18 June: 17:00 - 18:30
Networking session
This session provides a structured networking framework to foster high-quality engagement among members of the EBN network and key stakeholders from EU-funded innovation projects.
This session provides a structured networking framework to foster high-quality engagement among members of the EBN network and key stakeholders from EU-funded innovation projects. It is designed to catalyse transnational and cross-sectoral collaboration by enabling targeted interactions between Business Support Organisations (BSOs), innovation intermediaries, and representatives from the EULAC Digital Accelerator, SEADE, and RESOURCE projects.
Using a “speed dating” format, the session facilitates short, focused meetings aimed at fostering new collaborations and exploring strategic synergies. The session will follow a structured rotation format, with participants engaging in brief, focused conversations. No pre-arranged meetings are required as matching will be guided on-site to ensure the relevance and the smoothness of the activity.
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19 June
Jochen Eickholt
Independent Advisor | Former CEO Siemens Gamesa
19 June: 9:45 – 10:25
Keynote: An industrial green energy revolution
The global imperative for a clean energy transition is fundamentally reshaping industrial practices. This keynote session will provide essential insights into how industries are navigating this profound shift.
The session will focus on the transformative changes driven by the adoption of clean energy solutions across various sectors, emphasising how this transition is vital for a sustainable and resilient future.
This keynote will discuss the critical role of policy, innovation and strategic collaborations in accelerating the clean energy transition within the industry. It is essential for anyone looking to grasp the future of sustainable industries and offer a vision of how Europe can achieve its ambitious environmental goals while maintaining industrial competitiveness and security. The discussion will include practical strategies for integrating renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and fostering circular economy practices within industrial settings. Expect a clear outline of the policy frameworks supporting this essential industrial transformation and how they can help drive investment, innovation and growth while reducing emissions.
19 June: 11:45 - 12:45
How Startup-Corporate collaboration can drive the EU twin transition Innovation
This panel will explore how collaboration between corporations and startups can drive green innovation and sustainable development. It aims to provide insights for innovation leaders, ecosystem developers, corporations and startup communities.
An incubator dedicated to decarbonisation that maximises its impact through close collaboration with two of the largest French companies will pilot the discussion to deliver insights from two corporations, very active in the EU twin transition, who are inspiring the EU to remake their support to open innovation through the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, an EU-funded initiative.
Lisbora Likaj
AVL
José Antonio Estévez
ALSA
Isabelle Prevot
EU|BIC Montpellier
Victoria Medrano
La Mezcladora
The session intends to provide attendees with a deeper understanding of how collaboration between corporations and startups can solve the most urgent challenges in green innovation, responding, at the same time, to and evolving digitalised and connected world. Expected outcomes include inspiring and empowering participants to lead the next wave of sustainable innovation with the support of existing initiatives powered by the EU|BIC Community, the European Commission, Corporates and Startups.
19 June: 11:45 - 12:45
Accelerating Sustainable Mobility: Innovation Opportunities for Ecosystems & Startups in Hydrogen & Electric Vehicles
This session focuses on the role of innovation ecosystems in advancing sustainable mobility through hydrogen and electric vehicle (EV) technologies. Designed for ecosystem developers, startups, corporates, and policymakers, the panel will explore how collaborative efforts can unlock opportunities, address key challenges, and accelerate the deployment of sustainable transport solutions.
The discussion will explore how innovation ecosystems can foster the development and deployment of hydrogen and EV technologies by identifying opportunities within existing networks, enabling collaboration between startups, established companies, policymakers, and research institutions, and leveraging the role of regional hubs and "connectors" such as Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs). It will address the barriers startups face, including funding access, scaling production, and regulatory complexities, while highlighting strategies for overcoming these challenges through partnerships, mentorship, and innovation vouchers. Participants will gain insights into emerging technologies such as advanced batteries, fuel cell efficiency, green hydrogen production, and EV recycling, as well as the role of open innovation in driving R&D breakthroughs and regional competitiveness.
Maria Mekies
Formula E
Diego de Biasio
Technoport
Julia Holze
COSMICGOLD
Mikel Diez
Bilbao School of Engineering
The discussion will also focus on concrete policy actions to streamline permitting, incentivise R&D, and align regional strategies with EU directives like the European Green Deal and Industry 5.0. By showcasing real-world solutions, including regional initiatives and circular economy practices, the session will provide actionable strategies for integrating sustainability into business models, fostering collaboration, and building resilient and globally competitive industries.
