realize that further digitization is necessary to continue innovating, growing, and making their processes more efficient. However, businesses are increasingly questioning how they can be supported in the energy transition without incurring significant costs.           

During the Offshore for Sure (O4S) project, innovative energy solutions are being developed. Thanks to its expertise in cybersecurity, Howest contributes to the design of smart and secure maintenance systems. Additionally, Howest will serve as an educational partner.             

To improve effectively, companies must be able to assess their situation and select the right technologies. Both aspects do not appear to be evident for SMEs. This project aims to build a research infrastructure to set up demonstrations/validations.                               

Creating digital content (marketing campaigns, websites, apps and VR/AR applications) requires a thorough understanding of end-user experiences and responses. Traditional methods such as surveys provide valuable insights, but often miss the unconscious responses.                 

To support the growth and development of the economically significant sector 'Blue Energy,' a state-of-the-art training center is being established in Bluebridge at the Ostend Science Park, in collaboration with POM West Flanders.                                                  

EDIH DIGITALIS provides support to local businesses in the areas of AI, industrial digitization, and cybersecurity.As part of Digital Europe, a call was launched to establish European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH).                                                                 

It is well-known that the use of XR leads to better student outcomes and that the technology can better support the learning process. Thanks to XR, students can safely practice situations that would otherwise be difficult or impossible due to financial or safety reasons.         

Many schools have the ambition to implement Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), or overarching eXtended Reality (XR) in their offerings. Especially for students for whom skill training is a core task, XR applications can add value.