Shaping the future of logistics: bringing the Physical Internet to life

Join us for the closing event of two pioneering research and innovation projects: PILL (Physical Internet Living Labs) and SYTADEL (Synchromodal Prototype for Data Sharing and Planning).

These groundbreaking Flemish initiatives are transforming logistics by leveraging innovative data-sharing ecosystems, advanced technologies, and collaborative frameworks. Together, the projects have demonstrated their potential in a joint proof of concept.

PILL, a collaboration led by imec, VUB and VIL, focuses on applying the principles of the Physical Internet (PI) to real-world logistics. Its key output is a blueprint for the Physical Internet, supported by a software stack featuring the first prototype of a PI network and application. This enables companies to begin developing PI-based products and services.
SYTADEL, driven by imec, the University of Antwerp, Vlerick and VIL, aims to establish a Flemish data space for logistics, with a focus on synchromodal transportation. This approach dynamically coordinates multiple transport modes to optimize operations. SYTADEL delivers cutting-edge data-sharing and planning technologies to improve efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability across logistics supply chains.

Together, these projects lay the foundation for a resilient, interconnected and efficient logistics ecosystem that drives innovation and sustainability.

Practical Details

Date: 18 February 2025

Venue: P&G Center Brussels – Temselaan 100A, 1853 Grimbergen

This event is free of charge

Program

Master of Ceremony: Geert Verbelen

10:00	Doors Opens
10:30	Welcome Sergio Barbarino, Senior Director Research Fellow – P&G
10:40	Flanders’ logistics innovation roadmap towards the Physical Internet Kris Neyens, Manager Internationalization – VIL
11:00	Understanding PILL and SYTADEL: Innovations in logistics and data spaces Birger Schrevens, Innovation Advisor – imec Dries Van Bever, Business Innovation Analyst – imec
11:30	Panel discussion: Value drivers of synchromodal network Joost Criel, Logistics optimization projects – ArcelorMittal Jef Bauwens, Project Manager Smart Logistics – De Vlaamse Waterweg David Huybrechts, General Manager ITG Zuid – BCTN Sergio Barbarino, Senior Director Research Fellow – P&G Lars Vangrootel, First Mile DC – Inbound Transportation Manager – Nike Moderator: Dirk Staelens, Project Leader – VIL
12:00	Spotlight on innovation: Elevator Pitches from related projects Get inspired by quick presentations of cutting-edge projects focused on synchromodality, supply chain automation, and the Physical Internet
12:15	Networking Lunch
13:30	Exploring innovation: PILL and SYTADEL breakout sessions Breakout 1 – Technical focus (imec): Technical building blocks of a PI network, the setup of a synchromodal route planner, semantics and dynamic policies in a logistics dataspace. A blueprint for the Physical Internet – a framework for establishing decentralised, collaborative logistics networks. (Philippe Michiels – imec) The PI blueprint demo – demonstration of the integrated PI blueprint principles with key lessons learned. (Tom Bergmans – imec) Identity and policies in the Physical Internet – a method for verifying identity and implementing policies on the Physical Internet. (Wout Slabbinck – imec) The next step towards PI: Logistics process sharing (Theodor Chirvasuta – TNO) Breakout 2 – Business & governance focus (UA, VUB, Vlerick): Attributes of synchromodality, business and governance models, and building trust in the Physical Internet. The perspective of trust in the Physical Internet – a survey in Western Europe (Koen Mommens, Shiqi Sun – VUB) A governance perspective on Data Spaces – developing a framework for trusted data sharing (Ashish Vadhe – Vlerick Business School) Visualizing Business Model cases for Data Spaces in Synchromodality (Juan Manual Pulido – University of Antwerp)
15:00	Coffee Break
15:30	Turning PILL and SYTADEL results into action Presented by VIL, this session focuses on how companies, technology providers and researchers can leverage the outcomes of these projects and turn them into new products and services. Discover actionable opportunities to apply these innovations in real-world logistics operations.
16:10	Closing: The future of synchromodality and the Physical Internet is now Presented by Fernando Liesa, Secretary General of ALICE.
16:30	Networking reception

Registration

Registrations are closed

Important

Can’t attend? Please let us know in time.
Free cancellation is possible until February 11 2025 , 12:00, only via mail to informatie@vil.be.
You can be replaced by a colleague (please send us the full name, position and e-mail address as soon as possible via informatie@vil.be).
Participants who cancel too late or are absent will be charged an administrative fee of € 85.00 + 21% VAT.
This fee will be transferred to the charity ‘Mercy Ships‘.

Project Partners