The Howest applied informatics research group

Cyber 3 Lab combines academic excellence with hands-on innovation. We collaborate with industry, government, and society to develop practical solutions for real-world digital challenges. Our team brings together skilled experts and young potentials, actively involving students in applied research.

Supported by advanced infrastructure and experimental environments, we focus on four strategic domains: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Web3 & Blockchain, and Immersive Technologies. By connecting research, education, and industry, we drive secure, sustainable innovation with measurable societal impact.

Our expertise

Artificial Intelligence

With the current advance of AI, Howest has multiple research groups that are exploring the possibilities of AI. We have been combining these areas of expertise since 2023 into an umbrella research group: Howest AI Lab.

Where TI's Cyber 3 Lab used to primarily focus on deploying AI in a security context and the research group of MCT focused on automating processes with AI, we at Howest AI Lab now mainly focus on combining all of our expertise to obtain the best end results for the customer.

Our AI projects

Cyber Security

In light of the escalating complexity of modern technology and the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, the significance of dedicated research in the realm of cybersecurity has become more pronounced than ever.

The Cyber 3 Lab at Howest is not just a guardian against cyber threats; We are architects of digital resilience for industries navigating the intricate web of digitalization. We continue to innovate and collaborate across disciplines, our mission is clear: to forge a secure and sustainable path for industries to thrive in the dynamic landscape of digital transformation.

IT/OT Security projects

Web3 & Blockchain

Cyber3Lab has been active in blockchain research and education since 2017. As a pioneer in applied trust frameworks, we explore how digital systems can become more transparent, secure, and user-centric. Our focus areas include blockchain, self-sovereign identity, and Solid data vaults. Technologies that empower individuals and organizations to control their own data in a decentralized way.

We lead and support national and international projects, deliver trainings, organize community events, and provide tailored advice to partners across sectors. As a neutral space, we connect public and private stakeholders to accelerate meaningful Web3 adoption. Cyber3Lab is a founding member of the Linux Foundation for Decentralized Trust (LFDT) and its European Chapter. Get in touch with us to build digital solutions that protect privacy, foster trust, are easy to use, and ready for real-world impact.

Our Web3 projects

Immersive tech

The digital world is no longer flat. It is evolving from static 2D screens into immersive, intelligent 3D environments where people don’t just consume content, they experience it. At Cyber3Lab, we explore the frontier of immersive technologies. Together with our app and backend researchers, we design and develop cutting-edge solutions in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) that redefine how people interact with the digital world.

We go beyond technology. We explore new, refreshing creative concepts and transform them into powerful interactive experiences with real added value for companies, education, healthcare, and smart cities. We work closely togheter with other research groups at Howest, we strengthen internal research initiatives, including projects such as the YET app and Healthy Ageing

IT projects

Meubels shoppen in VR

Silo CoNNect

Cybersecurity & drones

Web3 & Metaverse basics