VIL doubles startup offerings in its demonstration center 

LogiVille, VIL's open logistics demonstration center, has doubled its startup offerings. This expansion is a direct response to the industry's growing interest in innovative, approachable and scalable solutions that can be deployed today. At the same time, it aligns with startups' need for a platform to visibly position themselves. With this expansion, VIL strengthens its role as an accelerator for innovation. 

Clear signals from the market 

The signals from the industry are clear. Many startups are not yet well known and therefore generate curiosity among companies, both about the organization and the technology. That initial introduction often leads to a discovery of ingenious technologies that generate attention and interest. 

“Startups bring additional dynamism to the demonstration center with their enthusiasm, inventiveness and flexibility.”, says Paul Van Nuffel, manager of LogiVille. “Moreover, they demonstrate incredibly creative and effective solutions to pressing challenges of logistics operations.” 

More than just showing 

What sets LogiVille apart from a classic showroom or trade show is the way innovation is conveyed. Technologies are not only presented, but also made concrete through demonstrations and practical examples. The journey through these innovations is accompanied by VIL staff, who provide explanations neutrally and independently, but with knowledge of the technology and the operational context. 

In addition, within LogiVille, the focus is on: 

• collaboration between startups and mature companies to further develop solutions together, 
• speed dating between startups and potential users, 
• Organization of themed events, master classes and deep-dive sessions. 

Startup offer 

Entrepreneurs and managers visiting the demonstration center will be introduced to a wide range of solutions for current logistics challenges, including: 

• Applications of artificial intelligence for automation and administrative processes, 
• drones for logistical tasks such as inventory taking and inspection, 
• autonomous mobile robots for logistics operations, 
• digital solutions, VR applications and gamification for training and coaching, among others, 
• sustainable packaging. 

By showing and clearly explaining innovations in a realistic context, visitors will more quickly gain insight into what is feasible and useful within their organization. 

Springboard for startups 

Satisfaction is also high among startups. The visibility and contacts provided by LogiVille lead to concrete results: 

“Through LogiVille, we came into contact with companies we would never otherwise sit down with. These meetings led not only to valuable leads, but also to concrete collaborations.”, said Tom Devos of Hyperfox. 

“LogiVille acts as a targeted matchmaker between innovative startups and companies with concrete needs. This results in valuable contacts and new collaborations.”, said Mathias Slabbinck of Quifactum. 

VIL's ambition is clear: to be a place where innovation does not stop at inspiration, but leads to proof of concepts, collaboration, growth and sustainable anchoring. 

Our offer 

Those interested in discovering which startups are active within the demonstration center and how their solutions address logistics challenges can book a guided tour through Debora Craenhals (debora.craenhals@vil.be).