This edition not only kicks off a new entrepreneurial academic year, but also marks the start of the Ghent FTI programme at the iconic Wintercircus. With STEM, innovation and entrepreneurship as the common thread, we bring together three inspiring intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs, each showing from a different perspective how ideas can grow into impact. From high-tech and industrial innovation to the future of food, our keynote speakers demonstrate how science and technology can form the basis for entrepreneurship and societal impact:

• Matthias Vandamme believes that innovation has the greatest impact when technology and human talent come together. As Chief Human Resources Officer of ArcelorMittal Belgium, he works to create an organisation where entrepreneurship, continuous development, and technological innovation go hand in hand. From within the world of industry, he sees every day how technical expertise is strengthened by curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to adapt to change. He is passionate about connecting education, research, and business, convinced that this cross-pollination is key to driving innovation and progress. For young talents eager to innovate and take initiative, ArcelorMittal Belgium offers a unique environment where ideas can grow into concrete solutions with a real impact on industry and society.

• Dorien Van Steenberge combines a strong technological background with entrepreneurship and leadership. As CEO of Wintercircus, she is helping to build an ecosystem where technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and talent come together. From the heart of Ghent’s innovation community, she knows better than anyone how cross-pollination between different disciplines can create new ideas and opportunities.
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• As co-founder and CTPO of Polysense, Lucas Van Dijck built on the technical and entrepreneurial experience he and his co-founders gained at UGent Racing. Drawing on that shared background, they founded Polysense with the ambition of using AI and computer vision to make food production processes smarter, more efficient,and more sustainable. Following a recent funding round of 10.7 million euros, Polysense is ready for a new phase of growth. As CTPO, Lucas translates complex industrial challenges into concrete technological solutions that help reduce food waste and increase the efficiency of food production.

Alongside the three keynotes, 10 young entrepreneurs from the Gentrepreneur network will also take the stage. The one-minute pitches are a much-loved part of The Night, giving young entrepreneurs a chance to put their companies in the spotlight. Curious to meet the ambitious Gentrepreneurs who are passionately building their businesses? Meet the entrepreneurs of tomorrow and get inspired by the possibilities of entrepreneurship.

The evening concludes with a networking reception, offering the perfect opportunity to connect with others, exchange ideas and expand your network.

Programme

18:45 • Doors open + welcome

19:30 – 20:55 • 3 inspiring keynotes + 10 one-minute pitches by young entrepreneurs

20:55 – 22:45 • Networking reception with light dinner & drinks

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Language

This event is in Dutch.

Location

Wintercircus (Arena) • Miriam Makebaplein 2, 9000 Ghent

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This edition of The Night is part of the FTI Ghent programme and is a co-production with Wintercircus and ArcelorMittal Belgium.