19 June: 12:40 - 13:00 & 20 June: 12:15 - 12:40
Pitch session: Startups from the Basque Country ecosystem
These sessions will bring together a selection of emerging startups that are developing solutions in sectors such as clean energy, sustainable mobility, circular economy and marine technologies.
From next-generation batteries to hydrogen solutions, algae biotechnology to electric vehicle infrastructure, each pitch will offer a window into the future of sustainable industry.
Attendees will be able to:
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Learn about disruptive technologies and innovative business models.
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See how these startups address key challenges such as decarbonization, energy storage and sustainable mobility.
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Identify opportunities for collaboration, investment or joint development.
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Be inspired by ambitious visions and real cases driven by some of the most promising projects in the sector.
The sessions will be dynamic and participative, with the aim of connecting entrepreneurs, companies, public institutions and agents of the European innovation ecosystem.
19 June
20 June
19 June: 14:30 – 15:00
Keynote: Driving the next recycling revolution
This keynote will explore how circular economy principles and emerging technologies are transforming recycling across industries.
Starting with electronic waste, electric vehicles, and battery technologies, the session will expand to highlight broader opportunities for recovering valuable materials from all waste streams. It will highlight the role of innovative processes and methods in enabling low-energy, sustainable recycling solutions.
The discussion will examine how ecosystem developers, startups, corporates, and researchers can collaborate to bridge current gaps in recycling infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of circular practices. By identifying where traditional methods fall short, the session will present how new business models and deep-tech approaches can provide scalable alternatives.
Sebastien Farnaud
Coventry University
Paul Fairburn
Coventry University
19 June: 15:00 - 15:45
Green Hydrogen Innovation Diffusion and Adoption
Join us for an insightful panel discussion where experts will explore the transformative potential of green hydrogen in achieving a sustainable energy future. This session will provide a detailed look at the various methods of producing green hydrogen, focusing on water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. We will cover the latest advancements in electrolysis technologies and the potential for scaling up production to meet growing demand.
The panel will delve into the diverse industrial applications of green hydrogen, examining its role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy-duty transport, the steel and cement industries, and the production of ammonia and fertilisers. It will address the practical challenges of integrating green hydrogen into existing industrial processes and infrastructure, exploring the technological, economic, and logistical hurdles.
Justyna Adamska
PPNT
Arturo Fernández
Respol
Marco Colella
Hydrogen Europe
Jose Luis Elejalde
Tecnalia
The panellists will discuss hydrogen infrastructure development and the need for a liquid, competitive market to ensure that green hydrogen is readily available to producers and consumers. This will include the development of hydrogen valleys and other regional hydrogen initiatives. They will also examine the role of policy frameworks and funding mechanisms, such as the European Hydrogen Bank, in accelerating the adoption of green hydrogen.
The session will offer a balanced perspective on the opportunities and barriers associated with green hydrogen, highlighting the necessary steps for moving towards a hydrogen-based economy. This will include policy support for early deployment and the use of ETS revenues to decarbonise further. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future potential of green hydrogen, along with insights into the actions needed to drive the energy transition. The session will also touch upon the importance of standardisation to support deployment.
19 June: 15:00 - 15:45
Research to Industry: Enabling a Sustainable Future through Digital Innovation and Internationalisation
Experts from both research and industry will discuss how digital tools, capacity-building initiatives, and international collaborations are driving sustainability across various sectors. The discussion will highlight the role of digitalisation in enabling circular economy models, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering a more efficient and interconnected innovation ecosystem
Francisco Pizarro
Fundecyt-PCTEX
Oscar Fernandez Moyano
CDTI
Chrispin Sanga
Steinbeis
Apostolos Tsolakis
Q-PLAN International
19 June: 16:05 - 16:25
RESOURCE Pitching – Investing in Circular
Innovation for a Greener Future
Circularity is at the heart of Europe’s industrial transformation—key to achieving climate neutrality, resource efficiency, and long-term competitiveness.
In this dynamic session, discover how circular economy innovation is being implemented through the RESOURCE pilot projects, a curated portfolio of high-potential ventures supported by the Region of Aragon and the RESOURCE project.
These startups and SMEs are developing impactful solutions in clean tech, circular business models, and sustainable innovation, and are now seeking the investment and partnerships needed to grow.
