What's Next MateriNex 2026

21 May 2026

 

 

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

 

 

Preliminary Programme (speakers confirmed)

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 RoseIMPACTComms

10:40 - 11:15

Opening Keynote & Fireside Chat

Deep science, the ultimate innovation lever

Keynote (20 min) followed by a fireside chat with the moderator

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

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: Progress, Impact and What’s Next

Johan Vangrunderbeek, Coordinator MateriNex

13:15 - 13:50

ICON Project Spotlight: CRYOSTAT

Partner Panel

13:50 - 14:25

ICON Project Spotlight: CUALITY

Partner Panel

14:25 - 14:45

Closing Keynote

A new world order: technology and innovation as the engine of a strong and collaborative Europe.

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