The morning began with coffee, muffins, and curious faces in the D6.200 hallway. Project leader Ronald Faas opened the event with a smile and a nod to the project’s ambition: “We started in March to create a plan for the Datalab within ten weeks. When Alfons Looman, responsible for coordinating the Datalabs across Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, heard that, he said: ‘I’ve been trying for ten years, and you think you can do it in ten weeks?’ But I reassured him: ‘Alfons, you’ve been sowing for ten years, now we can harvest together in ten weeks.’”
Faas spoke with pride and gratitude about the teamwork over the past months: “We truly built this together—with colleagues from IDT, Facilities, Communications, the study programmes, and the Knowledge Centre. That makes me genuinely happy: working in a team and in an organisation where people help each other and dare to create something new.”
A breeding ground for innovation
Next, Charles Erkelens, Director of RBS, took the stage. He emphasised that this was not the end point, but the beginning: “This marks the start of a new era where we collaborate safely, responsibly, and inclusively with data and AI. We’re developing this further for both research and education. We’re already seeing great cases emerge from BIM, Business Administration, the Master's, and IB. But through the Business Datalab, we also aim to support local entrepreneurs.”
He continued: “The Business Datalab is a place where students, researchers, and partners work with the latest technologies—but above all, it’s a connecting environment that bridges education, research, and business. Together, we’re building a future-proof economy.”
Alongside Arjen van Klink, Director of KCBI, Erkelens then cut the ribbon, marking the official opening of the Business Datalab.
Demos full of energy
After the ceremony, visitors explored three demo stations, each showcasing a different data or AI application:
3D – Data Driven Decisionmaking:
A synthetic sneaker-store project allowing students to practise Power BI, supply chain analysis, and ecological footprinting. “We show here that data doesn’t have to be boring—it can become a game where you learn how decisions create impact,” said Job Huijzer.
CIA – Competitive Intelligence Agent:
A smart tool for real-time market insights. “This agent helps students and researchers see how AI can support competitive analysis and opportunity spotting,” explained Thomas Langveld.
SHIELD – Secure Handling of Information Ensuring Limited Disclosure:
A demo on privacy and responsible data use. “We demonstrate that you can work with sensitive data—as long as it’s handled responsibly,” emphasised Ronald Faas. Meanwhile, visitors joined a Business Datalab puzzle challenge, exchanged ideas, or simply enjoyed the lively atmosphere.
Shaping the future together
By the end of the morning, one message stood out: this is only the beginning. The Business Datalab will play a central role in educational innovation, research, and regional collaboration—cross-disciplinary and challenge-based. It will also support lecturers in their professional development.
As the organisers concluded: “Now the real work begins. Together, we’ll make sure this lab becomes a place where future makers train future makers.”
Location: Business Datalab Kralingse Zoom, lokaal D6.200
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