Format & Program

Supported by

Network & Dissemination Partners

Format

Design

The Linnaeus Innovation Forum 2026 follows a dialogue-oriented design that brings together scientific excellence, technological vision, and interdisciplinary exchange.

It was developed by the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) at the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam and was first implemented at the FONA-Forum 2024 of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

Three methods form the conceptual foundation:

Focus Groups

  • Focus:
    Depth, problem definition, solution pathways
  • Composition:
    Expertise-based
  • Outcome:
    Theses, prototypes, position papers

Journey Groups

  • Focus:
    Horizontal reflection & network building
  • Composition:
    Interdisciplinary
  • Outcome:
    Shifts in perspective, integration of insights, spaces for resonance

Journey Diary

A structured reflection tool that connects personal insights with collective findings and deepens the overall learning process.

Program

Programm vorläufig – Anpassungen vorbehalten.

Fokus-Themen

  • Bio-based Materials for Aerospace
  • Circular Engineering & Regenerative Material Systems
  • Space-Enabled Agriculture & Climate Resilience
  • Testing, Certification & Space Qualification
  • Collaboration Models between Industry, Academia, and Start-ups
  • Financing, Impact & Innovation Ecosystems

 

Download Program
09:00–09:45 | Check-in & Networking Breakfast
Opening of the „Hemp & Space Technology Hub 2.0“

  • Presentation of the first bio-based material prototypes
  • Demonstrators and mini exhibits
  • Start-up Corner & Industry Booths
10:00–10:05 | Welcome & Opening Remarks

Welcome and introduction to the objectives, format, and structure of the Forum.

Linnaeus Competence Center Hemp

10:05–10:15 | Opening Keynote
Strategic keynote on connecting material innovation, sustainability, and aerospace applications.

Strategic Partner 2026

10:15–10:30 | Moderated Showcase Session
Curated format (innovation story, interview, or project presentation) focused on technological breakthroughs and applications.

Strategic Partner 2026

10:30–11:10 | 10-Minute Impulse Talks
Three short, concise contributions from the 2026 Innovation Partners.

Innovation Partners 2026

11:10–11:20 | Group Composition
Formation of Focus Groups & Journey Groups

Participants 2026

11:20–11:35 | Journey Groups – Session I
Welcome & Alignment of Expectations; Establishing the Group as a Space for Reflection and Resonance Throughout the Day.

Journey Groups 2026

11:35–12:45 | Focus Groups – Phase I
Thematic Working Groups focused on analysis, exchange, and the development of initial theses:

  • Bio-based Materials for Aerospace
  • Circular Engineering & Regenerative Material Systems
  • Space-Enabled Agriculture & Climate Resilience
  • Testing, Certification & Space Qualification
  • Collaboration Models between Industry, Academia, and Start-ups
  • Financing, Impact & Innovation Ecosystems

Participants 2026

12:45–13:30 | Networking Lunch & Innovation Showcase
Joint Lunch Session featuring Start-up Pitches, Material Demonstrators, and Live Demos.

Participants 2026

13:30–13:45 | Journey Groups – Session II
Exchange on Insights from Phase I of the Focus Groups.

Journey Groups 2026

13:45–14:55 | Focus Groups – Session II
Objective: Development of Initial Prototypes or Position Papers.

Focus Groups 2026

14:55–15:10 | Journey Groups – Session III
Reflection on the Second Working Phase and Preparation for the Synthesis Formats.

Journey Groups 2026

15:10–15:30 | Coffee Break
Time for Informal Exchange and Short Conversations.

Participants 2026

15:30–16:00 | Reflection Session – Journey Diary Dialogue
Interactive Dialogue Formats Connecting Individual Insights with Collective Outcomes.

Participants 2026

16:00–17:15 | Innovation Matchmaking
Industrial Hemp × Aerospace

Moderated networking format connecting start-ups, industry, academia, aerospace stakeholders, and investors.
Objective: initiation of collaborations and technology partnerships.

Curated 1:1 meetings with the Strategic Partner.

In parallel: Curated 1:1 meetings with the Strategic Partner.

Participants 2026

17:15–18:00 | Fishbowl Final Round

Open closing session with a joint synthesis of key insights and forward-looking perspectives.

Participants 2026

18:00–22:00 | Networking Reception – “Fire, Food & Future Materials”
Campfire, Flying Buffet, Music & Open Conversations.

Participants 2026

Participation & Tickets

Curated Forum

The Linnaeus Innovation Forum 2026 is intentionally designed as a focused format.

Participation is open to stakeholders who actively seek to shape the future of sustainable materials, industrial hemp, and aerospace.

With your ticket, you receive:

  • Access to all program formats (working groups, panels, matchmaking)
  • Participation in curated exchange and networking sessions
  • Insights into selected projects, roadmaps, and technology pathways
  • Catering throughout the day, including the evening program

Participation Options

The number of participants is intentionally limited to ensure high-quality exchange and effective working formats.
View Participation Options (Eventbrite)