Annual conference 2026
Blueprint for a Stronger Europe
The Annual Congress 2026 is dedicated to the theme 'Blueprint for a Stronger Europe' and focuses entirely on innovation, better cooperation between EU countries and strengthening Europe's position in the world. The sub-themes are Defence, Digitalisation, Energy and Mobility.
At a time when cooperation within Europe is more urgent than ever, this edition of the KIVI Annual Congress puts the spotlight on innovation as the key to strengthening our position vis-à-vis the United States and China. During the congress, we will search together for answers to key questions: How can Europe emerge from the crisis through innovation? To what extent is the technology sector truly European-oriented? And which sectors can serve as examples for the rest?
Registration for the Annual Conference is open! Click on the orange button, at the top or bottom of the page.
Programme
Information on the full programme, including the partial sessions can be found via the button below:
Programme
| 09.30 am | Walk-in and visit network plaza |
| 10.15 hours | Opening by chairman of the day Celina van den Bank (president Young KIVI Engineers) |
| 10.30 hrs | Welcome speech by Diana van den Heuvel (president KIVI) and Silvia Lenaerts (Rector Magnificus TU Eindhoven) |
| 10.45 hours | Keynote 1: Jeroen Dijsselbloem - Mayor of Eindhoven |
| 11.15 hours | Keynote 2: Lex Hoefsloot - Lightyear |
| 11.45 hours | Lunch break and visit network square |
| 12.45 hours | Session 1 with themes:
Click here for more information on the sub-sessions. |
| 13.45 hours | Break and visit network plaza |
| 14.15 hours | Session 2 with themes:
Click here for more information on the sub-sessions. |
| 15.15 hours | Room change |
| 15.30 hours | Closing by chairman of the day |
| 15.45 hours | Drinks and visit network square |
| 16.15 hours | End of the annual conference |
Language
The working language of the Annual Conference is Dutch. If a presentation is given in English, this will be mentioned at the relevant presentation.