HLF Summit 2026 Edition

This year, the theme of the 13th edition of the High Level Forum Summit is “From Research to Reality: Innovating in a World of Great Change.”

As every two years, the summit is taking place in Grenoble, France  🇫🇷

Dates: 2 to 4 February

Quik view on the agenda

AGENDA

Monday 2026 February, 2

9:00 - 12:00Hotel arrival & registration
13:30 - 17:30GIANT Campus - Learning expeditions:

major research infrastructures: EMBL, ILL & ESRF

innovation showcases: GEM Labs, CEA, Schneider Electric
19:00 - 21:00Networking Dinner

Tuesday 2026 February, 3

9:00 - 10:00Opening Ceremony

Julie Galland

Director of CEA Research & Technology Division, President of GIANT

Bruno Charrat

Chair of the HLF, Director for Development of Alliances in Research & Innovation at the Technological Research Division, CEA

Catherine Staron

Deputy Vice President for High Schools, Higher Education, Research, and Innovation at the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, France

10:20 - 10:40KEYNOTE 1: ECONOMIC perspective
10:40 - 11:00 Keynote 2: GEOPOLITICAL perspective
11:00 - 11:20 Keynote 3: Scientifical & Technological perspective
11:20 - 11:45 Session 1: "Dealing with unpredictable disruption: From research to supply chain building”

Keynote

Panel

Alice Pannier

Project Manager, Cloud, HPC, and Quantum Computing Support, Directorate-General for Enterprise – Ministry of Economy and Finance, France

14:00 - 14:30 Fact Checking # 1- Quantum Technologies: impact on societal challenges

Quantum technologies are evolving quickly, with quantum computers are already accelerating the performances of classical computers, and quantum sensors proving their advantages in several fields. This session will present some examples and applications, and give insights and what might come next.

14:30 – 15:35 Session 2: "Tech disruption & new normal"

Technology is no longer just an enabler — it’s a disruptor, reshaping industries, societies, and the very way we live and work. This panel will brings together innovation experts to unpack how emerging technologies are redefining what’s possible and what could be next. From AI to quantum computing, from digital platforms to new medtech, we’ll explore the breakthroughs driving transformation — and the challenges that come with them.

Keynote

Bart Becks

European Innovation Council (EIC),Genisys Founder & CEO, Belgium

Panel

Amit Kapoor

Honorary Chairman at Institute for Competitiveness, New Dehli, India

Daniel Gheno

Senior Vice President Innovation & Technology Energy Management
Chief Technology Officer for Energy Management, Schneider Electric, France

Alan Renaudin

Vice President in Business Development, Technum Quebec, Canada

15:35 – 16:55 Session 3: "Innovation tools in a world of great change"

Innovation doesn’t just happen — it’s powered by the right tools, methods, and mindsets. This session will introduce cutting-edge innovation tools designed to spark creativity, accelerate problem-solving, and drive real impact. These tools can help to move from idea to action more effectively. Each presentation will feature hands-on demonstrations, expert insights, and practical use cases that show how innovation is being reimagined across industries. They will also present frameworks that support collaboration, platforms that enhance ideation, and technologies that turn bold thinking into reality.

Keynote

Edward Woods

Director R&D / Innovation / Venture Capital de Bouygues Construction, France

Masterclasses

Hélène Michel

Professor in Design & Innovation at Grenoble Alpine School of Business, Founder of the Museum of Near Futures, France

16:55 – 17:25 Fact Checking # 2- AI

As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in everyday life and critical decision-making, this session explores a central question: can we truly trust AI systems and will they be sustainable? It will examine the societal, economic and environmental impacts of AI, including issues of transparency, reliability and growing energy and resource consumption. Through a non-technical discussion, the session highlights both the opportunities and the responsibilities involved in developing and deploying trustworthy AI.

Alexandre Paleologue

Head of Innovation and Strategic Technology Partnerships, CEA Research & Technological Division, France

Valeria VINCI

Head of Unit – Digital Economy and New Enabling Technologies, Ministry of enterprises and Made in Italy

17:25 - 17:35 Tsukuba ecosystem presentation
19:00 Gala dinner

Wednesday 2026 February, 4

Travel to Alpexpo
9:30 - 10:00 Welcome & Opening

Julie Galland

Director of CEA Research & Technology Division, President of GIANT

10:00 - 10:30 Session 4: "From Lab to Market: Aligning Research, Angels, and Venture Capital"

This roundtable brings together a RTO startup program director, a seasoned business angel, and a venture capital investor to discuss how innovation moves beyond the lab. Each actor plays a critical and complementary role in transforming research into reality through viable startups. The conversation will explore how early support, mentorship, and funding align across the innovation lifecycle. Speakers will share their roles & practical perspectives on bridging scientific ambition with market realities. A deep dive into collaboration as the key to turning research into successful ventures. 

Laurence Petit

Director for Innovation, Start-ups, and Investments at CEA, France

13:50 - 15:05Ecosystem pitch session: my Ecosystem in 180 Seconds

In just 180 seconds, innovation ecosystems take the stage to showcase their unique strengths, collaborations, and visions for the future. This fast-paced session highlights how regional, national, and international ecosystems are driving scientific excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable growth through creative partnerships and bold initiatives.

2021

Emma Richet

HLF International Relations Manager & cross disciplinary marketing manager, CEA Research & Technology division, Grenoble, France

15:05 - 15:35 Fact Checking # 3- Cybersecurity

As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, this session asks a fundamental question: is cybersecurity still achievable in an increasingly complex and interconnected digital world?Through accessible examples, it explores how cyber threats impact not only organizations and individuals, but also democratic institutions, public trust and political stability. The discussion will also highlight why cybersecurity remains a strategic innovation challenge and opportunity to strengthen resilience, innovation and confidence in democratic societies.tum era.

Mikael Carmona

Head of Laboratory for Security of hardware Components, CEA-Leti, France

15:20 - 16:20 Session 5: “Collaborating for a more desirable and sovereign future

In a time of global challenges and rapid transformation, no single actor can shape the future alone. This panel brings together leading innovwation experts to explore how cross-sector collaboration is key to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies. From startups to governments, from academia to industry, we’ll examine how diverse ecosystems can align around shared goals while preserving autonomy and sovereignty. This session will offer bold insights on building trust, scaling collective intelligence, and designing systems that serve both local needs and global ambitions. Expect real-world examples, future-facing perspectives, and candid dialogue on what it takes to move from isolated efforts to impactful partnerships. 

Keynote

Francesco Tenuta

Director of the Semiconductor Unit, Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy

Panel

Janekrishna Kanatharana

Deputy Director-General for Innovation and Sustainable Development, The Federation of Thai Industries, Thailand

Karen Yu

President of ITIC, ITRI Venture Capital, Taiwan

19:00 Tech&Fest Gala Dinner

ORGANIZED by

supported by our VALUED partners

this event benefits from the support partnership of the digi me project