Les Belges Histoires | Fishing Cactus, Belgium in the game

In the small town of Mons, in Hainaut, video game enthusiasts created an independent studio: Fishing Cactus.

That was in 2009, and since then, they’ve come a long way. The small studio has grown and now collaborates with around thirty artists, developers, game designers, and more. But it has retained its fundamental philosophy: to create video game projects on a human scale, as opposed to the big productions and giants of the industry. When the studio was launched, Belgium was not really a hotbed of video game creation, so it was quite a challenge - especially when it came to finding investors!

Bruno Urbain, the founder and director, and his team don’t just create simple games. They design smart games, i.e. games with an educational or informative purpose... In other words, at Fishing Cactus, they make games with soul. And they’re proud of this artisanal approach.

The list of their productions is impressive: Epistory, Nanotale, Corsairs, Algobot, Ary, Gloomy Eyes, Shift Quantum... The poetic Epistory has enjoyed international success and received numerous awards: the Innovation Award at the Belgian Game Awards (2015), Creative Play at the Paris Play Awards (2015), an honourable mention at the Independent Game Festival in 2016, and the title of ‘Best Game’ at the Momocon Festival in Atlanta in 2016. Its narrative, atmosphere and origami 3D visual style certainly helped to win over the juries.

 

Discover the other episodes on the Les Belges Histoires' playlist

 

Les Belges Histoires

The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.

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Hyloris Pharmaceuticals Bets on Reformulation to Accelerate Pharmaceutical Innovation

From June 22 to 25, Wallonia will be attending the BIO International Convention in San Diego. The event is one of the most important global gatherings for building partnerships in the biotech sector. Among the Walloon companies present in San Diego is Hyloris Pharmaceuticals.

 

Based in Liège, Wallonia, since 2017, Hyloris Pharmaceuticals is a pharmaceutical group specializing in the reinvention and optimization of existing medicines through reformulation and repurposing, with the aim of addressing significant unmet medical needs and delivering meaningful improvements for patients, healthcare professionals, and payers.

“We work on the reformulation and repurposing of existing molecules. For example, we developed a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen together with a partner as an intravenous infusion solution. The product previously existed in tablet form, and we converted it into an infusion. We also have other products where medicines are initially used for a specific indication and, through clinical trials, we demonstrate that they are also effective for other conditions,” explains Thomas Jacobsen, co-founder of Hyloris Pharmaceuticals.

Hyloris Pharmaceuticals oversees the lengthy development and regulatory approval process and seeks partners worldwide to commercialize its products. The company does not own manufacturing facilities.

“The core idea is that because we work with already well-known ingredients, we do not need to prove their safety again. That has already been established. We simply need to demonstrate their efficacy,” adds Thomas Jacobsen.

This approach therefore reduces costs and shortens the time needed to bring a drug to market. “Our products genuinely change the lives of patients and physicians. It is not just a minor improvement. There is a real therapeutic benefit. For example, we have an intravenous sotalol product. Sotalol is a well-known drug used in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, meaning when the heart beats irregularly. When oral sotalol treatment is initiated, it takes three days to reach effective blood levels. During those three days, a serious side effect may occur and, if the patient is not hospitalized, it can be fatal. We therefore reformulated the product into an intravenous version. The drug is administered to the patient over one hour. If the physician observes the side effect, the infusion is stopped immediately. Otherwise, after one hour, the patient has already reached the required therapeutic level. The treatment can then switch to tablets and the patient can return home. So instead of staying in hospital for three days, the patient can go home within a single day,” Thomas Jacobsen explains.

In total, Hyloris Pharmaceuticals is working on more than 30 products, 28 of which have already been publicly disclosed.

For several years now, Hyloris Pharmaceuticals has been participating in the BIO convention in the United States. “It is an excellent opportunity to identify new products for our pipeline and new partners for our existing products,” he concludes.

Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)

Useful links: Hyloris PharmaceuticalsInvestirAcheterSavoir-faire technique

Instant, accurate identification of military targets: IDDEA’s technology set to transform the battlefield

The Walloon start-up IDDEA has developed a solution capable of rapidly identifying military equipment in the field using artificial intelligence, based on still images or video streams. A promising technology that could attract armed forces and international organisations worldwide.

Identifying a military target instantly and with precision is now possible. In a context where the defence sector is undergoing rapid transformation and dual-use technologies are gaining prominence, small innovative companies are playing a decisive role in delivering disruptive solutions. Based near Namur (Belgium), IDDEA perfectly illustrates this trend by developing a military equipment identification technology designed for forces deployed in the field.

 

An idea born from a real operational need

The origins of the project date back to 2019. IDDEA’s founder, Alain Servaes, drew inspiration from a method used by the US Army: distributing playing cards featuring enemy military equipment to help soldiers quickly recognise “enemy” assets on the ground.

However, in the digital age and given the growing complexity of modern battlefields – particularly the highly transparent environments seen in Ukraine – this method needed to be modernised. The proliferation of equipment variants, continuous system upgrades, and the massive circulation of images from highly diverse environments have made visual identification more challenging than ever.

The idea was therefore to modernise this approach with a digital solution capable of analysing an image and delivering immediately actionable information.

 

A solution capable of identifying vehicles, drones and weapon systems

IDDEA’s solution is based on two complementary pillars: AI-powered identification software and a lightweight, configurable embedded version designed for offline use and integration across multiple platforms.

Thanks to a comprehensive database of military equipment, users can identify the exact model of equipment – whether combat vehicles, naval assets, drones or weapon systems – and access key operational information. In real-world situations, such data can prove decisive: armour type, firing capabilities, ammunition used, or threat level.

The technology can also distinguish between highly similar systems. For instance, drones used in various conflicts – such as Iranian Shahed models or their variants produced in other countries, including Russian Geran drones – may look nearly identical but feature critical technical differences.

Today, armed forces can generally identify broad categories of equipment, but differentiating between specific models remains challenging. IDDEA’s solution aims to bridge this gap by delivering fast, field-ready analysis and supporting decision-making processes. On the battlefield, every second counts.

