LUdev is a student-run company within the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). We are responsible for acquiring real-world software development projects, giving bachelor’s students the opportunity to apply the technical and theoretical knowledge gained during their studies in a professional setting.

Each year, we collaborate with a broad range of partners, including start-ups, researchers, institutes, and SMEs. Topics can have strong research or educational focus, but may equally address concrete industry needs. After agreeing on a suitable project topic, we offer it to motivated student teams as part of their Software Engineering course. These teams comprise third-year bachelor’s students from Computer Science (including its specialisations, such as Computer Science & Economy), Bioinformatics, and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. Under the supervision of the LUdev board and experienced course staff, students participate in the full software development workflow: project planning, requirements analysis, Agile teamwork, client communication, and implementation.

A collaboration with LUdev is a mutual investment. Students gain essential practical experience that prepares them for careers in industry, and clients benefit from the opportunity to explore innovative software ideas at low cost while gaining fresh perspectives from students knowing the start-of-the-art.