FLANDERS MAKE

Their core work

Flanders Make is a Belgian strategic research centre focused on the manufacturing industry, specializing in intelligent production systems, vehicle technology, and advanced mechatronics. They develop sensor-based monitoring solutions, battery management systems, and digital manufacturing tools that help companies — particularly SMEs — adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. Their work spans from predictive maintenance algorithms for offshore wind turbines to modular battery architectures for maritime transport, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial deployment.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2016–2019, Flanders Make focused on vehicle mechatronics (multi-actuated vehicles, automated driving) and began entering digital manufacturing with sensor-based monitoring and predictive maintenance for industrial assets. From 2020 onward, their portfolio shifted decisively toward battery system engineering for transport electrification (SEABAT, SENSIBAT, LIBERTY) and toward operating as a Digital Innovation Hub supporting SME digitalisation. The recent emphasis on sustainability, lightweight design, and decarbonisation marks a clear pivot from pure mechatronics research toward green transport and energy transition applications.

Flanders Make is consolidating around electrification of transport (especially maritime batteries) and scaling its role as an innovation hub for manufacturing SMEs — expect future work at the intersection of green energy storage and smart production.

How they like to work

Flanders Make operates overwhelmingly as a project partner (11 of 12 projects), contributing deep technical capabilities rather than leading large consortia. Their single coordinator role on SEABAT — also their largest funded project — suggests they step up to lead when the topic aligns tightly with their core battery expertise. With 264 unique partners across 33 countries, they are a well-connected hub that integrates into diverse European consortia rather than relying on a fixed set of repeat collaborators.

Flanders Make has collaborated with 264 distinct partners across 33 countries, placing them in the top tier of connectivity for a Belgian research centre. Their reach is pan-European with no evident geographic bias, reflecting their ability to integrate into large, multinational consortia.

What sets them apart

Flanders Make occupies a rare position as an industry-embedded research centre that combines deep mechatronics and manufacturing expertise with hands-on SME innovation support. Unlike university labs, they are built to translate research into factory-floor solutions, making them an ideal partner when a project needs both R&D depth and a pathway to industrial deployment. Their dual strength in battery system engineering and digital production tools makes them especially valuable for consortia tackling transport electrification or smart manufacturing challenges.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SEABAT
  Their only coordinator role and largest single project (EUR 1.15M), developing modular hybrid battery systems for maritime vessels — signals this as their flagship competence.
• WATEREYE
  High-value project (EUR 785K) tackling real-time corrosion monitoring for offshore wind, combining their sensor expertise with predictive maintenance for energy infrastructure.
• TRINITY
  Large-scale digital manufacturing project (EUR 592K) integrating robotics, IoT, and cyber-security for agile production — demonstrates their Industry 4.0 breadth.