 

A solution designed for operational deployment

One of the key strengths of IDDEA’s technology is its ability to operate offline. The database can be preloaded before a mission and used locally on a device throughout deployment, without relying on external connectivity. This capability is essential for units operating in environments where communications are limited or unavailable.

The solution has been designed for use across a wide range of operational contexts: land, naval and air forces, specialised units, and demining teams. Certain humanitarian organisations operating in conflict zones could also benefit from such a tool.

 

Technological independence: a strategic European solution developed in Wallonia

To further enhance the performance of its solution, IDDEA is now investing in the development of its own identification algorithm, ensuring full technological independence.

This approach addresses a growing challenge in the defence sector: technological sovereignty. “It is essential to retain full control over the technology we develop,” emphasises the founder.

 

Illustrations : J. Van Belle (Wallonia Export) & IDDEA

Useful links: IDDEAEntreprises 'défense' de WallonieAcheterSavoir-faire technique

These innovative solutions Made-In-Wallonia showcased at Vivatech 2024

In a bustling Paris, on the eve of the Olympic Games, the global tech community will converge in May in the French capital at Viva Technology, Europe's leading digital innovation and technology salon. More than 100,000 visitors, investors, startups, and tech giants are expected to showcase the innovations and companies shaping the world of tomorrow. Among behemoths like Google, Meta, or Amazon, along with unicorns and thousands of startups in attendance, Belgian companies will be well represented, showcasing the strength of Belgium's technological and digital ecosystems.

Since 2018, Belgian companies have been developing creative solutions, annually presenting them in Paris at VivaTech. Once again this year, a significant number of Belgian startups will make their mark in Paris at this essential gathering for tech and digital industry firms. Among the Belgian contingent, no fewer than 17 Walloon startups will participate in this event to showcase their latest innovations.

As a leading hub in Europe, Wallonia will leverage existing opportunities within its ecosystems to develop disruptive solutions and technologies, supported notably by its government, which places research and development (R&D) at the core of its economic strategy. The region focuses on its strengths by fostering the clustering of businesses, with the digital sector being one of its areas of excellence.

 

The 5 strengths of the 'tech' sector in Wallonia   Top-tier teams

Wallonia boasts over 50,000 students in ICT fields, ensuring a skilled and competitive workforce for companies. Additionally, 32% of the Walloon population speaks at least two languages, facilitating international business exchanges.

Advantageous tax incentives

The Walloon government offers a wide range of tax incentives to encourage investment in the region, including research and development tax credits of up to 45% of eligible expenses, as well as tax relief for capital investments.

Significant investment

Wallonia has a dynamic ecosystem of innovative companies and startups in the ICT sector. In 2020, 84% of Walloon companies reported investing in digital technologies, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and digital transformation.

Virtual and geographical centrality as a key hub in Europe

Wallonia is centrally located in Europe, close to major cities such as Paris, London, and Amsterdam, providing easy access to a market of 500 million consumers. Moreover, companies benefit from a more affordable cost of living compared to London or Paris.

Connectivity ensured

Wallonia boasts a quality communication infrastructure, with extensive high-speed broadband coverage and modern telecommunications networks. In 2020, 91% of Walloon households had access to high-speed internet, providing optimal connectivity for digital sector businesses.

 

The 17 Walloon companies participating in Vivatech 2024

 

A Smart World

This is a software platform aimed at overcoming barriers to collecting unused smartphones. A Smart World collaborates with retailers, telecom operators, and large enterprises with a substantial fleet of smartphones to refurbish and/or distribute them. To the website >>>

  Awit

This company specializes in sustainable process optimization solutions, leveraging ERP and Artificial Intelligence. It offers the integration of AI and automation solutions to enhance workflows and reduce repetitive tasks, as well as customized hosting tailored to the needs of businesses. To the website >>>

  Back2Buzz

The company develops buyback solutions (direct smartphone repurchase via an application determining the product's value) and telecom device refurbishment. To the website >>>

  CapFlow

The company provides "intelligent video" solutions, specialized in automatic image analysis. Its products are dedicated to video surveillance, traffic management, and parking management through license plate recognition. To the website >>>

  Cortex Machina

CM is specialized in developing the Vortex gaming headset with Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, allowing dynamic decoding of movement and emotion models in the brain, as well as active and reactive gaming mechanisms based on real-time neuronal activity. A software development kit to integrate the Vortex BCI system into applications is offered. To the website >>>

  Digiteal

Digiteal offers innovative fintech services to businesses (B2C/B2B) and individuals, including electronic payment solutions and electronic invoicing compliant with the PEPPOL standard. To the website >>>

 

Effixis

A consulting company specializing in Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Leveraging advanced technologies, Effixis offers tailor-made services designed to enable organizations to fully exploit the potential of artificial intelligence: AI Academy, AI Strategy, and AI Development. To the website >>>

  IOLand

The company has developed an online collaborative tool, Perspectives, for more visual management through the use of mind maps. A dynamic, secure, shared visualization is available to formed teams, whether they are clients, suppliers, or colleagues. To the website >>>

 

KeepIoT

A company specializing in remote equipment control in real-time via various connected sensors with alerts sent via GSM. KeepIoT offers 4 solutions: KeepIoTcool for cold chain, KeepIoTgarden for the garden, KeepIoTpool for the pool, and KeepIoTsafe for home security. To the website >>>

  Levita

Created by two worldclass magician friends, Levita was founded in 2018 and develops autonomous tools capable of placing objects and products in levitation for commercial and artistic purposes. Levita is a pioneer in its field, the first and only company to industrialise a magic trick, with a fully controlled levitation enabling objects to be dynamically levitated. Its Plug and Play products (THE BOX and THE TUBE) or its Bespoke installations can be integrated into an existing window or can be built to the requirements of our partners. To the website >>>

 

Management Tool Company

The company specializes in developing software, web, and mobile applications to streamline the operations of businesses in the construction sector. MT-C has developed T-Report, which enables workforce planning at construction sites and the quick and simple retrieval of their services. To the website >>>

 

Nalios

Nalios supports SMEs in their digital transformation with the successful software Odoo, a suite of management applications for businesses that helps boost their productivity. To the website >>>

 

