Our Team

We are a small, resilient and creative team of seven.

But our real power comes from working alongside the many members who amplify what we do. They’re the reason our small team punches above its weight.

The Team

Jan Paesen

Managing Director | Community Lead Digital & AI

+32 478 88 22 21 jan@leuvenmindgate.be LinkedIn

Reach out to Jan to exchange thoughts on the future of the Leuven Innovation Region. He sets the strategic direction and guides our team forward.

Steven Cosyn

Content Strategist

steven@leuvenmindgate.be LinkedIn

Steven sets the strategic direction for communication and events with a little disruptive, creative twist. Reach out to him if you have an idea to help him shape this strategy even further.

Kristel Gooris

Community Lead Health & Life Sciences

kristel@leuvenmindgate.be LinkedIn

Knock on Kristel’s door if you want to become a member or explore what Leuven MindGate can do for your organization. She connects the region’s Health & Life sciences community and spots new opportunities in the domain.

Sofie Delvaux

Community Lead Talent & Business Services

+32 470 45 34 39 sofie@leuvenmindgate.be LinkedIn

Talk to Sofie about joining Leuven MindGate or discover how we can support your organization in talent development, B2B services and community-building.

Cédric Piette

Hospitality & Events Manager

cedric@leuvenmindgate.be LinkedIn

Cédric handles everything related to our events and hospitality. He makes sure that every Leuven MindGate activity runs smoothly and feels welcoming and meaningful.

Yasmien Vranken

Office Manager

+32 476 70 24 14 admin@leuvenmindgate.be LinkedIn

Reach out to Yasmien for administrative support, including invoices, payments and membership renewals. She’s the one who keeps everything flowing behind the scenes.

Fran Depoortere

FTI Liaison Officer

fran@leuvenmindgate.be

Fran Depoortere is our FTI Liaison Officer. In FTI years, she safeguards the connection with Flanders Technology & Innovation; in other years, she supports the team on a project basis.

The Board

The Leuven MindGate Board supports the team and guides the organization’s overall direction and strategy. Board seats are nominated by our member groups:

Premium Gold Members nominate one or two seats per member (based on the contribution level)
Premium Members collectively nominate a total of four seats.
Regular Members collectively nominate a total of two seats.

All nominations are approved by the General Assembly, ensuring balanced and member-driven governance.