On October 14, the University of Antwerp hosted the fifth edition of the Level Up Innovation event series, dedicated to exploring smart technologies for the diamond industry. The event served as a bridge between academic research and the real-world challenges faced by our sector.
Antwerp Vice Mayor Johan Klaps, responsible for Port, Economy and Diamonds, underlined the importance of continuous innovation within the world’s most trusted diamond center.
After opening remarks by Steven Van Passel, UAntwerp’s Vice-Rector for Valorisation and Sustainability, and Johan Klaps, Melissa Smet of the Syndicaat der Belgische Diamantnijverheid (SBD) kicked off the afternoon by presenting insights from a recent SBD survey among diamond companies, highlighting the industry’s key operational challenges and innovation priorities.
Building on these findings, five researchers from the University of Antwerp and Flanders Make presented their forward-thinking solutions aimed at addressing these needs.
The event offered a valuable platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and potential collaboration between academia and the diamond industry. At AWDC, we recognize the crucial role that innovation plays in ensuring a prosperous diamond industry. We are proud to partner with the City of Antwerp in promoting this initiative.
