Technology and innovation? Crucial for the future of Flanders! That is why the Flemish government is once again organizing the technology fair Flanders Technology and Innovation (FTI) from March 16 to 21, 2024. Ghent historically serves as the place par excellence: the fair takes place at various locations in our city, including Flanders Expo.
History
In 1983, the first edition of the biennial technology fair Flanders Technology opened its doors. More than 100,000 visitors gathered in the Floraliënhal in Ghent’s Citadel Park to catch a glimpse of the future and see with their own eyes how Flanders successfully positioned itself as a high-tech region.
It soon became clear that Ghent needed a larger and more modern exhibition infrastructure. In 1987, the technology fair moved to the Flanders Expo building complex, which was built specially for the occasion on the grounds of the recently closed Sint-Denijs-Westrem airport. Flanders Technology International was born!
At its peak, the fair attracted more than 600,000 visitors, but overtaken by the speed at which technology developed, Flanders Technology International came to an end in 1999.
FTI 2024
Until today. With the relaunch of Flanders Technology and Innovation, the Flemish government wants to strengthen its position abroad as an innovative knowledge region. The focus is on concrete projects that make the life of every Fleming better. This happens in 6 domains: data technology, health, energy, mobility, entertainment, and lifelong learning. Ghent chose the theme of the booming bio & health tech scene.
Inspire health&care in Flanders Expo
For instance, FTI Gent joins forces with Inspire health&care, the meeting platform for care and welfare, which takes place from March 19 to 21, 2024, in Flanders Expo. For three days, keynotes and talks will be held on relevant developments and innovations in health tech. Hilde Crevits, Vice-Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister for Welfare, Public Health, and Family, will festively open the FTI stage. Lieven Scheire will also be there to speak about AI, among others.
FTI Gent
Numerous keynotes and inspiring talks will also take place in the recently renovated Ghent Wintercircus, taking innovators on a journey through the wonderful world of bio & health tech. Furthermore, enjoy culinary science fiction in the FTI restaurant, under the wings of star chef Olly Ceulenaere. Or visit the Expo by ArcelorMittal and let yourself be carried away by all the floors and corners of the former circus building and vintage car graveyard on the one hand, and by the history of Flanders Technology & Innovation on the other.
In addition to Ghent, events are also taking place in Kortrijk, Hasselt, Leuven, Brussels, and Antwerp as part of Flanders Innovation and Technology in collaboration with various companies, schools, and universities. The closing festival will take place in Antwerp on Sunday, March 24, 2024. All info & tickets can be found at FTI Gent and FTI Flanders.
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