Phoenix AI

A company specializing in the manufacturing of electronic hardware and the development of software solutions with embedded artificial intelligence. The company's products are dedicated to real-time image processing. To the website >>>

  Semactic

Société de services en marketing digital, SEO en particulier, combinant software et accompagnement personnalisé. Cette approche intégrée s’adresse aux entreprises qui souhaitent prendre le contrôle de leur visibilité en ligne pour augmenter leurs conversions et ROI. To the website >>>

 

Swarn

La société propose un support aux organisations pour un développement d'une stratégie business et de produits basés sur l'ingénierie low-tech i.e. des produits environnementalement et socialement optimaux. To the website >>>

 

Tonomia

This company focuses on eco-responsibility using digital technologies. Its flagship solution, eParking, combines intelligent photovoltaic panels, energy storage using sodium batteries, fast charging for electric vehicles, and wireless connectivity for a new generation of sustainable charging infrastructures. To the website >>>

  Vocsens

The company develops EnviCam, a multi-sensor module ("environmental camera") that measures the presence of various gases and volatile organic compounds, fine particles, humidity, and temperature, connected to the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 networks (LPWAN, Bluetooth, etc.). To the website >>>

Useful links: Digital WalloniaInvestirSavoir-faire technique

Escapades d'été : Et si le patrimoine wallon cachait votre futur coup de cœur immobilier ?

Et si on explorait le patrimoine wallon autrement cet été ? De juin à septembre, l'événement Patrimoine en Spectacle vous invite à découvrir des lieux chargés d’histoire sous un tout nouveau jour. Concerts, visites insolites, reconstitutions théâtrales, spectacles son et lumière… Autant de rendez-vous chaleureux et parfois inattendus qui mettent en lumière les légendes, le folklore et les habitants de notre magnifique région.

Promenade contée au solstice, piano-bar au château, rock en chœur à l’abbaye… Les activités de l’été en Wallonie vous réservent bien des surprises. Mais pour nous, amoureux des belles pierres, ces sorties culturelles sont aussi l’occasion rêvée d'une double quête. Et si votre prochaine sortie culturelle vous menait droit vers votre futur chez-vous ?

Profitions des festivités pour explorer la Belgique francophone un village à la fois, et zoomer sur le marché immobilier local.

Le Brabant Wallon : Le charme discret des fermes en carré et du contemporain

Si le spectacle de votre été vous emmène dans les plaines ou les abbayes du Brabant Wallon, vous serez immédiatement séduit par la douceur de vivre de la province. Entre deux événements culturels, prenez le temps de flâner dans les villages environnants.

• Le style local : La région regorge de superbes fermes en carré historiques, souvent divisées en copropriétés de charme, ainsi que de villas contemporaines nichées dans la verdure.

• Le marché : C'est un secteur très prisé, caractérisé par une demande forte et une excellente tenue des prix. L'exigence sur les performances énergétiques (PEB) y est particulièrement élevée, faisant du confort moderne un standard de la région.

Namur et la Vallée de la Meuse : L'attrait des maisons en pierre du pays

Un concert au coucher du soleil ou une pièce de théâtre au pied d'une citadelle ou d'un château fort ? Bienvenue dans la province de Namur, où l'architecture s'intègre parfaitement à une nature vallonnée et sauvage.

• Le style local : Ici, la pierre bleue et les moellons de grès dictent le style. Les maisons de caractère y ont un cachet fou, avec leurs poutres apparentes et leurs feux ouverts.

• Le marché : Une mine d'or pour les amateurs de projets de rénovation. Les prix y sont souvent plus accessibles que dans le Brabant Wallon, offrant de magnifiques opportunités pour créer une seconde résidence ou une maison de famille chaleureuse.

Liège et l'Ardenne : Entre dynamisme urbain et chalets de caractère

Des hauteurs de Spa au cœur historique de Liège, Patrimoine en Spectacle investit des lieux magiques. C'est l'occasion idéale de comparer la vie citadine et le calme des sommets.

• Le style local : Des maisons de maître d'époque au centre-ville aux chalets robustes et propriétés forestières en bois et pierres dans les Hautes Fagnes.

• Le marché : Le marché liégeois offre un excellent rendement pour l'investissement locatif (notamment pour les kots d'étudiants ou les appartements branchés). Côté Ardennes, le marché des gîtes et des résidences secondaires reste une valeur refuge très recherchée.

L'astuce de Monsieur Immo : Cet été, ne vous contentez pas de regarder la scène ! Avant que les lumières ne s'éteignent, baladez-vous dans le centre du village, testez les commerces locaux, observez l'architecture des façades et repérez les panneaux "À Vendre". La perle rare se trouve peut-être à deux pas de votre événement de l'été.

Laissez-vous inspirer par la sélection de l'été, ouvrez l'œil, et surtout : préparez vos agendas !

Pour découvrir le programme complet et planifier vos escalades de juin à septembre, rendez-vous directement sur l'agenda officiel : visitwallonia.be/patrimoine-en-spectacle.

 

Vignette: Catégories: InvestirVivreVisiter

Women - Peace - Security 3ieme édition

Nous avons eu l'occasion de faire une table ronde avec la société civile au Sénat belge.

Lors de nos échanges, nous avons pu avoir des pistes pour notre engagement comme acteur de paix au quotidien avec les associations San't Egidio, Caritas International ( le Logis de Louvranges - Wavre dans le Brabant Wallon), un membre d'Amnesty International  de la commune de Chaumont-Gistoux dans le Brabant Wallon ainsi que le témoignage d'un couple Wallon qui a été en pèlerinage en Israël.

Nous avons aussi eu la chance d'avoir une nigerienne qui a travaillé sur la convention 1325 des Nations Unies qui parle de la place de la femmes dans les conflits.

Dans la salle nous avons eu des échanges constructifs avec des membres de la société civile issus du Cameroun, du Ghana, du Gabon, de la République Démocratique du Congo, de l'Iran, de la Côte d'Ivoire, de l'Angleterre ainsi qu'une délégation en provenance de la France.

Nous avons bénéficié de l'intervention d'un membre de l'Ambassade de la République du Congo en Belgique ainsi qu'une ancienne responsable de la coopération belge au développement au Sénégal. 

