French industry mission to Flanders led by Axelera
From June 3 to 5, 2025, the French innovation clusters AXELERA and TECHTERA will visit Flanders for a high-level international mission exploring the Flemish innovation landscape. Organised in close collaboration with Flanders Investment & Trade and Catalisti, the mission represents a significant milestone in Catalisti’s internationalisation strategy, aimed at connecting Flemish companies with innovative partners from neighbouring countries and beyond.
Strengthening cross-border collaboration
Starting from last year, Catalisti has been exploring opportunities to collaborate with the French cluster AXELERA and its members to create added value for the Flemish companies and Research Institutes. The June 2025 mission is the next step in this collaboration, bringing a delegation of French companies (startups, SME’s and large companies) to Flanders to explore opportunities in circular economy, decarbonisation, plastic recycling, and renewable energy.
In this context, Catalisti is co-organising a matchmaking event on June 4, from 15:00 to 18:30, designed to spark meaningful interactions between Flemish and French innovators. This event will be an ideal setting for companies to explore potential partnerships, innovation projects, and technology exchanges.
Why attend?
The matchmaking session offers a unique opportunity to connect with 6–8 French companies on topics such as plastic recycling, decarbonisation, renewable energies. Already confirmed are a specialist in pilot installations for R&D and training in process engineering, looking to enter the Flemish market, and a startup focused on the sustainable recovery of strategic metals (Li, Ni, Co) from battery production scrap, targeting potential partnerships in battery recycling and circular materials. These connections have the potential to open doors for Flemish companies to scale innovations, develop pilot projects, and enter new markets.
A broader program of engagement
The full agenda includes:
- Visits to Capture Ghent, BlueChem, and BlueApp – pioneering Flemish hubs for chemical recycling, green chemistry, and process innovation.
- Meetings with innovation players from Ghent University and the Port of Antwerp’s NextGen District and NextGen Demo Zone.
- Curated B2B meetings, guided by the French consulting firm Multivalente, and designed to foster concrete collaboration opportunities.
Get involved
For Catalisti members, this event is an invitation to step beyond borders and engage directly with promising international partners. Participation in the matchmaking session could lead to new R&D collaborations, market expansions, or pilot projects that advance your innovation goals.
If you are a Catalisti member and interested in participating in the matchmaking event, please reach out to: Laurie Braeckmans, Business Developer at Catalisti, via lbraeckmans
catalisti.be (lbraeckmans[at]catalisti[dot]be). If you are interested in connecting with French companies regarding a specific topic, please let us know.