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

 

09:00–09:45 | Check-in & Networking Breakfast
  • Presentation of the first bio-based material prototypes
  • Demonstrators and mini exhibits
10:00–10:10 | Welcome & Opening Remarks

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

Linnaeus Competence Center Hemp

10:10–10:25 | Opening Keynote

Strategic keynote on connecting material innovation, sustainability, and aerospace applications.

10:25–10:40 | Group Composition

Formation of Focus Groups & Travel Groups

Participants 2026

10:40–11:10 | Travel Groups – Session I

Welcome & Alignment of Expectations; Establishing the Group as a Space for Reflection and Resonance Throughout the Day.

Travel Groups 2026

11:10–12:30 | 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

12:30–13:45 | Networking Lunch & Innovation Showcase & Matchmaking

oint Lunch Session featuring Material Demonstrators, and Live Demos.

Participants 2026

13:45–14:05 | Travel Groups – Session II

Exchange on Insights from Phase I of the Focus Groups.

Travel Groups 2026

14:05–14:50 | Focus Groups – Session II

Objective: Development of Initial Prototypes or Position Papers.

Focus Groups 2026

14:50–15:10 | Travel Groups – Session III

Reflection on the Second Working Phase and Preparation for the Synthesis Formats.

Ttravel Groups 2026

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

Participants 2026

15:30–17:00 | Reflection Session – Journey Diary Dialogue

Brief report from the focus groups

Participants 2026

17:00–17:30 | Fishbowl Final Round

Open closing session with a joint synthesis of key insights and forward-looking perspectives: What did we take away from the day? / What do we do next?

Participants 2026

17:30–22:00 | Evening Get-Together – “Fire, Drinks & Future Materials”

Informal closing of the day in the courtyard garden with a campfire, drinks, music and 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.