The FMV Industry Night: connecting graduates with industry leaders

Last week, we organised a splendid FMV Industry Night, where graduates at KU Leuven could connect with industry leaders. About 50 students registered for this event, while we had energetic speeches from our members.

First off, Steffen Robert from EIT Raw Materials kicked off by presenting the Tapojärvi Open Innovation Challenge 2025, for (chemical) engineering student, metallurgy students and forest industry students who want to make a positive environmental impact. Certainly it was an appealing call, with a first prize consisting of a 10 000 euro cash prize and the chance to work within the Tapojärvi group, the Finnish forerunner in industrial circular economy.

Next was Rui Gao from Vito, who had a compelling speech about her path from the Beijing University, going to Harvard University for a postdoctoral fellowship, and finally to her final stop (for now) as a researcher for Vito. Her story was met with a lot of enthousiasm from the students as she is a great example of an international academic career.

Wouter Crijns from ResourceFull was next. As a graduate from KU Leuven, he is now a visionary entrepreneur. He inspired and challenged the students, as he explained his vision for a climate solution, and the role his company plays in it. ResourceFull is a specialist in researching low impact concrete solutions, with many of their solutions already implemented in the industry.

Elise Venken and Manuel Vissers were the last to take the stage. Together with their HR colleagues from Aurubis, they gave us an insight in their daily lives at this titan of the industry. Though recently graduated, it is clear that they can achieve greatness at Aurubis, where they are well taken care off.

After the speeches, we were invited to talk with the speakers over drinks and snacks. The discussions were lively and there was plenty of interest in the companies, their values and their opportunities. As a recruitment event, as a publicity forum or simply as an interesting evening with peers, it was a successful evening on all fronts.