 

Vignette: Catégories: Etudier

Youth Peace Conference - 2 eme édition

Pour notre deuxième édition de la conférence pour les jeunes, nous avons eu l'occasion de faire nos débats au sein du Parlement de la Fédération Wallonie Bruxelles avec une soixantaine de jeunes d'Enghien dans le Hainaut.

Nous avons eu la chance d'avoir le témoignage sur la situation de l'Iran.

Les jeunes ont lu des témoignages d'amour entre un Rwandais et une congolaise.

Identiquement une histoire d'amitié sur plusieurs générations entre une iranienne et une israélienne. 

Et enfin, la lecture du témoignage d'une libanaise qui a quitté son pays en raison de guerre et aujourd'hui elle et sa soeur servent la Belgique dont l'une  Wallonie dans des postes clefs.

Nous avons aussi pu prendre une minute de silence pour les pays en guerre sous le chant d'Amanda Malela " City of Joy".

Les associations Action for Peace, l'arbre du Petit Nicodème, Surch for Common Ground, Consense étaient présents.

 

Les jeunes sont partis avec des clefs pour devenir acteurs de paix à leurs niveaux et dans le quotidien.

Vignette: Catégories: Etudier

Femmes et Education citoyenne !

Dans le cadre de mes activites citoyennes, j'ai eu l'opportunité d'organiser une visite guidée du Parlement Fédérale ainsi que du Sénat pour une trentaine de femmes issues de l'immigration et suivant une formation à Louvain- la- Neuve dans le Brabant Wallon. 

Identiquement, la même démarche a été faite au niveau du Parlement Bruxelois avec d'autres jeunes diplômés en sciences politique  issus principalement de la Wallonie.

Nos vistes se sont poursuivies au Parlement de la Fédération Wallonie- Bruxelles et au Parlement européen. 

L'intégration passe aussi par la compréhension de l'histoire de notre pays et de nos institutions. 

Vignette: Catégories: Etudier

Youth Peace Conference - 1ere édition

En 2016 au Sénat belge, j'ai recu le titre honorifique de femme de Paix et depuis 2021 je suis Ambassadrice de la marque Wallonia.be

Pour aller plus loin dans mon engagement, j'ai lancé une série de conférences destinées particulièrement aux jeunes " Youth Peace Conference" dont le but est de les éduquer à la paix, les sensibiliser aux questions de justice sociale etc de sécurité ainsi qu'à la citoyenneté.

Pour notre première édition,  nous avons reçu une septantaine de jeunes en provenance de Wavre, capitale du Brabant Wallon.

Les associations suivantes étaient présentes : Action for Peace, Peace For all (Burkina Fasso), Pax (Pays Bas) et un témoin de guerre en provenance de la République Démocratique du Congo.

A la fin de notre session, les jeunes ont pu remettre aux intervenants des semences de graines de coquelicots  afin que ces derniers puissent continuer de propager la paix dans leurs environnements respectifs.

 

 

Vignette: Catégories: Etudier

Les Belges Histoires | Mara Taquin : raw talent, meteoric rise

The story begins like any other: young Mara took drama classes at her secondary school, alongside her friend, the future actress Salomé Dewaels. But at the age of 17, things started to move quickly for Mara. The teenager was hanging out in front of her school when a director (Camille Mol) spotted her for her short film ‘Créatures’ - on a street casting.It was late 2014: her first performance and revelation.
 
She then went on to appear in several short films, feature films and television series. In Belgium, the public began to recognise her, as Mara has appeared in numerous series in recent years: Ennemi Public (Public Enemy), Fils de (Son of), Sambre... Then came the feature film ‘Hors Normes’ (The Specials) by directors Toledano and Nakache: the Brussels native only played a small role, but it made her more visible. This experience propelled her into another dimension — she attended the Cannes Film Festival, among other events. That was in 2018, and since then, her charm has never ceased to work. Mara continues to show the extent of her talents in front of the camera.

What makes her so charming is as much her talent as her spontaneity. Far from the capricious behaviour of most film stars, Mara is making giant strides while keeping her feet on the ground.

Discover the other episodes on the Les Belges Histoires' playlist

 

Les Belges Histoires

The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.

VivreEtudierQualité de vie

Pourquoi la Wallonie s’impose comme l’écosystème stratégique et innovant de la défense en Europehttps://www.youtube.com/embed/q3X1SPSDemk

La Wallonie renforce sa visibilité internationale autour d’un secteur stratégique : la défense. Forte d’un écosystème industriel historique, innovant et connecté aux grands enjeux européens, la région se positionne comme un partenaire de choix pour les entreprises, investisseurs et acteurs technologiques actifs dans la défense et les technologies duales. Cette ambition est actuellement soutenue par une campagne digitale internationale, diffusée notamment sur CNN International. Retrouvez ici les principales raisons d'investir en Wallonie dans ce secteur porteur. 

 

Une Wallonie historiquement ancrée dans les technologies de défense

Forte d’une tradition industrielle solide, la région a su évoluer vers des technologies de pointe à forte valeur ajoutée, répondant aux enjeux actuels de souveraineté, de résilience et de sécurité internationale.

La Wallonie concentre, principalement autour de Liège et Charleroi, 67 % de l’industrie défense belge.

Un atout clé de la Wallonie est sa maîtrise des technologies duales. Des solutions développées pour la défense sont également utilisées dans la sécurité civile, la gestion de crise, le spatial ou les infrastructures critiques.

Inversement, des innovations issues du civil (IA, data, cybersécurité) sont adaptées aux exigences militaires.

 

Un positionnement stratégique

La région bénéficie d’un positionnement géographique unique au cœur des structures de décision et de commandement de l’OTAN et de l’Union européenne. Cette proximité inclut notamment :

• Le siège de l’OTAN à Bruxelles
• SHAPE et des entités stratégiques en Wallonie
• Plusieurs infrastructures liées à l’espace et au cyber

Ce positionnement permet à la Wallonie d’être pleinement intégrée dans les programmes de défense internationaux et dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement européennes.

