Practical
Tuesday, 20 October, 2026
- 10:00 until 19:00
TheMerode
Poelaertplein 6
1000 Brussel
Poelaertplein 6
1000 Brussel
Tickets available soon
Registration until
From circular architecture and adaptive spaces to AI-driven urban planning and citizen-led sustainability: at the FTI Festival, we bring together disciplines and sectors that are reinventing cities. The morning program features keynotes, pitches, and panels on creativity, inclusion, and circular design in practice. You’ll also enjoy lunch and a networking session with peers from architecture, sustainability, and urban innovation—the perfect opportunity to forge your next partnership or develop a big idea. In the afternoon, Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites you for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of scientific laboratories and innovators.
Business track
Keynotes
Lisa De Visscher, Brussels’ new Chief Architect, will open the event with her vision of architectural responsibility within a rapidly changing urban fabric.
Pitches & panels
Hear groundbreaking ideas from Sebastian Moreno-Vacca (A2M Architects), Pieter Ballon (Imec-SMIT & VUB), Jean-Philip Vroninks (Befimmo), Cathy Macharis (VUB, HOST – House of Sustainable Transitions), Claudia De Cesco (Socrata), Serge Kempeneers (BRAL), and Bart Becks (AI-polis).
There will also be a breakout session on heritage as a driving force: how do we innovate without erasing the past? How do we connect memory with investment, identity with innovation? Heritage is circular not only in materials, but also in stories, spaces, and knowledge. It is not about preserving what was, but about activating what can be.
Fast tracks: a unique behind-the-scenes at VUB-innovators
Brussels and the Rand region boast a rich ecosystem of innovative organizations. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is one of them. To truly experience this diversity, we’re bringing innovation directly to you through fast tracks: inspiring visits to laboratories dedicated to scientific innovation.
In the Circular & City business track, you can choose from 2 fast tracks at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) taking place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. We provide a shuttle service from TheMerode to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel campus.
Scroll down to discover the fast tracks.
Programme
- 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Business track @ TheMerode
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch @ TheMerode
- 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Fast track @ Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Tickets
Each ticket for the business track includes one fast track.
Fast Track: Smart Energy for a Livable City
This tour offers a unique and interactive look at how smart energy and mobility solutions are accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy supply, and how innovation is already shaping the world of tomorrow.
READ MORE
Fast Track: From Biomaterials to a Construction Revolution
This inspiring fast track focuses on sustainable materials and circular renovation. You’ll get a front-row seat to see how science and innovation are working together to build a sustainable future
READ MORE
Looking for expertise, technology or research partners?
Innovate with VUB!
With the development of technological applications across a wide range of societal domains, Vrije Universiteit Brussel is pioneering innovation in the heart of Europe.
VUB brings together researchers, entrepreneurs and organisations. From licensing opportunities and spin-offs to collaborative research projects, our TechTransfer team helps innovative ideas grow and create impact.
Do you work for a company or non-profit organisation looking to translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions? Get in touch with VUB TechTransfer to explore opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry and society.
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme, a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
As an Urban Engaged University, VUB aims to be a driver of change in the world. With our academic edcuational programmes and innovative research, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to making a difference locally and globally.
