Breaking Silos
Schedule
Wed Sep 23 2026 at 05:30 pm to 09:30 pm
UTC+02:00Location
UCLL (Hertogsite) | Leuven, BU
About this Event
Breaking Silos Managing data and leveraging AI across teams.
AI and data are not a one-team game.
Most organizations have teams that are doing great things with data individually. But when it comes to sharing data across teams, aligning on ownership, or building AI that works at an organizational level, the walls go up fast. Those walls have a name: silos. And they are one of the most underestimated barriers to real Data & AI impact.
During this evening, two experienced practitioners will share how they tackle this challenge from different angles — governing product data across teams and leveraging AI when multiple teams work together.
No theory. Real stories. Honest lessons.
Speakers
Sarah Hindryckx.
Experienced Data Lead Sarah brings hands-on experience leading data initiatives across complex organizations, with a sharp focus on making data work beyond team boundaries.
Pieter Van Bouwel
Pieter leads data and intelligence initiatives at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s largest and most complex port ecosystems. His work focuses on turning data, AI and digital applications into practical tools that support safer, smarter and more sustainable
port operations. In an environment where collaboration across teams and organizations is essential, Pieter helps bridge the gap between technology, operations and real-world impact.
Date: September 22, Leuven
Hosted by: UCLL Hogeschool and Sievax
Programme
17:30 – 18:00
Welcome & Registration
18:00 – 18:05
Event introduction
Hosting partner introduction: UCLL
18:05 – 18:55
Session 1
Why product data is the hidden bottleneck for every growing company
Growing companies all hit the same hidden wall: product data scattered across disconnected teams. The result is slow time-to-market, frustrated customers and endless spreadsheets. Sarah explains why fixing this is a business strategy, not an IT fix.
— Sarah Hindryckx.
18:55 – 19:25
Break & Bites
19:25 – 19:30
Hosting partner introduction: Sievax
19:30 – 20:20
Session 2
The Road Towards a Smart Port: Digital Nervous System, Digital Twin, Digital Brain
How do you make one of Europe’s largest and most complex port ecosystems smarter, safer and more sustainable?
At Port of Antwerp-Bruges, APICA is an ecosystem of smart applications that connects data, operations and decision-making across the port. Acting as a digital nervous system, APICA captures real-time signals from across the port area. As a digital twin, it
creates a shared situational awareness of what is happening now. And as a digital brain, it helps teams move from insight to action.
Pieter will share how the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is building a Smart Port through data, AI and cross-team collaboration, and what it takes to develop digital solutions that are not only technically advanced, but actually used in daily operations
— Pieter Van Bouwel
20:20 – …
Networking
Where is it happening?
UCLL (Hertogsite), 178 Hertogstraat, Leuven, BelgiumEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 0.00