Autre atout majeur : la concentration géographique, puisque toute la chaîne de valeur est accessible en moins de 90 minutes, favorisant rapidité, coordination et efficacité.

 

Un écosystème d’innovation complet et structuré

L’écosystème industriel wallon couvre l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur de la défense :

• Recherche et développement (R&D)
• Conception
• Prototypage
• Production
• Maintenance (MRO)
• Intégration de systèmes

L’industrie régionale repose sur :

• Plus de 200 entreprises actives dans la défense, allant des PME technologiques aux grands groupes
• Des leaders nationaux (ex. FN Browning, John Cockerill, Sonaca, SABCA…)
• Des partenariats avec de grands acteurs internationaux (ex. Thales, Safran, Leonardo, Naval Group, KNDS…)

Cette structuration permet une capacité “end-to-end”, c’est-à-dire de couvrir l’ensemble du cycle industriel, avec une forte spécialisation technologique.

Cet écosystème intégré et la proximité des entreprises avec les centres de recherche, les universités et les pôles de compétitivité permet un passage rapide de la recherche au marché, d’autant que la région compte des infrastructures de test, de prototypage et de validation technologique.

 

Des domaines technologiques stratégiques et différenciants

 

• Aéronautique et spatial (capteurs, matériaux avancés, systèmes embarqués)
  • I-care, Deltatec, ALX systems, Sonaca, Safran, Thales, Flex composite group, Sensy load cells, EHP, Cenaero…
• Cyberdéfense et sécurité des systèmes d’information
  • Cetic, Cyberwal, Nexova, Multitel,..
• Systèmes autonomes et robotique,
  • Exail robotics, ID2move, Thales,..
• Intelligence artificielle et traitement des données,
  • Thales, FN, Spacebel, IDDEA, Nexova,…
• Matériaux avancés et technologies de protection
  • John Cockerill, Feronyl, Sobelcomb, BATS, GDtech, ATIMA-TPIL, Calyos, Schaeffler Aerosint,...
• Communication sécurisée et électronique de défense
  • Telespazio, Thales, Sonaca, Spacebel, Multitel..

 

Ces compétences répondent directement aux besoins des forces armées modernes et aux standards internationaux (OTAN, UE).

Les acteurs wallons sont habitués à travailler dans des environnements multinationaux, sécurisés et réglementés et les pouvoirs publics mettent en place des dispositifs de financement ciblés pour la R&D et l’innovation.

Autant de bonnes raisons de choisir la Wallonie comme partenaire pour développer vos solutions de défense de demain.

 

 

 

Useful links: Investir en Wallonie dans la défenseTrouver votre partenaire en WallonieInvestirAcheterSavoir-faire techniqueLa Marque Wallonia.beDocuments liés:  Defense_Industry_in_Wallonia.pdf Wallonia_your_strategic_partner_in_defense.pdf

Le timbre des Objets : Listening to the Invisible

In the hushed silence of our everyday actions, largely dominated by the digital revolution – a finger swiping across a screen, or a card tapping a card reader - there are some objects that are starting to fall quiet. For Laurence Humier, a Walloon designer with a multi-disciplinary background, “the timbre is a unique acoustic signature that we can attribute to a specific voice, gesture or object.” 

 

Le Timbre des Objets (The Timbre of Objects), supported by the Irène Heidebroek and Eliane van Duyse Fund and managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, focuses on the sound of objects that are starting to disappear, and are recognised as part of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. 

 

This project highlights a uniquely Walloon approach. which is “human-centric and resolutely oriented towards the future of cultural institutions, both physical and virtual.” 

 

The project has been organised in collaboration with the Musical Instruments Museum along with the Belgian Comic Art Museum, both based in Brussels. It involves inclusive workshops bringing together sighted and visually impaired audiences, musicians and illustrators. Together, they explore the ergonomics of the invisible and its prominence in museum design. 

WAB Magazine

VisiterQualité de vie

En Wallonie, une artiste parle le langage du coeur

Victoria B. Lohay, l’art comme langage du cœur

Il existe des artistes qui créent des œuvres.

Et puis il existe ceux qui offrent une part d’eux-mêmes à travers chaque image, chaque couleur, chaque mot.

Victoria B. Lohay appartient à cette rare catégorie d’artistes pour qui l’art n’est pas une discipline, mais une respiration intérieure. Une nécessité. Une manière de traverser le monde avec intensité, sensibilité et humanité.

Artiste wallonne profondément attachée à l’émotion, elle développe depuis plusieurs années un univers singulier où photographie, peinture et écriture se rencontrent dans une même quête : celle du vrai. Du vivant. De ce qui touche l’âme sans jamais avoir besoin de bruit.

Chez Victoria B. Lohay, rien n’est figé. Chaque œuvre semble habitée d’une vibration intime. Une lumière fragile sur un paysage, une présence silencieuse, une texture, un regard, une couleur… Tout devient prétexte à raconter l’invisible. Ses créations ne cherchent pas simplement à être regardées ; elles cherchent à être ressenties.

Car l’artiste travaille avant tout avec ce qu’elle porte en elle : une hypersensibilité assumée, une profonde empathie pour le vivant et cette capacité rare à transformer les émotions en langage universel.

À travers son parcours artistique, Victoria B. Lohay a construit une œuvre profondément humaine, où la beauté n’est jamais décorative. Elle devient refuge, mémoire, transmission et parfois même réparation. Son art parle de résilience, de lumière intérieure, de fragilité, mais aussi de force. Une force douce, discrète, presque silencieuse, qui traverse chacune de ses créations.

Cette authenticité lui vaut aujourd’hui une reconnaissance qui dépasse largement les frontières belges. Ses œuvres et son travail artistique ont été distingués à plusieurs reprises et présentés lors d’événements culturels et artistiques internationaux, notamment en Belgique, en France, en Italie, à Monaco, aux États-Unis ou encore en Nouvelle-Zélande.

Ambassadrice de la marque Wallonia.be, Victoria B. Lohay porte également l’image d’une Wallonie créative, sensible et ouverte sur le monde. Une Wallonie où l’art demeure un espace de dialogue, d’émotion et de liberté.

