Research projects

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).                                                                 

Howest is establishing an Integrated Security Operations Center (ISOC). An ISOC is an extension of the more familiar SOC (Security Operations Center, the physical location of an information security team).                                                                           

Through the deployment of a high-quality 5G network, the Westhoek becomes a true smart region. This aligns with the objectives of the integrated economic regional vision of the Westhoek, 'The Westhoek Impulse Plan.'                                                                 

This project harnesses 5G technology for unmanned navigation on inland waterways, focusing on semi-autonomous inland navigation with support through 5G connectivity. Howest is exploring the possibilities of a 360° camera and VR applications on the boat & will conduct field tests.

For cities, keeping the energy bill affordable is a challenge. Howest is assisting Kortrijk city in this regard. Through pilot projects in Kortrijk Weide and Transfo Zwevegem, the Smart Technology Energy lab is developing a data architecture for smart control of energy systems.