1. About us

A strong partnership

Established at the end of 2023, FTI is a unique partnership between Brussels Airport Company, Cegeka, COI vzw, De Cronos Groep, KBC, Proximus, Telenet and the Flemish Government.

The Driving Forces

FTI is led by CEO Frank Hamerlinck, having 30+ years of experience as serial entrepreneur in the technology sector.

 

But he doesn't do this alone. He is backed by a strong team of business developers, project leads, health and learning experts, marketeers and an administrator. And the best thing is, you can rely on them too! 

43-DSCF1957

Our Mission

We cultivate a thriving community of Forward Thinkers where data, knowledge, and innovative ideas easily circulate - fueling bold collaborations that shape the future and drive our society forward. 

COTF - jonathan6

Our 4 Core Vibes

We believe in innovation via strong and engaged communities, sharing the vibes Commit, Collaborate, Care & Celebrate

 

  • Commit – We stand behind our projects and ideas.
  • Collaborate – We unite to spark innovation.
  • Care – We value our team, partners and citizens, working together to build a better world.
  • Celebrate – We have fun along the way and share our successes.
COTF 3 - Thomas Drop 2-35

Our Board Members

Our board consists of experts from the tech world and beyond—bold leaders with deep expertise, an entrepreneurial mind and innovative genes.

Get to know them below, listed in alphabetical order.

Ann Caluwaerts - Telenet

Ann Caluwaerts

Telenet

Ben Appel - Proximus

Ben Appel

Proximus

Frank

Frank Beckx

Voka

hubert

Hubert Flahaux

Brussels Airport Company

Jan

Jan Smedts

Vlaamse Overheid

Peter

Peter Vandeurzen

Vlaamse Overheid

image_123650291

Sam Bambust

Cronos Groep

Sigrid De Wever - KBC

Sigrid De Wever

KBC

Stijn Bijnens - Cegeka optie 2

Stijn Bijnens

Cegeka

Tim Buyse - COI

Tim Buyse (Chairman)

COI

We are there for you!

Would you like to hear about concrete use cases (e.g. combining transport and demographic data, combining health and employer data), or did our homepage spark your imagination when it comes to unlocking data? Then we need to talk!

Stay ahead. Receive our newsletter!

Get the latest insights and updates from FTI, the projects enrolled, the growing Forward Thinkers Alliance, the innovative outcomes and the exclusive network events with Flanders’ innovating organizations and people.