UCLL launches Chemhub on Limburg DC campus

UCLL university realises state-of-the-art hub for chemistry and life sciences

UCLL University College has received approval for a large-scale investment on its campus in Diepenbeek. With an investment of 25 million euros*, the university college aims to respond to the rapidly evolving needs of the chemistry and life sciences sector. This will include state-of-the-art labs and research facilities for the Bachelor's programmes in Chemistry and Biomedical Laboratory Technology.

The chemical sector in Limburg and its immediate surroundings is extensive and a major economic player and employer for the region. UCLL University of Applied Sciences is the only educational institution in Limburg to offer Chemistry and Biomedical Laboratory Technology (BLT) courses. With this major investment, the university can prepare the professionals of the future even better for the field and the sector. Currently, the two programmes together (Chemistry and BLT) have more than 400 students.

State-of-the-art lab infrastructure for teaching, research and lifelong learning
Therefore, UCLL plans to construct a new building, which will be equipped with modern laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment and a flexible learning environment. This is all thanks in part to the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) funds released for the project. This investment supports both the undergraduate programmes in Chemistry (with four majors, biochemistry, chemistry, process technology and environmental care) and Biomedical laboratory technology (majoring in medical laboratory technology), as the lifelong learning offer. It will provide students, professionals and businesses with hands-on, high-quality training that will prepare them for the challenges of the future.

Marc Vandewalle, General Director UCLL: "With the Chemhub, we are investing not only in buildings and laboratories, but above all in the future of Limburg's young people and professionals. We want to give them the opportunity to learn and work with the most advanced technologies in the chemical and life sciences sector. This way, we prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow and at the same time strengthen the innovative power and resilience of our regional economy."

Cooperation with businesses strengthens Limburg economy
The plans were developed in close consultation with the industry. Between October 2024 and January 2025, companies** surveyed through professional federation Essenscia and employers' association VKW Limburg. During a roundtable discussion, the most pressing needs and competences within the sector were discussed. This input forms an important basis for further alignment of the training offer with the labour market. The Chemhub also previously received the green light from SALKturbo for this project's master plan in the category 'Creating and keeping a valuable and forward-looking workforce'.

Tom Vandeput, Deputy for Economy, Province of Limburg: "The Chemhub will be the place where talent, research and entrepreneurship meet. Students get access to the latest technologies there, companies step in to tackle their challenges together with researchers. This cross-fertilisation not only ensures better education and stronger companies, but also gives Limburg a head start in sectors that are crucial for our prosperity: chemistry, life sciences and food. With the Chemhub, we are building an ecosystem that accelerates innovation, enables sustainable solutions and creates new jobs."

The chemistry and life sciences sector is highly dependent on well-trained professionals with technical expertise. Especially for SMEs, which often do not have their own training facilities, it is crucial to have a regional partner that invests in a modern living environment. Through this project, UCLL wants to take up that role and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Moreover, this investment fits seamlessly with the Flemish Specialisation Strategy, which is committed to innovation and technological progress. By giving students and professionals access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, UCLL not only increases their employability, but also the resilience of Limburg's industry and economy.

Details around timeline, funding and partners
The construction project is in full preparation. The first spade will go into the ground in November 2026 and commissioning of the building is scheduled for early 2029.

*The UCLL investment and construction dossier 'Chemhub' amounts to 11 million euro: UCLL provides 6 million euro, the other part, i.c. 5.4 million euro, comes from European support (ERDF) for the realisation of the project and the expansion of educational facilities for students and companies. There is also an additional investment of 14 million euro for state-of-the-art research facilities (co-financing UCLL-KU Leuven). The total investment of the project will therefore be 25 million euros, a large investment, but one that is of great importance for the sector in Limburg, education and research.

**The following 27 companies and organisations signed a letter of intent and will cooperate with UCLL to provide training and education: Alken-Maes, BETACELL, ABN Cleanroom Technology, Aperam, C or Growth, Essenscia, FEVIA, Initium, LABO RIGO, Warsco Units, Chiyoda Europe, Nitto, Anima, CMA, LKM Medical Laboratory, Aminolabs, Kaneka, BOREALIS, Aminolabs, Envalior, Innosys, Janssen Pharma, SIDEC, SAPPO, VISKOTEEPAK and VKW Limburg. Thus, with this Chemhub, UCLL is also realising a Limburg community with companies from the chemical, life sciences and food sectors.