On April 10, 2025, EUNICE was present at the second edition of the UMONS Innovation Network Event, at the scenic Domaine du Chant d’Éole. The event brought together nearly 200 participants, including researchers, entrepreneurs, and institutional representatives. The University of Mons (UMONS) provided a platform for EUNICE to highlight its role in advancing innovation, cross-border collaboration, and talent development across Europe.
“The UMONS Innovation Network is more than just a name. It's a bold vision of breaking down the barriers between fundamental, strategic and applied research.”
Prof. Philippe DuboisRector of the University of Mons
A Unique Innovation Ecosystem in Belgium
Organized by UMONS’ Department for Research Support and Technology Transfer, this annual event showcases a unique ecosystem in Belgium. The UMONS Innovation Network is an initiative launched by the University of Mons to foster collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship. It includes accredited research centres, spin-offs, alumni, businesses, socio-economic actors, and local and regional institutions. Among the partners forming this network, are UMONS’ five innovation centres: Materia Nova, Multitel, C3E2D, BCRC, and the CLICK.
Discussions during the event covered practical topics such as research valorization, technology platforms, and skills sharing between universities and businesses, all with the goal of co-developing solutions to today’s societal challenges.
Showcasing EUNICE’s Opportunities and Groundbreaking Technologies
One of the key highlights of this year’s edition was the presence of the EUNICE alliance (European University for Customised Education). EUNICE took the opportunity to actively promote its internship platform, which already includes over 200 companies and institutions offering internships in a variety of fields. By simplifying the process of securing placements abroad, the platform reinforces EUNICE’s mission of fostering international mobility and enhancing student employability.
EUNICE also had the pleasure of presenting a selection of cutting-edge technologies, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Some of the featured projects included:
- Thermal Insulation Panel from Citrus Peel – University of Catania
This eco-innovation repurposes orange by-products to create rigid, 100% natural, self-bonded insulation panels—without the use of chemical additives. - Smart4ALL Marketplace as a Service – University of the Peloponnese
A flagship concept of Smart4ALL, this one-stop smart-shop connects experts and non-experts with open-source ICT technologies across four thematic areas: digitized agriculture, environment, transport, and “anything”. - Microplastics Extraction & Detection Method – University of Catania
A cutting-edge method for detecting and extracting microplastics, addressing environmental contamination and complying with EU regulations on plastic waste.
The UMONS Innovation Network Event served as an excellent opportunity to showcase EUNICE’s ongoing efforts in building strong bridges between academia and industry, demonstrating how these collaborations are opening new avenues for the future of innovation in Europe.
