VAREKAI: GOING FOR REAL PROGRESS !
VAREKAI stands for Value Added Research, Exploration, Knowledge management & AI
🔥 Progress? Who still believes in that ?
We do ! Varekai is a movement that does not want to sink into pessimism in these challenging times. Global warming, migration, extremism, the AI challenge, wars, ... It doesn't look nice. Varekai is an organization that not only wants to understand what is going on in the world, but also wants to actively improve it - despite everything. We do not believe in superficial trends, but in sustainable progress based on knowledge, reflection and collaboration (values that are all under pressure now). We link innovation to a strong social commitment and look for solutions that really make an impact.
🌍 Our Mission
Varekai brings researchers, thinkers and doers together to learn, grow and share new knowledge - to tackle the grand challenges we face. We strive for a world where technology & human values go hand in hand.
Core concepts are (M3):
✅ Meliorism – We believe that progress is possible – even now – but not self-evident: it requires commitment and critical thinking.
✅ Moderation – We choose sustainable, thoughtful change instead of blindly rushing ahead. We are moderate, not extremists.
✅ critical Mass – We need enough people to commit to making real change possible.
🌍 Our Vision
Varekai believes in a future where humans are not overwhelmed by (sometimes turbulent, unnecessary or detrimental) change, but use technology and AI as empowering allies. We strive for a world where resilient humans and advanced, aligned AI strengthen each other, with respect for human values and ethics.
🚀 What we do: Research, Education & Action
Every year we choose strategic themes that are at the core of our programs. These are the topics we will be working on in 2025:
📌 Summer School (Europe) - Who do we need to inform and teach about governance & values of Europe ? Europe in a Nutshell !
📌 AI Impact (Technology) – What is happening now in AI? How will AI evolve? What concrete actions can we take?
📌 Personal Agility (Human) – How can you continue to adapt in an ever-changing world?
📌 Tipping points (Society) – What key moments will determine the future? What can we learn from key moments from the past?
Our programs translate these themes into concrete projects: research, inspiring lectures, hands-on workshops and collaborations with experts. At Varekai, knowledge transfer goes hand in hand with action.
💡 How we work: Collaboration & Innovation
At Varekai we work interdisciplinary and inclusive. We connect academic insights with practical experience and stimulate dialogue between various sectors. We believe in the power of technology, but also in the responsibility that comes with it. That is why we develop ethical guidelines and methodologies to shape progress in a responsible way.
We are not a political organization and we are not a professional organization, although both political and business issues are discussed.
👥 Our people
Behind Varekai is a dedicated team of volunteers, researchers and professionals. We are a non-profit association (vzw) which is led by a general meeting, a board of directors and an executive board. Our work is supported by a network of committed individuals who together build a better future.
📜 Our history
Varekai didn't just appear out of nowhere. The predecessor of Varekai, Wincentives, was founded 15 years ago by Carl Danneels and Olivier Dewandre. Since then, our focus has evolved, but the core remains the same: continuous improvement, ethics and innovation. Today, we build on those foundations and continue to innovate to remain relevant for the challenges of tomorrow.
📩 How to participate
Want to contribute to Varekai? We are looking for like-minded thinkers and doers who want to join us in building sustainable progress.
Become a member of Varekai!
Send us an e-mail to be included on our WhatsApp channel soon - and stay informed about our activities!
🌐 Website: www.varekai.eu
📧 E-mail: info@varekai.eu