Voka KVK – Mechelen-Kempen shines in Melbourne with the Vokaverse

On 22 August 2025, Voka – Chamber of Commerce Mechelen-Kempen brought the Vokaverse to the global stage at the World Chambers Congress in Melbourne. The result? A fantastic place as runner-up in the category “Best Out-of-the-Box Project”.

Out of 83 submissions from 41 countries, the jury selected the Vokaverse as one of the most innovative chamber projects worldwide. While just missing the top prize, this recognition confirms that the region of Mechelen-Kempen and Flanders are making their mark internationally.

Tom Laveren said:

We are incredibly proud that our region is shining on the world stage. The Vokaverse shows how we can reinvent entrepreneurship, community and innovation in the digital age.”

What is the Vokaverse?

The Vokaverse is a hub where businesses and creators join forces to build forward-looking applications in the metaverse. Its purpose is to inspire companies to take their first steps into the virtual world, offering:

  • New business opportunities such as digital sales, events and services.
  • Digital twins for training and product development.
  • Innovative branding & interaction with digital-native audiences.
  • Scalable solutions to optimize processes and reach new markets.

From SMEs to global players, companies are already discovering how virtual applications boost efficiency, customer engagement and brand visibility.

Recognition that inspires

The nomination in Melbourne is more than just a trophy, it is a signal that Belgian innovation is gaining international attention. With the Vokaverse, Voka – KvK Mechelen-Kempen creates a bridge between businesses and the virtual world, helping companies stay relevant, innovative and connected to tomorrow’s opportunities.

Curious to discover more insights and real-life examples about Vokaverse?

Read the full interview with Arne Vanlaer – Advisor for Digitalisation and Innovation at Voka – KvK Mechelen-Kempen, as he shares his views on the opportunities of virtual presence and how entrepreneurs can take their first steps into the Vokaverse.

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