What's Next MateriNex 2026

21 May 2026

Join the conversation on the next generation of sustainable materials. At What’s Next MateriNex 2026, innovators from research and industry connect, exchange insights and build collaborations that accelerate innovation.

Programme

From Research to Impact: Unlocking the Materials Ecosystem
Where Partnerships Accelerate Innovation

10:00 - 10:30	Registration and Welcome Coffee
10:30 - 10:40	Welcome & Opening Remarks Moderated by: David Rose, IMPACTComms
10:40 - 11:15	Opening Keynote & Fireside Chat Deep science, the ultimate innovation lever Fundamental science is proving to be one of the strongest drivers of productivity and innovation. What does this mean for universities, industry, and Europe’s innovation ecosystem? Speaker: Professor Koenraad Debackere, KU Leuven, Department of Management, Strategy and Innovation In conversation with David Rose, IMPACTComms
11:15 - 11:50	Interactive Keynote Pilotitis, Talking Shops and What Holds Ecosystem Innovation Back A candid look at why innovation ecosystems often struggle to create real impact and what needs to change. Speaker: Remco Lenstra, RE-FRAMED, Academic Director AMS, Guest Professor EDHEC
11:50 - 12:00	Morning Reflection & Key Takeaways
12:00 - 13:00	Networking Lunch
13:00 - 13:15	MateriNex in Action: Community Building, Impact and What’s Next Speaker: Johan Vangrunderbeek, Coordinator MateriNex
13:15 - 13:50	ICON Project Spotlight: CRYOSTAT Partner Panel Tim De Schryver, YouPower \| Assist. Prof. Wouter Marchal, U Hasselt \| Anina Lu, SORTBAT \| Jan Vermeulen, Konnekto
13:50 - 14:25	ICON Project Spotlight: CUALITY Partner Panel Karen De Boeck, Veolia BeNeLux \| Liesbeth Horckmans, VITO \| Bart Michielsen, Aurubis Beerse
14:25 - 14:45	Closing Keynote A new world order: technology and innovation as the engine of a strong and collaborative Europe. Europe is entering a decisive moment where innovation, technology, and collaboration will shape future prosperity and resilience. Speaker: Jolyce Demely, Director-General of Agoria Flanders
14:45 - 15:00	Closing Conversation: Reflections & What’s Next for MateriNex David Rose (IMPACTComms) in conversation with the MateriNex Innovation Managers, Marijke Jacobs and Luc Van Ginneken
15:00 - 16:00	Networking Reception

Registration

Conference Location

Vestar Antwerp