Trilateral Innovation Summit – United by Chemistry

This summit builds on the Trilateral Strategy for the Chemical Industry, a strategic collaboration between governments and industry clusters in Flanders, the Netherlands, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Together, we aim to drive competitiveness, sustainability, and growth in the European chemical sector through joint innovation and shared vision. Learn more about the Trilateral Chemical Region.

About the event

Plenary Session

During the plenary session, Dirk Carrez (Bio-based Industries Consortium) will present a state-of-play on bio-based innovation in the trilateral region and beyond. He will highlight not only the opportunities but also the structural challenges and barriers. In addition, Kelly Servaes (VITO) will introduce the cross-border EU project COUNTLESS, which focuses on developing innovative applications based on lignin—ranging from building foams to adhesives and even sun creams.

Challenge Tables

Challenge Tables are dynamic, small-group breakout sessions where leading companies and research institutes present concrete innovation challenges they are currently facing. These companies have confirmed their participation as hosts of Challenge Tables:

• From Belgium: Arcelor Mittal, BASF Antwerp, Cargill, Effex, Indaver, Zeopore

• From Germany: Blue Activity, Cyclize and more to be announced

• From Netherlands: BioBTX, Shell and more to be announced

Each session focuses on a specific innovation challenge proposed by each of these companies. Participants are invited to share their expertise, explore solution directions, and potentially initiate partnerships. The sessions offer a rare opportunity to connect with cross-border partners around shared innovation goals.

Thematic Tables

The Thematic Tables revolve around 4 questions:

1. How to navigate European funding in the chemical industry? (Moore Belgium)

2. How to use SSbD to drive sustainable innovation? (essenscia)

3. How to integrate AI in process intensification? (KU Leuven)

4. How to navigate the Interreg Meuse-Rhine program? (Interreg Meuse-Rhine)

Led by expert facilitators, each Thematic Table provides valuable insights. These sessions are ideal for participants looking to strengthen their innovation strategy, gain clarity on policy developments, or learn how to align their projects with European and regional support mechanisms.