As a PhD-trained engineer (UGent) and innovator, I have spent the last 10 years witnessing SMEs convert deep-tech research into value. At Ghent University I have seen various spin-off founders through ideation, IP validation and pilots. Since Apr 2021, I have been CEO & co-founder of iThermAI, a Belgian SME delivering real-time fire/smoke detection from existing CCTV cameras. I built the business model, secured seed capital and initiated strategic partnerships with giant manufacturers. I have coordinated various Horizon Europe projects on circular, green manufacturing. I have mentored a couple of manufacturing companies for energy-cost reduction using edge-AI, and labour costs reduction for quality control (QC) using advanced computer vision. I have a mix of PhD level education in AI and deep learning as well as CEO level experience at SME companies. This blend of technology, sustainability and business experience equips me to mentor younger peers looking for advice.
Experiences
Climate change and circularity: contributing to carbon neutrality, the circular economy and sustainable mobility.
Mentored EU manufacturers on circularity by deploying AI-driven digital twins that slash raw-material and energy use. I have specifically helped an SME working with injection-moulding machine consuming less resin and kWh in 24/7 production. Guided a boat-builder to implement a digital twin of a vacuum-infusion process, reducing tremendous fibre waste and CO₂. My edge-AI expertise, LCA and process-optimisation know-how equips me to steer SMEs toward net-zero, resource-efficient production.
Talent and inclusion: upskilling and future capabilities, more accessible events and diverse participation.
At iThermAI I built an inclusive hiring pipeline: skill-based ads, remote interviews and flexible hours attracted women, migrants and mid-career switchers, lifting diversity from 0 % to 50 % in two years. I always try to increase TechReadiness level of my customers and partners by teaching them AI and smart manufacturing. In our company, we promote the culture of gaining new skills and offer employees to participate in online courses and part of the costs are paid by the company.
Customer experience: hybrid and digital integration, immersive technologies and interaction, personalisation and community building.
I have led AR/VR projects that built immersive digital twins of large systems-e.g., a 6-axis painting robot-streamed to mixed-reality dashboards viewable onsite or remotely. Operators and clients can walk around the virtual cell, inspect KPIs in real time and adjust recipes,. By raising companies' digital maturity, I have helped them deliver personalised, data-rich interactions that foster engaged user communities.
Governance and impact: regenerative business models with lasting impact, cross-sector and local communities’ platforms, profitability and tech access.
As EU project coordinator I championed regenerative models: shareable AI-as-a-Service that converts CapEx into pay-per-use and feeds savings back into local supply loops. At iThermAI I open-source fire-safety models (github.com/ithermai) so SMEs without deep-tech teams can plug into city-resilience hubs. The AaaS model delivers recurring revenue and proven profitability-our own case shows a sustainable, long-lasting business. I can mentor SMEs to replicate this approach.
Other experiences
I have PhD in Electrical Engineering & AI (Ghent University), published various academic peer-reviewed papers and serving as an active reviewer for scientific peer-reviewed journals and conferences. I am also an active reviewer for Horizon Europe grants delivered to SMEs analysing their technical and business skills. I have over a decade as university lecturer designing hands-on curricula that upskilled 500+ MSc/PhD students and industry trainees. Independent consultant to mid-caps on AI road-maps and Industry 4.0 audits. Since 2021 founder/CEO of iThermAI, steering strategy, finance, business development and managing a full-tme R&D team. I am a full-stack programmer (Python, C++, Web) and server admin by profession and able to translate deep-tech into scalable SaaS and edge deployments. I am fluent in English, and understand Dutch and French.