Belgium: UZ Leuven selects SPIE as strategic partner for fire and intrusion detection

Anderlecht, 16 September 2026 – SPIE Belgium, the Belgian subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has signed a ten-year framework agreement with UZ Leuven to upgrade and maintain fire and intrusion detection systems across several campuses of this leading university hospital. The contract includes the phased replacement of 66 fire detection and alarm control panels, maintenance of more than 24,000 detection points and 14 intruder alarm control panels, and support for future development and refurbishment projects under UZ Leuven’s master plan.

The agreement covers the Gasthuisberg and Pellenberg campuses.  Over the next four years, existing fire alarm control panels will be replaced in phases, ensuring that safety systems remain operational throughout. For ten years, SPIE will also provide preventive and corrective maintenance.

Critical infrastructure in a complex hospital environment

For a university hospital such as UZ Leuven, reliable fire and intrusion detection systems are essential.  These systems not only protect patients, visitors and employees but also ensure the continued operation of critical care services, research infrastructure and technical facilities.

The project includes the deployment of a centralised Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) platform, enabling all detection systems to be viewed and managed through a single graphical interface based on digital floor plans. This will provide UZ Leuven with a unified, scalable security environment designed to support the campus’s continued development and future needs.

An integrated approach combining SPIE’s expertise

This project demonstrates SPIE Belgium’s ability to bring together multiple areas of expertise through an integrated approach. The Industry Business Unit in Mouscron will oversee the phased replacement and modernisation of fire alarm control panels, while the Building Solutions Services teams in Geel will be responsible for maintenance, post-installation support and intrusion detection systems.

These complementary capabilities enable SPIE to provide UZ Leuven with a single point of contact for both upgrades and the long-term management of its safety and security infrastructure. Close collaboration between divisions enables knowledge sharing, more efficient maintenance planning and uninterrupted service in a demanding hospital environment.

Support for future expansion

The partnership extends beyond existing installations. In the years ahead, UZ Leuven will make substantial investments to develop its Health Sciences Campus.  The framework agreement will also enable SPIE to participate in future expansion and refurbishment projects, where an integrated approach to fire and intrusion detection will be essential.

A significant part of the project involves replacing existing FalconNet systems, an area in which SPIE has acquired expertise in recent years.  The migration will be carried out in phases to ensure continuity of hospital operations.

“UZ Leuven operates one of the country’s largest, most multifaceted healthcare environments, where the sustained operation of safety and security systems proves pivotal.  We are proud to join forces with UZ Leuven for the next decade.  This agreement not only confirms our expertise in fire and intrusion detection but also demonstrates the added value of our integrated approach. Our divisions pool their knowledge and experience around a shared goal: delivering a safe, reliable healthcare environment for the long term, without disrupting the hospital’s day-to-day operations”, commented Sandy Dubaere, Senior Business Development Manager & BOSEC Fire Detection Expert, SPIE Belgium.

A long-term vision for safety and security

With this agreement, UZ Leuven and SPIE will strengthen their long-term relationship. By adopting a consistent approach to detection, maintenance and future expansion, the hospital is laying solid foundations for a safe, future-ready campus.

“Reliable fire and intrusion detection systems are crucial to the safety of our patients, visitors and staff. As a partner, SPIE combines the technical know-how we need with an understanding of the challenges posed by this complex hospital environment. This partnership gives us the confidence to continue developing a safe healthcare campus equipped to satisfy future needs”, added Koen Cuypers, Technical Project Engineer, UZ Leuven.