Industry Meets ESRF 2025: X-rays for innovation

On 16–17 June 2025, we proudly launched the first edition of Industry Meets ESRF, a landmark event designed to strengthen collaboration between the synchrotron science community and industrial stakeholders.

Over one and a half intensive days, we welcomed nearly 100 attendees representing a diverse cross-section of the innovation ecosystem, including industrial companies, innovation intermediaries, research organisations, service providers and ESRF experts. The event served as a vibrant platform to showcase real-world applications of synchrotron technology in industry and to foster new strategic collaborations aimed at addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges.

"This was a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry—a vital pillar of the ESRF user community—in a relaxed, open atmosphere that naturally encourages the flow of new ideas," said Ed Mitchell, Head of the Business Development Office.

The programme featured exclusive guided tours of ESRF’s beamlines, technical presentations highlighting the diverse capabilities of synchrotron-based techniques, industrial success stories, and interactive roundtable discussions focused on emerging needs and partnership opportunities.

From left to right: Thu Nhi Tran Caliste - Industrial Liaison Scientist on BM05; Round table session with Karen AMRAM, Francesco MATTEUCCI, Sofia MAGKIA and Bernd HINRICHSEN; Cave demo held by Fraunhofer EZRT.

Beyond the formal programme, participants enjoyed numerous networking opportunities, both structured and informal, paving the way for continued dialogue and future joint initiatives. The event also served as a launchpad for better integrating ESRF capabilities into broader European innovation infrastructures and funding frameworks.

“It has been amazing to see ESRF's strategy in developing Grenoble and the EU innovation ecosystem through engagement with industry, as well as with SMEs adopting different business models—such as enabling the creation of knowledge-based SMEs that act as intermediaries of ESRF services,” stated Francesco Matteucci, EIC Ambassador.

Throughout the event, participants shared their perspectives on the value of synchrotron science for industrial R&D.

“Events like this are a valuable opportunity to connect with the scientific community, exchange perspectives, and continue pushing innovation that is grounded, reliable, and industry-ready,” commented Fabio Esposito and Matteo Gavioli, respectively R&D Manager and Tomographic Centre Technician at TEC EUROLAB.

Michelle Kotter, Geoscientist and Chemical Specialist in XRD and XRF at Umicore, also highlighted the event’s exceptional outcomes—not only the engaging discussions, insightful presentations, and captivating beamline tour, but also the valuable networking and meaningful connections made with fellow professionals.

We extend our sincere thanks to all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, suppliers and ESRF colleagues whose contributions were key to making this inaugural event such a success. Special thanks go to NFFA-Europe and ReMade@ARI projects for their invaluable financial support.

We are already looking forward to building on this momentum—see you at the next edition of Industry Meets ESRF!

Catch the highlights from the event here:

Text by Chiara Facoetti