Research Park Zellik evolves into a global innovation center

When and why was the Zellik Research Park established?
Michael Dooms: "In 1983, the RPZ was established by the Flemish government, with the VUB acting as evaluator of the R&D footprint of companies as a condition for establishing themselves in the park. Companies had to carry out research and development activities, preferably in collaboration with VUB. Over the past 40 years, and still today, companies that meet the conditions can lease land from the owner, the Flemish government. However, the construction of buildings on the leased land is their own responsibility."" 

“Our goal is to turn Research Park Zellik into a vibrant campus that stimulates collaboration between sectors and strengthens regional competitiveness”

What makes this location so attractive?
"Although it is strategically located near the Brussels Ring Road and only 20 minutes from Brussels Airport, the area is also a valuable natural environment that we want to preserve and enhance. The site offers opportunities for joggers and hikers, and is close to UZ Brussels, the VUB Health Campus and established businesses. There are three train stations within walking distance, a cycle highway along the park, and shared mobility options and a shuttle service are planned. Approximately one-third of VUB staff live west of Brussels, making it a logical location for satellite offices. Finally, RPZ serves as a gateway to North-West Flemish Brabant, Pajottenland and the Dender Valley.

Why is VUB so committed to this?
"In general, a research park supports a university's innovation and valorisation activities by promoting collaboration with industrial partners. Such collaborations can lead to additional academic and economic benefits, including more research projects, publications, patents, licences and spin-offs. At present, the university's income from these activities remains limited compared to institutions that benefit from well-developed science parks, such as Leuven and Ghent. This is a missed opportunity. The focus is on three areas: 'Energy & Climate', with Green Energy Park as ecosystem developer; 'Health', thanks to the proximity of the university hospital; and 'Key Enabling Technologies' such as batteries, robotics and AI."

"The Zellik Research Park offers enormous potential for the valorisation of applied research. We are building ecosystems that enable cross-fertilisation between disciplines"

How is the project organised?
"We are not reinventing the wheel, of course, and we draw inspiration from other successful sites. Initially, we set up the non-profit organisation Green Energy Park, which served as an ecosystem for early development. Today, there are three entities active at RPZ that focus on development and management. Green Energy Park facilitates infrastructure development, attracts investors, supports R&D&I projects and manages open living labs. All this with the active support of VUB TechTransfer. The aim is not to create a second Etterbeek campus, but to attract innovative companies and VUB spin-offs that strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem."

Which VUB departments are involved?
"Various departments and individuals are involved, such as VUB INFRA, MARCOM, ICT, the Director General and his staff, and the Vice-Rectorate for Research. VUB TechTransfer, the operational team of the Vice-Rectorate for Innovation & Industry Relations, is taking the lead in this project. This proves that the RPZ project is truly anchored at the heart of the university."

How did you become involved in this project?
"I started my journey at the VUB almost 30 years ago, with a Master's and a PhD in Business & Technology at the Solvay Business School. In 2010, I started teaching and doing research, and today I am a full professor. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to reinvent myself about every five years. Given my expertise in applied research into large-scale infrastructure projects and stakeholder management, I felt a strong urge to put theory into practice within my own institution. In 2022, the late rector Paul De Knop invited me to review the project file together with Elvira Haezendonck, and it immediately sparked my interest. After Paul's passing, the Board of Directors asked us to continue his work and further promote his vision."

"By 2028, we want to create a low-traffic, green and well-connected campus"

Recent achievements and ongoing projects
"Initially, the focus was on green energy: the Smart Village Lab was developed. Shortly afterwards, a large data centre was built, and VLAIO asked us to take on the further development of the park. The Smart Village Lab consists of six homes that exchange energy via a “Smart Energy Grid”. Recently, VUB FACT, the Flanders Alliance for Climate Technology, launched an alliance of 350 researchers. One ongoing project is SMEL II, an extension of the Smart Village Lab focusing on hydrogen. In addition, a demo building for circular construction solutions is being built. One of the recent achievements is the impressive data centre, which will house the Flemish supercomputer. This Tier-1 supercomputer will be officially inaugurated in November and will be operational in January 2026."

"The former Roularta building is being transformed into a Robotics Hub and also houses the new 7Tesla MRI scanner, thanks to the IN2U project. Another project in the pipeline is the Origin building, which will offer 18,500 m² and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2027. A large technology company has already committed to being the main tenant."

Looking to the distant future
"Following the Data Centre and the Origin building, our current agreement with the private development consortium allows for the construction of a third building. We want to transform the site into a low-traffic, green and well-connected campus, with facilities such as catering, sports and improved access to public transport. A long-term master plan integrating economic, ecological, mobility and governance dimensions should be ready by the end of 2028."

What opportunities does RPZ offer researchers?
"The Zellik Research Park offers enormous potential for the valorisation of applied research. We are building ecosystems that bring together research groups, investors, companies and other stakeholders, creating fertile ground for collaboration, shared infrastructure, spin-offs and cross-fertilisation between disciplines. The ecosystem around “Climate & Energy” is already attracting major players. The future Robotics Hub offers a pipeline for new spin-offs. And perhaps most exciting of all: the Flemish supercomputer will officially open in November 2025 in the Pentra Infra BRU01 Data Centre, further strengthening RPZ's position as an innovation hub in Flanders."