VITO

Overview

The Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO) was founded in 1991 as an independent Flemish research organisation focused on cleantech and sustainable development. Its main campus sits at Boeretang 200 in Mol, on the site of the former SCK nuclear research centre, and the institute now employs around 1,300 people working across more than 40 areas of expertise.

VITO's work is organised around five research programmes covering sustainable chemistry, energy, health, materials management and land use, with sustainability and the energy transition as connecting themes. The institute operates specialised infrastructure including pilot plants, materials labs, and data platforms, and runs Vito Remote Sensing as a dedicated unit serving the European space and earth observation community.

Beyond fundamental research, VITO acts as a contract partner for industry, public authorities, and the European Commission, providing applied R&D, consultancy, and policy advice. The institute is part of the Flemish strategic research ecosystem alongside imec and other Flemish research centres, and contributes to European programmes including Horizon Europe and the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative.

Media & appearances

• De CFO PodcastYouTube2025-07-14
  “Er is maar één keuze die we als Vlaanderen kunnen maken: innoveren" - De CFO podcastNamed among Flanders' four strategic research centers, founded in the 80s/90s.

Stated facts & numbers

• imec was founded as a strategic choice in 1984; VIB in the 2000s; VITO in the 80s or 90s. (0:17:50, De CFO Podcast 2025-07-14)