Hof der dingen - Minect

In our province, we cherish the past — but of course, we also focus on what the future might bring. A strong future starts with strong education — and West Flanders is ready. With two universities (KU Leuven and UGent) and two university colleges (Howest and Vives) represented in West Flanders, we’re well-equipped for what’s ahead. 

Students engage in scientific research and push the boundaries of product development. Take, for example, the Digital Arts and Entertainment programme at Howest, which is widely recognised as the leading program in game design and development. It has been named the best in the world by The Rookies three times (2017, 2018, 2021). The program is known for its practical, hands-on approach and strong focus on industry needs. It offers six majors and emphasizes a global perspective with international opportunities. 

In West Flanders, over 25,000 students are currently enrolled in higher education, eager to take the future into their own hands. More than six in ten young people here go on to university or college — the highest rate in Flanders. 

This object is a symbol of all that brainpower. It was developed during a hackathon at Vives University College, where students tackled themes such as housing, leisure, and, in this case, culture. Students Toon Vandenberghe, Steven Dhondt, and Hannelore Hansen were crowned the undeniable winners of the hackaton. 

We’ll let them explain their invention in their own words... 

"Minect is a type of headset you can use when you want to enjoy a fun activity — like watching a movie or visiting a museum — with friends or family who live far away. When you put on Minect, your subconscious is transported to another world, and you become an avatar. This way, you can share a cultural experience with friends or family who are also brought into that same world”. 

Wow – take about futuristic thinking!