On 30 September, the Syndikaat der Belgische Diamantnijverheid (SBD), together with the City of Antwerp, organised the second edition of Diamond Innovation Connect. Exclusively for SBD members, the event brought together diamond entrepreneurs and experts around innovation in the industry. With 49 registrations, the event was fully booked.
Following the opening by SBD President Dave Oste and Antwerp Vice Mayor for Port and Economy Johan Klaps, Janak Mistry of Lexus Softmac presented DiaDNA, among other technologies. Using AI-driven atomic fingerprinting, DiaDNA supports diamond authentication and reliable rough-to-polish matching. Mistry also discussed Recut & Finishing Solutions.
Matthew Carrett and James Milburn presented Tracr, one of the leading industry blockchain platforms for natural diamond traceability, and discussed the role of digital traceability in strengthening confidence in natural diamonds.
Laser technology for diamond processing was also on the programme. SBD member Jörg Pausch of SYNOVA SA presented SYNOVA’s versatile laser technology and its different applications.
Patrick Hauspie of VLAIO concluded the presentations with cybersecurity. His message: don’t wait for a cyber incident, but proactively increase your company’s cybersecurity maturity. He also highlighted the support available to businesses.
After the presentations, participants joined the speakers at expert tables for direct conversations and questions. The event also provided plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow SBD members and exchange experiences.
The afternoon concluded with a tasting of Achtkantje, the Kempisch diamond beer developed by SBD member Johan Olieslagers and brewed by Brouwerij Vervoort in Herentals. One of its distinctive ingredients are carob seeds: carob seeds were historically used in weighing gemstones and are linked to the origin of the word carat.
Following this fully booked edition, SBD is already looking ahead: next year, we plan to organise the next edition of Diamond Innovation Connect, once again focusing on innovation, knowledge sharing and networking between SBD members.
Some images of the event:
