From Autonomous Racing to Broader Commercial Solutions
The Belgian high-tech company Aidoptation is a brand-new joint venture by IAC, the Limburg investment company LRM, and Ethias Ventures, the investment arm of insurer Ethias. The company did not choose the United Kingdom or Germany as its base, but rather DronePort in Belgium. LRM’s business campus/incubator succeeded in convincing the Americans with several unique advantages.
First, there’s the location: centrally in Europe, close to innovation centers such as Leuven (IMEC) and Eindhoven (also home to ASML, the Dutch manufacturer of microchip equipment), situated between the Zolder and Spa-Francorchamps racetracks, and near European institutions. Second, DronePort offers excellent infrastructure, including a runway of more than three kilometers and ultra-modern test facilities with segregated airspace—ideal for all sorts of autonomous applications. Third, DronePort and Aidoptation share a similar vision, both focusing on artificial intelligence, autonomous systems on the ground and in the air, sustainable energy, and carbon-free mobility.
“The world will soon be looking at Belgium”
In recent years, the IAC has broken one speed record after another with its self-driving race cars. The cars decide entirely on their own how fast to lap the circuit, whether to overtake, and when to brake or go flat out. This patented high-tech solution has commercial potential well beyond racing, according to Aidoptation. “We want to make AI collaborate with complex physical environments. Think about autonomous transport, industrial automation, and even entertainment and humanoid robots,” says Paul Mitchell, the American CEO of Aidoptation.
Elevating DronePort as a Global Benchmark
Tom Vanham, Chairman of DronePort and CEO of LRM: “With the arrival of Aidoptation, DronePort is increasingly evolving into a global benchmark for robotics and autonomous mobility on the ground and in the air. Moreover, the start-up creates high-value technological jobs and attracts talent from home and abroad. Research centers, universities, and companies will also benefit from Aidoptation’s cross-pollination and knowledge sharing. In short, this is a great catalyst for a fast-growing ecosystem that places Limburg in pole position in the race for safe, autonomous mobility.”
“Here at Ethias Ventures, we invest in disruptive technologies that shape the future of insurance. As the venture capital arm of Belgium’s third-largest insurer, we know that the non-life insurance landscape will change drastically over the next two decades. Autonomous mobility plays a crucial role in this shift, transforming risk models, liability, and customer expectations. Our parent company has always anticipated such changes, meaning we are ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges with tailored solutions for our customers,” says Joris Laenen, Chief Investment Officer at Ethias & Chairman of the Board at Ethias Ventures.
“Our investment in Aidoptation reflects this forward-thinking approach. It puts us in the front of the innovation pack, helping us gain valuable insights for new insurance models while also contributing to a safe framework for autonomous mobility. Moreover, this commitment showcases our dedication to making a positive impact on Belgian society by fostering skill development, creating high-tech jobs, and strengthening Belgium’s role as an innovation hub. By anticipating and supporting these changes, we are paving the way for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility future for everyone.”
Flanders as a Breeding Ground for Groundbreaking Technology
“With this innovative project, Flanders once again demonstrates its strength as a breeding ground for groundbreaking technologies. Aidoptation deliberately chooses Flanders because of our strong ecosystem of companies, research institutions, and universities that support the development of new technologies,” says Minister-President Matthias Diependaele. “Here, we won’t just push the boundaries for autonomous racing cars; this project also serves as a springboard for broader applications in commercial vehicles. That opens up new economic opportunities for Flanders.”