Son engagement artistique dépasse d’ailleurs la simple création. À travers son univers, elle défend une vision profondément humaine de la culture : une culture qui relie les êtres, qui apaise, qui questionne et qui rappelle que la sensibilité n’est pas une faiblesse, mais une puissance.

Dans un monde saturé d’images rapides et d’émotions éphémères, l’œuvre de Victoria B. Lohay invite au contraire à ralentir. À ressentir. À contempler.

Et peut-être, simplement, à se reconnecter à soi-même.

Son travail ne laisse pas indifférent parce qu’il ne cherche jamais à séduire artificiellement. Il touche parce qu’il est sincère. Parce qu’il porte cette vérité rare des artistes qui créent avec le cœur autant qu’avec le regard.

Victoria B. Lohay ne suit pas les tendances.

Elle suit l’émotion.

Et c’est précisément ce qui rend son univers profondément intemporel.

Pour faire connaissance avec Victoria, quelques infos. 
www.victorialohay.be
www.facebook.com/VBLohay
lohayvictoriab@gmail.com

Merveilleuse rencontre humaine à tous.

Vignette: Catégories: VivreAcheterVisiter

La photographie lyrique wallonne.... toute une partition !

La Wallonie est riche d'artistes talentueux. Je poursuis ma présentation d'artistes wallons en vous présentant Marie-Hélène Sigart. Photographe lyrique.

Il existe des artistes qui cherchent à expliquer le monde. Et puis il y a ceux qui le vivent. 

Elle photographie comme d’autres respirent : instinctivement, silencieusement, avec sa sensibilité. Son travail naît d’un regard, le sien, celui d'une femme que la vie a entraînée de manière riche..

Dans l’intimité de son atelier, elle expérimente la matière, les fluides, les encres, les produits naturels tels que le lait, la crème ainsi que les réactions imprévisibles des couleurs et de la lumière. Puis, au-dessus de ces mouvements éphémères, elle capte un instant qui n’existe qu’au moment du déclenchement de son appareil photo.

Chaque image est une apparition.

Ni peinture, ni simple photographie, ses œuvres se situent dans cet espace rare où la matière devient émotion.

Des paysages intérieurs semblent émerger, des formes organiques, des présences, parfois presque cosmiques, parfois infiniment délicates.

L’artiste n’impose aucun titre, aucune lecture.

Elle laisse au spectateur la liberté de ressentir, d’imaginer, de rêver.

Cette absence d’explication, de message est peut-être ce qui rend son travail si profondément contemporain : chaque œuvre devient une rencontre intime entre l’image et celui qui la contemple.

À travers cette démarche sincère et instinctive, l’artiste nous rappelle que la beauté n’a pas toujours besoin d’être comprise pour être profondément ressentie.

Pour vivre ces oeuvres seul.e en toute intimité vibratoire, il suffit de prendre un rendez-vous avec NovaLys Art Gallery. 

Je vous souhaite une merveilleuse découverte, un joli moment avec cette artiste wallonne. 
 

art-photography.be
Marie-Hélène Sigart

www.facebook.com/NovaLysArtGallery
NovaLys Art Gallery

Victoria Lohay
Ambassadrice Wallonia.be

 

 

Vignette: Catégories: AcheterVisiterSavoir-faire technique

Kersia: the company that ensures food safety worldwide

We are now in 2026. As sanitary requirements become increasingly stringent, supply chains more complex, and regulatory pressure intensifies, industry players are looking for partners capable of anticipating risks, driving innovation, and delivering concrete solutions. It is precisely in this context that Kersia, one of the global leaders in food safety and biosecurity, inaugurated its Centre for Food Safety Excellence on May 20, 2026, in Seneffe, Wallonia. This new hub reflects a clear ambition: to strengthen its technological edge and accelerate innovation from Belgium to markets worldwide.

 

A global leader at the heart of food safety challenges

Operating in more than 140 countries, Kersia develops solutions designed to prevent contamination and disease throughout the entire food chain—from agricultural production to food service, including the food processing industry.

The company’s positioning is built on a comprehensive approach that combines solutions (detergents, disinfectants, animal nutrition products) and services (sanitary protocols, training, technical support). This ability to offer integrated solutions is one of the key pillars of its leadership.

In a sector where health risks are constantly evolving, Kersia invests heavily in research and innovation to address emerging challenges and sustainably support players in the food and beverage industries.

 

Innovation as a driver of performance and global leadership

Kersia’s international success is rooted above all in its applied innovation model. The company’s objective is not only to develop solutions in the lab, but also to demonstrate their effectiveness under real industrial conditions.

The Centre for Food Safety Excellence (CFSE) in Seneffe perfectly embodies this approach. Unique in Europe, this 1,000 m² facility brings together scientific research, applied validation, and training under one roof.

By connecting laboratories, a semi-industrial application hall, and training spaces, the centre enables a seamless transition from research to real-world application. Solutions can be tested on equipment similar to those used by manufacturers and then adjusted to meet operational constraints.

This ability to bridge science, field application, and skills development represents a major competitive advantage for Kersia.

 

Belgium as a strategic hub for food safety innovation

The choice of Seneffe, a town in southern Belgium, is far from accidental. The site builds on the industrial heritage of a Belgian company (formerly Sopura), renowned for its hygiene solutions in the food industry and integrated into the Kersia group in 2020.

With the CFSE, the site enters a new phase, becoming a center of expertise with international reach. Belgium is thus positioned as a key European hub for food safety innovation within the group.

This investment also highlights Wallonia’s strengths as a destination for high-value industrial projects: strong technical expertise, a dynamic agri-food ecosystem, a strategic geographic location, and direct access to European and global markets.

 

 An answer to major challenges across the food chain

Food safety has always been a global priority. Today, driven by several structural trends, it is more critical than ever: rising consumer expectations, stricter regulations, environmental imperatives, and increasingly complex supply chains.

The Centre for Food Safety Excellence enables Kersia to provide concrete answers to these challenges. Teams develop and test solutions in chemistry and microbiology, optimize their effectiveness, and train industry professionals in best practices.

