Artificial intelligence is developing at unprecedented speed, creating new opportunities across the aviation and aerospace industry. But how can AI be applied effectively in a complex sector defined by the highest safety standards and strict regulatory requirements? In this breakout session, we will explore the potential applications, opportunities and challenges of AI in aviation.

Explore what strategic autonomy means for different stakeholders as geopolitical shifts, technological breakthroughs, and changing policy priorities reshape the future of aviation in Europe. Working in teams, participants will take on the role of key stakeholders and prepare for realistic future scenarios. Along the way, unexpected disruptions will force teams to adapt their strategies in real time. This highly interactive session combines strategic thinking, collaboration, and healthy competition to identify actions that can strengthen Europe's and the Netherlands' position in the global aviation landscape.

Bringing breakthrough technologies to market is often harder than developing them. Between innovation and commercial success lies the ‘Valley of Death’: the gap where promising technologies struggle to attract investment, customers, and the right conditions to scale. This session explores how we can bridge that gap through new approaches to innovation, policy, and collaboration. From public interventions and smarter deployment strategies to spin-ins, spin-offs and dual-use opportunities, discover how industry, investors and policymakers can work together to accelerate market adoption while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and Dutch earning power.

How can synergies between defense and civil strengthen both sustainable aviation and Europe's strategic resilience? This interactive session explores where civil and defence innovation can reinforce one another, creating new opportunities for technology development, collaboration and investment. Together, participants will identify the most promising technologies, partnerships and strategic opportunities through facilitated discussions and collaborative exercises. The outcomes will help shape future roadmaps and inspire new project initiatives that strengthen both the Dutch aerospace ecosystem and Europe's technological leadership.

International cooperation in aerospace can unlock greater effectiveness in technology development and strengthen supply chain ties. However, challenges such as mismatched program structures, intellectual property concerns, and administrative burdens may arise. In this session, we will explore solutions and share experiences.

While traditionally startups pitch themselves to investors, in this breakout we flip this well-established tradition on its head. Unpitch is a format in which investors pitch themselves to startups. In effect this means startups get the opportunity to connect with investors in a casual, no-pressure context in which you can discuss your business, get meaningful feedback and make valuable connections. The investors pitch themselves because each of them acknowledges that without great founders, there are no successful investors.

IMPORTANT: Please note that this session is on invitation only. Are you a startup or investor and interested in joining this session? Please register for this breakout, and we will contact you about availability. 

Have a specific question about grants, subsidies or intellectual property? Book one of our limited one-to-one consultation slots with an expert and receive tailored advice on your organisation, project, or innovation. Our experts can advise on national and international grants and subsidies, application processes, project eligibility, and intellectual property related to publicly funded innovation. Please note that this is not a plenary breakout session, but a series of individual consultations. Register your interest now. Closer to the event, you will receive further communication to match you with the most appropriate expert and allocate a 10- or 15-minute consultation.