About this Event
The President and members of the INSEAD Alumni Association Belgium have the honour of inviting you to their annual flagship gala event: The Innovator Prize 2026.
This year’s award will be presented to Françoise Chombar and Rudi De Winter, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship as co-founders of Melexis and X-Fab. As visionary leaders, they have played a pivotal role in building these companies into globally recognised leaders in the semiconductor industry. Their journey embodies the spirit of long-term vision, engineering excellence, and entrepreneurial drive that continues to position Belgium on the global innovation map.
The laudatio will be delivered by Mr Roland Duchâtelet.
The event will take place in Brussels at Tour & Taxis, an iconic venue that blends industrial heritage with modern innovation, offering the perfect setting for an evening of celebration, networking, and inspiration.
Proceeds from the event will support the Belgian INSEAD Alumni and Council Scholarships Fund.
Dress code: business formal or black tie.
If you are interested in corporate tables or sponsoring the event, please contact Helena Andre at [email protected]
We look forward to celebrating this extraordinary achievement with you.
About Melexis
Melexis is a leading global supplier of microelectronic semiconductor solutions, with a strong focus on automotive applications. Headquartered in Belgium, the company has built a reputation for innovation, engineering excellence, and sustainable growth. Under the leadership of Françoise Chombar and Rudi De Winter, Melexis has become a flagship example of Belgian technological success on the international stage.
About Françoise Chombar
Françoise Chombar is a leading Belgian business figure and former CEO of Melexis, where she played a key role in transforming the company into a global leader in semiconductor innovation. Beyond her executive career, she is a strong advocate for education, talent development, and diversity in STEM, actively contributing to shaping the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs. She is widely recognised for her impact on both industry and society.
About Rudi De Winter
Rudi De Winter is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Melexis and X-Fab, two globally recognised players in the semiconductor industry. With a strong background in engineering and business development, he has been instrumental in building high-tech companies with international reach. His long-term vision and entrepreneurial drive have contributed significantly to positioning Belgium as a key player in the global microelectronics ecosystem.
The Innovator Prize has been awarded by the INSEAD Alumni Association in Belgium since 1986. The association, chaired by Frederic Boels, has more than 2,300 members in Belgium.
Every year, the Prize is awarded to one or more entrepreneur(s) or scientist(s) for their innovative capabilities during a prestigious gala dinner that welcomes around 400 guests, including many captains of industry and business decision makers.
¨** The adress is : Maison de la Poste: Rue Picard, 7 - 1000 Brussels
Nearest car park: P1 : 13, rue Picard**
Event venue & nearby stays
Maison de la Poste, 7 Rue Picard, Bruxelles, Belgium
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