Siemens is collaborating with the Catholic University of Leuven on research and development of industrial digital twins. The Dutch speaking university based in Belgium is the largest in Benelux.

The two organisations aim to promote methodological research, stimulate innovations in industrial applications and support educational activities within the field of digital twin technologies.

As part of the collaboration, Siemens Digital Industries Software is establishing the Professorial Chair of Digital Twin for Smart and Sustainable Products at the KU Leuven.

The Chair will focus on industrial electromechanical systems applications, machinery and drives, and recent developments in transport vehicles. This Chair will push boundaries and develop solutions for various societal, industrial and technological challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and specific partnerships.

“Siemens is donating the Chair in honour of KU Leuven’s 600th anniversary in 2025, highlighting a long-standing partnership that has fostered industrial innovation and academic excellence,” said Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, Senior Vice President, Simulation and Test Solutions, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “With the new Siemens Chair, we are set to explore the frontiers of digital twin technologies, promising to bring revolutionary solutions to real-world challenges. This initiative underscores a mutual commitment to advancing technological and educational boundaries for a more sustainable world.”

“With this Chair, we can further strengthen the ecosystem around developing and using Digital Twin in the manufacturing industry. Through these Digital Twin technologies, we can ensure that mechatronic products are designed, deployed, and managed more effectively,” said Professor Frank Naets, chairholder, KU Leuven.