This year’s Marketplace brought together representatives from all Flemish university associations, research and technology organizations (RTOs), start-ups, and industry leaders. Each participant averaged at least two scheduled meetings, complemented by countless informal conversations that sparked new ideas and collaborations.
The program featured dynamic pitch sessions and, for the first time, the ICON-clinic—a bold addition that turned out to be a great success. Insightful questions were raised, and the valuable tips shared by our MateriNex Innovation Managers, Marijke Jacobs and Luc Van Ginneken, helped participants sharpen their ideas and explore pathways to successful project proposals.
Just like the previous edition, we are confident that new collaborations were created to respond to our Call 10.2025 for the 2026 budget year, or for the next call. The MateriNex Marketplace once again demonstrated its strength as a networking hub, where ideas turn into actionable research projects.
We received very positive feedback from participants, confirming the event’s value as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration.
"Thank you for organizing such a well-orchestrated and well-positioned event that successfully brought together several key stakeholders." Professor Mesfin Haile Mamme, VUB
"Beste organisatoren, bedankt voor het opzetten van het netwerk event. Het is een vruchtbare voormiddag geweest!" Associate Professor & Entrepreneur Dirk Inghels, VU Amsterdam, Expert in Sustainability
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this edition a success.
