Belgian deputy PM visits Daikin R&D centre
10th February 2026
BELGIUM: Belgian deputy prime minister, Vincent van Peteghem, paid a visit to Daikin’s EMEA R&D centre in Ghent, yesterday, touring the company’s specialised laboratories.
The €140m 31,000m² R&D centre opened last year at the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park.
Van Peteghem, who is also Belgium’s minister of budget and administrative simplification, was shown how Daikin is investing to accelerate the clean energy transition and discussions were held on the importance of creating a level playing field for heat pump technologies.
“For 50 years, Daikin has been a crucial anchor for R&D and industry in Belgium. The success of innovation hubs such as this one in Ghent forms the very foundation of our economic growth,” Vincent van Peteghem said. “By committing to an efficient government, we create the space for the kind of groundbreaking research that establishes our region as a global leader in high-tech innovation.”
“The deputy prime minister’s visit highlights the vital role that R&D plays in securing our industrial future. We are proud to be at the forefront of the innovation that will define the next decade,” said Wim De Schacht, vice president service & solutions and corporate affairs at Daikin Europe.
Coincidentally, in his younger day, Vincent van Peteghem attended Don Bosco college high school in Zwijnaarde, less than 1km from Daikin’s R&D centre. He is currently also the mayor of the nearby town of Nazareth-De Pinte, home to a large number of Daikin employees.