Whether you’re an investor, business support organisation, or corporate innovator, this is your opportunity to:
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Connect directly with ventures leading the circular transition
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Explore collaboration and co-investment opportunities
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Gain early access to scalable, investment-ready projects
Join us to see how these pilot projects are shaping the future of circular innovation in Europe—and how you can be part of it. Meet the pilot projects: https://resource-invest.eu/pilot-projects/
20 June
20 June: 10:00- 10:30
Keynote: Powering the Future - How Digital Innovation and AI Drive the Sustainable Energy Transition
The widespread adoption of renewable and sustainable energy sources forms the foundation of the clean energy transition. However, to ensure a reliable, flexible, and truly sustainable energy system, we must also focus on energy efficiency, storage solutions, grid modernisation, and global access to clean energy—key pillars that support and optimise this transition.
In this session, Lara Obst will explore how digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming how clean energy is integrated into our daily lives.
As the world faces climate change, energy insecurity, and the urgent need for efficient resource management, digital technologies and AI are driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. By enabling smarter and more resilient energy systems, these technologies are not only making energy solutions more sustainable but also more adaptive to society’s evolving demands.
Machine learning algorithms are helping utilities predict energy demand and supply fluctuations with remarkable accuracy, enabling real-time adjustments and reducing waste. At the same time, digital platforms are democratising energy access and empowering individuals and communities to adopt clean energy solutions through advanced data analytics and automation.
Lara Obst
ClimateChoice
Martin Murray
Furthr
20 June: 10:40– 11:25
Renewable energies and their future
This panel discussion will illuminate the cutting-edge advancements and future trajectories of renewable energy technologies, focusing on solar, wind, and energy storage. As the cornerstone of Europe’s energy transition, these technologies offer transformative potential to drive sustainable growth, bolster energy security, and catalyse technological innovation.
The session will serve as a platform for leading experts and industry pioneers to explore the evolving landscape of renewable energy. Discussions will delve into the most pressing challenges, emerging opportunities, and areas where breakthrough innovation is critical to realising a carbon-neutral future.
Alan Haigh
European Commission
Soumodip Sarkar
PACT
Rushi Gupta
VITO
20 June: 10:40– 11:25
Maritime sustainability and resources management
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on "Maritime Sustainability and Resources Management," where experts will explore the latest developments in harnessing energy from marine sources and optimising their use.
This session will focus on the diverse technologies for generating energy from the ocean, including tidal stream, wave energy, and other innovative methods for extracting power from the sea. Panellists will discuss the current state of these technologies, their potential for large-scale deployment, and the hurdles they face in achieving commercial viability.
The panel will examine the applications of real-time data and advanced technologies for the management and optimisation of marine energy resources. This includes how smart monitoring systems, data analytics, and artificial intelligence can be used to improve the efficiency and reliability of energy production from ocean sources.
Didier Goguenheim
TVT Innovation
Gonzalo Piernavieja
ITC
Yago Torre -Enciso
BiMEP
Michelle O'Rourke
Propelor BIC
The discussion will also cover the importance of effective resource management, addressing the need for sustainable practices and the protection of marine ecosystems.
The panellists will address the challenges of deploying marine energy technologies, including the technical difficulties of operating in harsh marine environments, the high costs of development and infrastructure, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. The panel will also highlight the potential for integrating marine energy with other renewable sources, contributing to a diversified and resilient energy system.
The discussion will highlight the critical role of collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers, industry players, and policymakers. The panel will share strategies for driving innovation, reducing costs, and facilitating market adoption. Additionally, the importance of public and private investment to de-risk and scale marine energy solutions will be highlighted.
20 June: 11:30 - 12:15
Affordable and sustainable energy housing
Energy efficiency is one of the major challenges facing urban areas in their transition to climate neutrality.
Alongside changes in mobility, it is a challenge that depends heavily on building owners’ buy-in, as public administrations alone cannot fully finance the shift to energy-efficient buildings. At the same time, energy efficiency carries a high risk of deepening social inequalities, given the significant costs involved.
In response, the European Commission has recently launched a cross-DG Task Force on Affordable and Sustainable Housing to address this issue. While various innovations are emerging to improve the energy performance of buildings, many remain costly and are accessible only to a limited segment of the market.
This session will explore practical approaches and examples that aim to make energy-efficient living more accessible. We will also examine how collective intelligence and citizen engagement can help identify solutions with strong potential for social impact and wider adoption.
Marzia Mazzonetto
Stickydot
Francesca Calenne
Lazio Innova
Esteban Pelayo
Alicante Science Park
