Big Science projects have the potential to shape the innovation landscape in a unique manner. Their pool of talent, services and expertise is unmatched. Their proven track offers valuable insight on lessons, success stories and challenges that we need to address to make this ecosystem more dynamic and commercially interesting. Behind large research projects and infrastructures, be it space satellites, synchrotrons or fusion devices like ITER, there is the collaboration of specialised industries and SMEs. Fusion is at the heart of Europe’s determination to become more competitive, which comes with many opportunities.
This week, the 2024 edition of the Big Science Business Forum (BSBF) in Trieste, Italy, brought together roughly 1.000 delegates from across Europe in order to connect high-tech industries with the Big Science sector. More than 150 speakers, 163 stands, 245 exhibitors, and representatives from 30 countries across 14 national pavilions were present. During 30 sessions, participants had the chance to explore the growing 10 billion EUR Big Science market. Another new feature of BSBF 2024 was its focus on career opportunities for young professionals. Over 1700 young students and researchers from across Europe registered for the Career Opportunities Session.
Fusion for Energy (F4E), part of the organising committee, turned out in force. Colleagues updated participants on the status of ITER and key fusion technologies, as well as the upcoming business opportunities. They shared the stage with experts from some of Europe’s largest scientific projects: CERN, EMBL, ESA, ESO, ESRF, ESS, European XFEL, and ILL.
In his address to the plenary, F4E Director Marc Lachaise highlighted how “Europe’s major scientific endeavours, like ITER or IFMIF-DONES, can push forward our technological and industrial boundaries”. He added: “Getting the supply chain on board and finding the best ways to work together is a priority for us.” In line with this strategic priority, F4E held various business-to-business (B2B) meetings with potential partners and welcomed delegates at the F4E stand in the exhibition area.
The four-day programme included sessions on common technical areas across Big Science, such as superconducting magnets, diagnostics or robotics. There was also a special focus on technology transfers, as F4E presented the new European Fusion Technology Marketplace, showcasing the cross-market potential of big science and fusion breakthroughs. Amongst the horizontal topics discussed, construction safety, procurement strategies or public private partnerships attracted a lot of interest.
In parallel, BSBF 2024 was an occasion to celebrate and encourage the role of women in science. The Women in Big Science Business Forum (WBSBF) initiative, in which F4E is involved, handed out Recognition Award to companies or organisations which put emphasis on rolling out a plan to involve, inspire and engage more actively with women. Additionally, the network announced the launch of a scheme that will offer young women the possibility to carry out a traineeship in different Big Science organisations.
You can watch the interview by BSBF to F4E Director and other Big Science Organisations here.
F4E celebrates milestone with Research Instruments, Alsymex and ITER Organization.
The equipment will secure diagnostic cables on the walls of the device.
F4E in collaboration with Ansaldo Nucleare, Westinghouse, Walter Tosto complete impressive component.
IDOM to produce first parts of the system measuring plasma fast particles.
KIT will support the production of ITER gyrotrons.
SMEs and big companies can flag their expertise and explore fusion business opportunities.