Belgium and Netherlands Plan Joint Veterinary Innovation Summit for April 2026
Ghent, Tuesday, 23 December 2025.
Veterinary professionals from Belgium and Netherlands are organizing a groundbreaking cross-border innovation event on April 24-25, 2026, at Kinepolis Antwerp. This collaboration between Ghent University’s Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Dutch cooperative Dactari will showcase cutting-edge advances in AI-driven diagnostics, therapy, surgery, and practice management. The summit coincides with International Veterinary Day and represents an unprecedented partnership in the Low Countries veterinary sector.
Comprehensive Innovation Scope Targets Modern Veterinary Challenges
The April 2026 summit represents a significant advancement in veterinary healthcare technology, categorizing this event as a healthtech and agritech innovation initiative [GPT]. The organizers from Ghent University’s Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Dactari have outlined an ambitious scope covering innovations across therapy, diagnostics, prevention, surgery, coaching, collaboration, veterinary medicines, accounting, animal feeds, supplements, emergency services, practice management, human resources, education, software, hardware, communication, strategy, and marketing [1]. Many of these innovations will incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities, reflecting the growing integration of AI technology in veterinary practice [1]. The event specifically targets practicing veterinarians from all sectors and those who provide professional support to veterinary practices [1].
Strategic Partnership Between Academic Excellence and Cooperative Innovation
The collaboration involves key figures from both countries’ veterinary sectors, with Annelore Willems, Geert Opsomer, and Sarne De Vliegher representing Ghent University’s Academy of Veterinary Medicine, while Danse Sonneveld and Roeland Wessels represent Dactari veterinary cooperative [1]. This partnership demonstrates how academic institutions and cooperative organizations can unite to address contemporary challenges in veterinary medicine [GPT]. The organizers emphasize that participant input is crucial for creating a successful program, actively seeking feedback through surveys to develop an inspiring agenda coupled with networking and brainstorming opportunities [1]. The event planning includes provisions for good food and drink alongside a comprehensive social program to enhance the overall experience [1].
AI-Driven Solutions Transform Veterinary Practice Efficiency
The summit’s focus on AI-driven innovations reflects real-world applications already demonstrating significant impact in veterinary practices. Contemporary AI solutions like Vetz AI show how technology can revolutionize veterinary workflows, with users reporting savings of over 2 hours per day and 85% reduction in stress levels [3]. These systems have already generated over 100,000 journal notes, demonstrating practical implementation success [3]. Dr. Fredrik Ones from AWAKE Animal Hospital noted that such AI systems represent “finally a system that is tailored to how we as veterinarians actually work,” while Dr. Karin Danielsson from Ekeröveterinären emphasized how AI “saves me a lot of time and also helps me remember details that I might otherwise forget” [3]. The technology works by listening, analyzing, transcribing, and recording consultations, allowing veterinarians to focus entirely on patient care rather than documentation [3].
Timeline and Broader Context Within Veterinary Innovation Landscape
The April 24-25, 2026 event at Kinepolis Antwerp deliberately coincides with International Veterinary Day on April 25, amplifying its significance within the global veterinary community [1]. Organizers are considering either a one-day or two-day format based on participant interest and input received through their ongoing survey process [1]. The summit occurs within a broader landscape of veterinary innovation discussions, including concurrent events like the April 23, 2026 congress on ethics in livestock farming organized by Vakbond voor Dieren, which will address moral choices in veterinary practice and the impact of automation and AI on animal-human relationships [2]. This timing creates a concentrated period of veterinary sector reflection and advancement across the Low Countries, potentially establishing April 2026 as a landmark month for veterinary innovation in the region [GPT].