This integrated approach accelerates innovation while ensuring its safe deployment at scale. By strengthening its ability to demonstrate the real-world impact of its solutions, Kersia reinforces its role as a strategic partner for food industry players worldwide.

 

A sustainable and responsible industrial model

Beyond technological performance, Kersia is also committed to sustainable development. The Seneffe facility was designed according to high environmental standards, with a target of BREEAM “Very Good” certification.

The building incorporates concrete choices in terms of energy efficiency, including the absence of gas and the use of heat pumps, as well as careful attention to materials and resource management.

This positioning reflects a major evolution in the sector: food safety can no longer be separated from environmental and societal challenges.

 

A global player with strong local roots

With more than 3,300 employees and a turnover of €665 million, Kersia confirms its status as a global leader. Yet its growth also relies on strong local anchors, such as in Wallonia (Belgium).

The opening of the Centre for Food Safety Excellence in Seneffe illustrates this dual dynamic: a global company leveraging regional centers of excellence to innovate and expand internationally.

In a world where food safety remains a strategic priority, Kersia demonstrates that innovation, proximity to industrial players, and the ability to anticipate risks are the true keys to global leadership.

 

Illustrations © Kersia Group

Useful links: KersiaWagralimFind the best from WalloniaAcheterSavoir-faire technique

Les Belges Histoires | Ionnyk, the magic frame

Mathieu Demeuse and Charlotte Dubois invented Ionnyk, the world’s first smart picture frame.

This Belgian couple are art and technology enthusiasts, fans of the Harry Potter universe and fascinated by the living paintings that decorate the walls of Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry. So Charlotte and Mathieu let their boundless imagination guide their entrepreneurial spirit. From initial trials to conclusive tests, the unimaginable took shape... secretly, at home.

Until that rather special dinner party, to which Mathieu and Charlotte invited their friends... When a steam train suddenly appeared on a photograph of a bridge, the excitement that swept over the guests was revelatory. Charlotte and Mathieu refined and marketed this unforgettable experience, which had been conducted in a private setting, developing it professionally. Together with their partner Antoine Baudoux, they succeeded in creating a new medium for art photography.

Once the right technology had been selected (namely, millions of tiny ink capsules), Ionnyk was officially born. Manufactured in Belgium, these smart frames offer enthusiasts an artistic experience in its purest form, with a growing collection of works of art. Charlotte and Mathieu are constantly developing collaborations with Belgian and international artists.

Ionnyk is not like any other frame, it’s magical!

Discover the other episodes on the Les Belges Histoires' playlist

 

Les Belges Histoires

The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.

AcheterSavoir-faire technique

La Grappe d’Or - Experience the art of cheese

Driven by tradition and small producers, Wallonia’s evolving gastronomy is in the spotlight thanks to its recent recognition by Gault&Millau. 

 

In Arlon, Monia Aouini and Clément Petitjean, the winners of the prestigious restaurant guide’s 2026 Cheese Experience of the Year award, maintain an increasingly rare tradition: the cheese trolley. 

Their outlook is based on a collaborative vision of the profession. The cheese trolley provides “a living selection, that changes with the seasons,” in close partnership with Fromagerie Antony (affineur), Pascal and Maud Fauville (master cheesemakers), and Peter and Barbara De Cock of la Bergerie d’Acremont (agricultural engineers and passionate master cheesemakers). 

Every cheese has a story to tell. “The experience becomes an opportunity for dialogue, in which the team shares the origins of these products, their respect for nature and the richness of the terroirs.” 

This prestigious Gault&Millau award confirms that Wallonia’s gastronomy blends innovation, quality and international appeal. 

WAB Magazine

Visiter

Discover the Walloon Companies Present at PLMA in Amsterdam

For nearly 40 years, PLMA’s annual international “World of Private Label” trade show has brought retailers and manufacturers together to help them discover new products, establish new contacts, and find innovative ideas to grow and strengthen their private label programs. Wallonia will be represented there by 35 companies.

The 2026 edition of PLMA’s “World of Private Label” trade show will take place at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 May. Over the course of two days, the exhibition will become the key meeting point for the largest concentration of private label professionals in the industry.

Wallonia will be represented by four non-food companies in the Holland Complex, Halls 8–13 – Non-Food Section, Stands C25-D26. Visitors will find Actifar, a company specialized for more than 25 years in the development and distribution of medical devices (MD), in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD), and technical hygiene products.

Chembo Bevil will showcase its household cleaning product packaging solutions, while Group Riem, active since 1963, specializes in aerosol products. Also present will be Vadigran, a producer of pet food and accessories.

Wallonia will mainly be represented in the Europe Complex, Halls 1–8 and 13–14, Food Section, Stands B59-C88, with 31 companies active in the food industry and looking for new customers.

Food Companies for Every Moment of the Day

There will be something for every taste and every moment of the day. Visitors will find everything needed for breakfast, including coffee from Cafe Liegeois, jam from Confiture l’Ardennaise, butter from Corman, cheese from Fromagerie de Rochefort, pastries from Panistar, and dairy products from Solarec.

For aperitifs, Goumanisto will be on hand, while Food Impact will present ready-made Asian dishes.

Several sauce producers will also be present at PLMA: Bionat, Delka, Conserverie et Moutarderie Belge, and Produits Habi.

If you are looking for dessert or a sweet snack, the Walloon pavilion will be the place to visit. You will discover waffle producers such as Avieta, Dely Waffels, and Smiling Baker; dessert specialists Dessert Factory – Mellow; vegan desserts from Nats Rawline; tiramisu from Alfiero; and pastries from L’Ecopain d’Ignace.

To accompany your waffles, you can choose between syrups from Meurens & Rodrigues or Siroperie Meurens — two distinct companies not to be confused.

Continuing with sweet treats, biscuits will be represented by Biscuiterie Destree, Desobry, La Biscuiterie Namuroise, and PM Sweet with its macarons. Chocolate lovers will also enjoy products from Bruyerre Chocolates and La Chocolaterie Galler.

For healthier alternatives, Nutradia and Basic Business/Fit Food will offer suitable options.

