SMART FOOD FACTORY: Enhancing digital and green growth in food industry - From Vision to Impact

Keynote by Mila Valcárcel Pato, Co-founder & Managing Partner, Eatable AdventuresExplore how breakthrough technologies are reshaping the future of food. Drawing on global experience in agrifood innovation, Mila Valcárcel Pato reveals how Europe’s tech ecosystem is driving sustainable change across the food value chain.

Keynote by Veerle De Graef, Internationalisation Manager at Flanders’ FOOD & HIGHFIVE Project Coordinator. Discover how the HIGHFIVE initiative is accelerating digital and green innovation in the food sector. Led by Flanders’ FOOD, this keynote highlights collaborative strategies and real-world successes that are driving a more connected, sustainable European food ecosystem.

Intelligent Development and Use of Sensor and Camera Data for Less Food Waste
Pitch by Tim Van Meer, Pomuni

Discover how advanced sensor and camera solutions are enabling smarter decision-making and reducing food waste across the supply chain.

Real-Time and AI-Based Quality Control for Food Packaging
Pitch by Zoltan Beke, Mortoff

Explore cutting-edge AI technologies delivering real-time quality control and greater efficiency for sustainable food packaging processes.

A Better Bottle Recycling for the Beverage Industry
Pitch by Marjus Saulis, Benco

See how innovative recycling solutions are transforming bottle recovery in the beverage sector, supporting a more circular economy.

Join leading SME innovators as they share what really drives success in food processing. This dynamic panel brings together real-world stories, key takeaways, and honest reflections on navigating challenges and building a thriving support network. Gain practical insights from Pomuni, Mortoff, and Benco, and discover tips to accelerate your own innovation journey.

Protecting Green Beans and Peas Production with the Help of an AI-Driven Camera
Pitch by Jonathan Kesteloot, Captic

Discover how AI-powered camera systems are safeguarding green bean and pea production, supporting quality and sustainability at scale.

How AI Can Generate Flexible and More Efficient Production Planning for Dairy Products
Pitch by Katarina Lamovec, Metronik

Learn how AI-driven planning tools are enabling smarter, more adaptive production in the dairy sector—optimising resources and outcomes.

How Algorithms Can Revolutionise Energy Management for the Frozen Food Industry
Pitch by Thomas van Oyen, Ikologik/Prophesea

Explore how advanced algorithms are transforming energy management in frozen food, driving efficiency and supporting the green transition.

Applying Optical Sensor Technology for Online Monitoring of Butter Production
Pitch by Iker Garcia, AOTech

See how innovative optical sensor solutions are enabling real-time monitoring and quality control in butter production.

Keynote by Lex Oosterveld, Program Manager Food Processing, OnePlanet Research Center

Discover how cutting-edge nanoelectronics and digital technologies are shaping the future of food production. Lex Oosterveld shares new advancements in on-chip sensing and their practical applications for a smarter, more efficient food industry.

- From Data to Insights, also for dummies (by Food For Analytics)

- The mobile cobot, a reliable partner on the workfloor (by Van Wees Waalwijk)

- Cost efficient energy routing  (by Ikologik)

- Monitoring the digitalised production process with integrated data insights (by RBK Group)

- A Digital Twin for optimal wine fermentation  (by Smartis)

- How IoT can assess Mayonnaise quality (by AOTech)

- Smart data platform maximising the value of waste, at scale! (by Anteja)

- Implementing AI based production planning for cream cheese manufacturing (by Triple Alpha)

Keynote by Alexander Naessens, Researcher – University of Antwerp & delaware

Discover a new self-assessment tool designed to help businesses unlock the full potential of Industry 4.0. Alexander Naessens presents research-backed insights and practical benchmarks to guide your digital transformation journey and compare your progress with industry peers.

Panelists: Alexander Naessens (Researcher, University of Antwerp & delaware), Bram de Vrught (Managing Director & Co-owner, QING), Mila Valcárcel Pato (Co-founder & Managing Partner, Eatable Adventures), Kris Van de Voorde (Business Program Manager, imec), Veerle De Graef (Internationalisation Manager, Flanders’ FOOD)

This panel will highlight emerging opportunities, key challenges, and practical pathways for Europe’s next wave of digital and sustainable transformation.