On April 24, we reached a major milestone in the expansion of Orsi Academy. With the traditional topping-out ceremony, the construction of our new facilities has reached its highest point, marking an important step in our continued international growth.
New expansion with advanced training facilities
The expansion will double our training capacity and provide space for state-of-the-art training facilities and innovative technologies. In doing so, we further strengthen our position as a global reference center for medical training and innovation.
The medical field is evolving rapidly, and so are we,” says Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie, CEO of Orsi Academy. “Thanks to this expansion, we will be able to attract even more multinational companies to Flanders. It also allows us to train more physicians in the latest robotic surgery techniques, ensuring that patients worldwide benefit from the highest quality of care.
During the ceremony, Dr. Geert Vandenbroucke, Chairman of Orsi Academy, and representatives of ERDF highlighted the importance of the project and the role of Flemish and European support in fostering medical innovation.
Following the topping-out ceremony, attendees were given an exclusive tour of the construction site and a preview of the future infrastructure, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
European and Flemish support for medical innovation
The expansion—representing an investment of €17.5 million—is being carried out by contractor Jan De Nul and is made possible in part through support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship Agency (VLAIO).
”The inspiring story of Orsi Academy demonstrates how crucial European funding is as a lever to grow Flemish center of expertise in medical technology and training into a global authority
Strong international growth and rising demand
Since opening our current building in 2018, we have experienced significant growth. Medical professionals from across Europe and beyond travel to Merelbeke-Melle to specialize in robotic surgery and other minimally invasive techniques at Orsi Academy.
In addition, we place a strong focus on innovation in medicine. This is reflected, among other things, in the creation of several spin-offs such as Mantyx and Surgquest.
With this expansion, we reaffirm our leading role in surgical training and our ambition to further raise the global standard in medical education.
We were happy to welcome and to be seen on the picture (f.l.t.r.):
- Egbert Lachaert | Mayor of Merelbeke-Melle
- Dr. Geert Vandenbroucke | Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board, Orsi Academy
- Bart Dewandeleer | Director EU Programs (EFRO)
- Petra De Sutter | Rector UGent
- Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie | CEO of Orsi Academy
- Severine Vermeire | Rector KU Leuven
- Alain Van Raek | Head of Administration & Programme Manager, DG Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission
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