For those looking for ingredients to perfect their recipes, Castle Ingredients develops high value-added ingredients for the food industry, including dairy powders, functional blends, plant-based ingredients, premixes, egg and cocoa replacers, as well as toasted flours and seeds.

Finally, Belourthe, a long-standing expert in infant nutrition, offers safe and balanced food solutions.

Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)

InvestirAcheter

“Vrai Sirop de Liège”, the flagship product of Siroperie Meurens, celebrates its 125th anniversary

Well known among Belgians, “Vrai Sirop de Liège” is now setting out to conquer Europe, starting with neighboring countries: the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Meet Siroperie Meurens.

 

Have you ever heard of Liège syrup? Made from pears, apples (65% fruit), and sugar (35%), “Vrai Sirop de Liège” has been produced by Siroperie Meurens for 125 years. An authentic and iconic product in Wallonia and Belgium, the company is now expanding into neighboring countries.

“For 125 years, the company has remained in the same family and has always operated from the same production site. In Belgium, studies show that 99% of people recognize our product just from the packaging. The product practically sells itself. It is also used in many culinary dishes, especially Liège-style meatballs and Flemish beef stew. Today, our challenge is to make our products known to a younger audience and beyond our borders,” explains Jurek Ciechanowski, Head of Business Development & Marketing at Siroperie Meurens.

That is why Siroperie Meurens has launched new “Squeeze” packaging, designed to modernize the way Liège syrup is consumed, along with apricot and raspberry variations.

Although the company will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2027, it continues to modernize. Recently, Siroperie Meurens undertook expansion work to increase both production and storage capacity.

A company exporting its products worldwide

Through its ingredients division, Solufruit, Siroperie Meurens provides solutions for the food industry (B2B).

“We process dates, prunes, raisins, and figs into concentrated juices and purées adapted to a wide range of applications and functions: bakery, beverages, sauces, flavorings, cereal bars, and much more,” adds Jurek Ciechanowski.

While Liège syrup is sold 95% on the Belgian market and only 5% abroad, the proportions are very different for Solufruit products.

“For Solufruit, 95% of our business is export and 5% domestic. We meet global demand, whether in China, the United States, Singapore, and beyond,” he continues.

While Solufruit has already established itself internationally, Liège syrup is currently targeting neighboring markets: the Netherlands, Germany, and France.

“In the Netherlands, people mainly know beet-based syrup, so we have a great opportunity in that market. The German market is already familiar with Vrai Sirop de Liège because we were present there in the past. Our goal is therefore to regain our position there. And of course, we are not forgetting France. Vrai Sirop de Liège pairs perfectly with cheese, and everyone knows France is a country of cheese lovers. The potential there is therefore extremely important,” explains Jurek Ciechanowski.

How should Liège syrup be enjoyed?

If you are not familiar with Liège syrup, Jurek Ciechanowski shares a few ideas on how to taste it. “The most common way is with a piece of cheese on bread. But it can also be used in yogurt, on pancakes, ice cream, or waffles.”

Liège syrup is also used in savory recipes such as Liège-style meatballs or Flemish beef stew. It can also be incorporated into vinaigrettes. “At a barbecue, you can put Liège syrup on ribs to create caramelization.”

In short, Liège syrup can be enjoyed with almost anything, at any time of the day.

Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)

AcheterSavoir-faire technique

Recycling 100% of PVC: the innovative CIRC-PVC project led by INEOS Inovyn in Wallonia

Fully recycling PVC, including waste currently considered non-mechanically recyclable: this is the objective of the CIRC-PVC project. Led by INEOS Inovyn and a broad consortium of Walloon partners, the project has enabled the development and testing of an innovative prototype. Overview.

 

Even today, a significant share of plastic waste is sent for incineration or landfill, despite its potential to become a raw material for new applications. PVC, widely used in the construction sector, clearly illustrates this challenge.

While mechanical recycling of PVC is already well developed for certain rigid applications such as window frames or pipes, and for flexible uses like cables or flooring, there are still waste streams for which no industrial solution exists. This is particularly the case for applications containing legacy additives that are now banned or for composite materials.

An innovative approach across the entire value chain
To address this challenge, INEOS Inovyn launched the CIRC-PVC project. The ambition is to analyze and demonstrate the feasibility of a complete value chain, from waste collection to reintegration of recycled material into new products.

“We wanted to consider the entire process: recovering PVC waste from construction and demolition sites, sorting it, and then developing a solution for waste that cannot be mechanically recycled. It is within this framework that we developed a dissolution technology,” explains Eric Romers.

This technology makes it possible to process waste containing legacy additives that are now banned, as well as composite materials.

“These additives can no longer be used, but they are still present in many PVC products and will remain so for decades. Their presence prevents mechanical recycling. We therefore developed a technology to extract them before reusing the material,” he adds.

A consortium of partners rooted in Wallonia
The project is based on close collaboration between several industrial and scientific partners, particularly in the Jemeppe-sur-Sambre region, where the INEOS Inovyn site is located.

• Entreprises Générales Louis Duchêne handled the collection of PVC and other plastic waste.
• Vanheede Environmental Logistics provided collection solutions and expertise in waste sorting.
• ROVI-TECH developed an innovative sorting technology prototype.
• ECO-DEC contributed its expertise in solid-liquid separation.
• Avient Corporation (Belgian site) formulated new PVC compounds using recycled material and validated their performance.

Industrial partners were also supported by Centexbel for analytical capabilities, and by University of Liège, which worked on both life cycle analysis and supply chain optimization. The competitiveness clusters GreenWin and Logistics in Wallonia also supported the project from its inception.

Proven results and long-term prospects
After two years of research, the consortium developed a functional prototype and demonstrated the viability of the entire value chain, from waste to new product.

The next phase of the project aims to go further. “Our objective is to create a new consortium to continue work on additive extraction and the valorization of this waste, which is currently costly to treat through incineration,” says Eric Romers.

By 2030, the ambition is to establish an industrial unit dedicated to dissolution and the extraction of banned additives. An intermediate step will nevertheless be required.

“This will require subsidies, but also support from the European Union to create incentives enabling the emergence of a competitive market for recycled PVC,” he concludes.

Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)

InvestirAcheterSavoir-faire technique