European research organizations such as CERN, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) are presenting their investment plans for the coming years. The Big Science Business Forum in Maastricht, co-organized by POM Limburg, offers companies the opportunity to engage directly with procurement officers and project managers. Over 1,200 participants are expected.
Investments include the potential construction of a new 91-kilometer particle accelerator by CERN, as well as investments in data processing and storage. ESA's technological challenges involve developing new materials for 3D printing in space and using artificial intelligence for faster development and testing of space components.
Tom Vandeput, Deputy for Economy and Chairman of POM Limburg, highlights that the market of international research organizations remains largely unknown to many companies, despite billions in investments for which Belgian firms possess the necessary expertise. The congress aims to facilitate access to this market.
Limburg-based companies such as Netalux, Werkhuizen Hengelhoef from Genk, Melotte from Zonhoven, Fijn Mekaniek Nelissen from Tongeren, and Ingeniqs from Pelt are already contributing technologies for future research projects like the Einstein Telescope. According to CERN, 47 percent of companies develop new products and 52 percent discover new markets through such collaborations.
The experience gained with the Einstein Telescope forms the foundation for the Big Science Hub, launched by POM Limburg. This initiative aims to help Belgian companies connect with international research projects by providing information on future tenders and facilitating contacts with research organizations and potential partners.
The Big Science Business Forum is organized by Belgian and Dutch partners, including POM Limburg, Agoria, and the Federal Science Policy (Belspo). The Einstein Telescope is also featured, with presentations on its status and technological challenges.
