From farm to flush: a matchmaking event on plant-based food
You're a KU Leuven researcher studying the primary production, processing or nutrition aspects of plant-based food, looking for contacts in industry? Or vice versa: a company active in the food system ‘from farm to flush’ that wants to join forces with academia? In both cases you can team up at a matchmaking event on December 11th in Leuven!
Discover the advantages of university-industry collaboration, its practicalities, and the funding streams which make such a cooperation possible. A selection of experts – from KU Leuven and the business world – shares its experiences and highlights the various possibilities.
Where? Leercentrum AGORA, Edward Van Evenstraat 4, Leuven
When? Thursday 11 December 2025 from 17:30
For whom? KU Leuven researchers and professionals from industry active within the field of the primary production, processing or health-related aspects of plant-based food.
Entrance fee? Participation is free, registration is required however before December 4th.
Program
17:30 – Arrival & check-in with snacks and drinks
18:10 – Welcome by moderator Tessa Avermaete (Founder of Run and Harvest)
18:20 – Setting the scene by KU Leuven experts
- Primary production (Jenny Neukermans, Valorization manager)
- Processing (Kristof Brijs, Innovation manager)
- Nutrition and health (Elke Piters, Innovation manager)
18:50 – Getting practical: routes of industry-university collaboration and funding (by Sabien Vanlangendonck, head of unit at KU Leuven Research & Development)
19:05 – Working with KU Leuven – the industry’s perspective (by Bram Pareyt, R&D Director of Puratos)
19:30 – Networking and matchmaking at researcher booths, with closing reception
This event is an initiative by KU Leuven Research & Development, the Industrial Research Fund (IOF), the KU Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), Provinciale Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij (POM) Vlaams-Brabant and Smart Hub Vlaams-Brabant, supported by health innovation cluster Biovia and Flanders’FOOD.