Tech Impact Festival 2026
Panel: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Critical Raw Materials Through Cross-Sector Collaboration
At the Tech Impact Festival 2026, EIT RawMaterials will host a panel discussion exploring how cross-sector collaboration can strengthen Europe’s critical raw materials ecosystem and support a sustainable future.
Taking place at RWTH Aachen, the Tech Impact Festival brings together industry leaders, researchers, start-ups and students to explore breakthrough technologies and innovative solutions shaping tomorrow’s industries.
As part of the festival programme, EIT RawMaterials will lead a dedicated session focused on collaboration across industry, academia and innovation ecosystems in the raw materials sector.
About the Session
This session, titled “Shaping a Sustainable Future for Critical Raw Materials Through Cross-Sector Collaboration”, will highlight the importance of cooperation across sectors to secure resilient and sustainable supply chains for critical raw materials.
The discussion will explore how partnerships between industry, research institutions and innovation communities can accelerate solutions for Europe’s green and digital transitions.
Through keynote insights and an expert panel discussion, participants will gain perspectives on current challenges, emerging opportunities and collaborative pathways within the raw materials value chain.
Moderator: Prof. Elisabeth Clausen, RWTH Aachen.
Panel:
- Peter Tom Jones, KU Leuven
- Francisco Hernandez Ramirez, Worldsensing
- Alessandra Hool, ESM Foundation
- Sebastian-Friedrich Kowitz, talpasolution
- Enrico Roicke, PCC SE
Attendees will gain:
- Insights into the strategic role of critical raw materials in Europe’s energy transition and industrial competitiveness
- Perspectives on how collaboration between industry, academia and start-ups can accelerate innovation
- Examples of how the EIT RawMaterials ecosystem supports technology development and knowledge exchange
- Opportunities to engage with experts and stakeholders shaping the future of the raw materials sector
Why This Matters
Critical raw materials are essential for Europe’s green and digital transitions — from batteries and renewable energy technologies to advanced manufacturing and mobility solutions.
Strengthening collaboration across sectors is key to building resilient, transparent and sustainable raw materials value chains.
Through initiatives and partnerships across Europe, EIT RawMaterials continues to support innovation, education and entrepreneurship that strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical raw materials.
