contributed to many well-known innovations, including the first series of ADSL modems for residential use of Alcatel Bell. Other projects include technology for real-time human motion capture for Renault; various innovations for baby monitoring, electronic purse loading devices; e-gov kiosk infrastructures for several cities and municipals, robotics and instruments for various industries including food & beverage, diamonds, chemicals and aeronautics; the first electronic payment devices for petrol stations by Banksys, the zero muscle tonus relax chair mechanisms by Jori and Barbecook’s QuickStart® charcoal barbeque lighting system.

The VERHAERT team launched Europe’s first autonomous mini satellite for earth observation: PROBA in 2001. PROBA has a mass of only just 100kg and provides 5-meter resolution images on request via the Internet, without a manned ground station. It was a major innovation in the space industry and key product of VERHAERT Space, now QinetiQ Space NV.

Vlerick Management School spotted VERHAERT as a leading company “who is well embedded in the knowledge economy facilitating to grow further”. The past 40 years we have developed more than 500 innovative products, leading to more than 100 patents. Our customers include technology start-ups, service providers, multinational corporations and academics.

In 2004 the Flemish Government awarded their ‘Innovation Prize’ illustrating our leading role and their appreciation for our innovation work and contribution to the Flemish industry.

2005 Spin-out of VERHAERT Space and acquisition of these activities by QinetiQ plc, a global defence R&D house. At the same time collaboration agreements with Masters in Innovation were set in place for technology transfer and specialist engineering services.

2009 start commercial roll-out of consultancy services.