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OMWB JOINS MINDLABS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR A SAFER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT

16 May 2025 Breaking

As of May 2025, the OMWB (the Environmental Agency for Central and Western Brabant) will officially join MindLabs as a senior partner. This collaboration focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis to address societal challenges in the region—such as detecting illegal discharges, preventing soil contamination, and improving permitting, monitoring, and enforcement processes.

Strengthening Innovation in the Tilburg Region

On May 15, MindLabs and OMWB signed a formal collaboration agreement. This partnership brings together practical field data and academic expertise to drive meaningful technological innovation with social impact. “By linking our real-world data with the knowledge of researchers and students, we accelerate innovations that truly make a difference for the environment and public safety,” says Alfred Arbouw, Director of OMWB. Ongoing research projects at MindLabs, such as the Resilient and Safe Society field lab, also benefit from this collaboration through access to new, valuable datasets.

AI and Data Analysis as Tools for Social Progress

Using artificial intelligence and advanced data analysis, OMWB aims to gain deeper insights into complex environmental issues and work more efficiently. Maarten van Asten, Alderman for the Environment at the Municipality of Tilburg and board member of OMWB, emphasizes the value of this approach: “OMWB is tackling a wide range of societal challenges. The possibilities that AI offers—particularly in terms of efficiency—can be incredibly valuable in this context.”

Talent Development Through Real-Life Student Projects
Within the Futures Lab at MindLabs, students from vocational (MBO), applied sciences (HBO), and academic (WO) institutions will work together on real-life cases brought in by OMWB. This multidisciplinary approach fosters talent development and creates practical, socially impactful solutions. “OMWB brings urgent societal issues to the table that align perfectly with our mission,” says Petra van Dijk, Director of MindLabs. “Our ecosystem allows students, researchers, and partners to co-create innovative solutions that make a tangible difference.”

Pilot Projects Start in September 2025 
The partnership will begin with an orientation year. In June, OMWB and MindLabs will define the first pilot cases. Student teams will start working on these projects in September. Thanks to OMWB’s regional scope, the knowledge and innovations generated will directly benefit the broader Central and Western Brabant area.

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