Open House |
10 December 2026
Open House | Let’s talk money!
At the House of Sustainable Transitions, we are interested in the people and initiatives that show what the sustainable transition can look like. There are already many initiatives active today. We call these Islands of Hope: real-life innovative projects working on sustainable transition across different sectors, including the economy, education, energy, food and agriculture, governance and mobility. Together, they address urgent global challenges and explore solutions for a more sustainable future. They show that a more sustainable future is not just an idea but something we can start building today. We want to create more Islands of Hope together with you!
Through open spaces, conversations and opportunities to pitch ideas, you can:
Share a project that needs funding, partners or expertise
Discover projects and ideas you could invest in or support
Turn research, knowledge or ideas into something tangible
Find people, organisations, companies or places that can help your idea grow
Meet others working on challenges you care about
Explore collaborations that could make something new possible
Agenda
09:00-09:30 | Welcome coffee |
09:30-10:00 | Foreword by Prof. dr. Cathy Macharis, founder of the House of Sustainable Transitions |
10:00-11:00 | Keynote by Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network and a leading voice on community-led change |
11:00-11:30 | Coffee break |
11:30-12:30 | Open Space, pitching of projects to be discussed in the Breakout (below) |
12:30-13:45 | Lunch & Networking |
13:45-14:45 | Inspiring panel discussion with Piet Colruyt (Impact Capital), Anneke Ernon (King Baudouin Foundation), Luc Lallemand (Helios Foundation) + other best practices to be confirmed |
14:45-15:00 | Coffee break |
15:00-16:30 | Breakout: workspaces to collaborate and initiate partnerships |
16:30-16:45 | Closing |
16:45-17:30 | Networking drinks |
During the day, you will have the chance to view the exhibition of the "NEB Connect" funded project Interact-Us, which focuses on intergenerational collaboration and learning on Sustainability challenges in Brussels.
The event will take place in the Vijverhall in Asiat Park in Vilvoorde, an inspiring site hosting start-ups, makers and social initiatives. This beautiful venue truly embodies our focus on sustainability and community-led change.
Places are limited, make sure to secure a spot!
Registration fees are 30 EUR (free for HOST/Training Academy members and students).
