Smart and Circular Industry in Hauts-de-France​: 19-21 May 2025

Are you a scale-up, start-up, or innovative SME working on AI, AIOT, robots, or drones for the circular and smart industry?

We invite you to be at the center of the Dutch delegation to Hauts-de-France from 19-21 May 2025. Meet your network and potential partners and learn about this international neighbouring region in France.

About Smart and Circular Industry in Hauts-de-France

Northern France, particularly the Hauts-de-France region, plays a key role in the industrial transition towards a more sustainable and digital economy. The region is known for its strong industrial base and strategic location, close to Belgium, Germany, and the rest of Europe. The ongoing transformation supports various sectors through technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and drones.

Key Industries and Innovation Areas:

1. Food Industry

The region is a hub for food production and processing. Major players include:

• Bonduelle: Known for their frozen and canned vegetables.

• Roquette: Specializes in plant-based ingredients.

• Heineken: One of the largest beer producers in the region.

• Tereos: Active in the sugar and starch industry.

2. Automotive

The region is a major player in the automotive sector, focusing on the shift towards electric vehicles:

• Stellantis: A leading car manufacturer.

• Battery factories for electrification: Automotive Cells Company, Verkor, Prologium, AESC Envision (Douai).

3. Healthcare

The life sciences and healthcare industry is growing, with key companies such as:

• Ajinomoto, Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Merck, GSK, AstraZeneca, and more.

4. Rail Industry

The region is a stronghold for the rail industry, with companies like:

• Alstom and Siemens Millet leading in rail manufacturing and technology.

5. Aerospace

The aerospace sector is well-established, featuring major players like:

• Thales, Airbus, Safran, and Dassault.

Program

Monday 19 May

17:00: Kick-off Programme in Lille and network dinner and meeting with the French-Dutch partners of Hauts-de-France

Tuesday 20 May

Morning: Program at EuraTechnologies, presentations, and match-sprints

Lunch

Afternoon: Program at Digital Hub, Greenpower IT, presentations and match-sprints

Evening: Cocktail dinner networking

Wednesday 21 May

Morning: Inspiring company visits in the Lille region

12:00: Evaluation Lunch

Why should you join?

We give you four good reasons to join our delegation:

1. Network meetings

2. Dedicated support with match-sprint sessions

3. Introduction to our network of the European Digital Hub EDIH Green Power IT and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)

4. Accelerate your business and meet potential partners

Eligibility Criteria

• You are a start-up, scale-up, or SME with an innovative tech product.

• You classify as an SME (small or medium enterprise) according to the European Union self-test.

• Your company has its primary business registration in the Netherlands.

• Your company has a clear goal for these international activities and is ready to execute them, e.g., finding pilot customers, doing international sales.

• Your company agrees to report to the Enterprise Europe Network and EDIH projects (our sponsors of this mission) and fill in the required forms.

Participation costs​

Cost for participation are 500 euros excluding VAT for one person and will be invoiced prior to the trip. The costs for a second person to join are 250 euro excluding VAT.

Marketing materials, lunches, and dinners mentioned in the program are included.

Personal travel, accommodation, out-of-pocket expenses, transportation costs in the city, and any other costs (such as insurance) are at your own expense.

Organization

This mission is organized by Brabant Development Agency (BOM), InnovationQuarter, NBSO Lille, with active support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).