As part of a project that is being run across several universities, KU Leuven’s De Nayer Campus hosted the BIP Block Week 2025, focusing on “Smart Sustainable Food Production and Technology of the Future.” The week brought together students from universities across Europe to explore how engineering and innovation can address global food challenges.
The sessions covered key topics such as water usage in agriculture, the impact of climate change, energy use in food logistics and the carbon footprint of food logistics as well as strategies for feeding a growing global population. The programme emphasised the importance of technology in establishing sustainable food systems, pairing lectures with interactive sessions that turned theory into practice. Students engaged in collaborative group work, daily scrum sessions, and a final pitch presentation, applying theory to real-world problems. Social events throughout the week encouraged networking and cultural exchange.
A highlight for many students was the daily group project. “Every afternoon, we worked in teams to design and build a board game on sustainability. It was fun, interactive, and a great way to apply what we learned,” said a student from the Master’s programme in Embedded Systems Engineering (ESE) at FH Dortmund. Another participant on the Master’s programme in Digital Transformation (MDT) at FH Dortmund said: “It motivated us to dive deeper into topics like carbon footprints and sustainable production—while also forming friendships across borders.”
Aside from the academic activities, KU Leuven also organized several social events that made the experience even more memorable. Participants had the chance to explore Belgian culture through its culinary staples
The KU Leuven BIP Block Week successfully highlighted how blended learning can equip future engineers to lead in sustainable development and global innovation.
“Overall, my experience at KU Leuven was unforgettable. This program allowed me to experience the educational culture in Belgium, meet amazing people from different countries, and, most importantly, broaden my understanding of sustainable production. I highly recommend it to anyone considering an exchange program. Just go and experience it for yourself! “
