Information sessions bring businesses closer to the Einstein Telescope

Businesses from the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion will have three opportunities this year to get to know the Einstein Telescope up close. During the ETx Industry Open Industry sessions on 12 May, 8 September and 3 November, they will discover how they can get involved in this international research project. In an intimate setting, the focus is on networking, inspiration and concrete collaboration.

Getting to know a growing ecosystem

The information sessions will take place at the ETpathfinder in Maastricht, the Einstein Telescope’s test facility. At this unique location, participants will literally get a glimpse of the technology that forms the basis of the project. The programme offers a brief update on the Einstein Telescope programme, followed by an exploration of current and future collaborations. Participants will also be given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with a visit to the test facility.

According to Jorik Kreuwels, business developer at LIOF, the sessions have been deliberately designed to be accessible. “We want to involve companies at an early stage in what the Einstein Telescope is and what it can mean for them. It is an opportunity to get to know the ins and outs and to discover where potential points of contact lie.”

Broad target group, broad opportunities

It is striking that the information sessions are not solely aimed at high-tech companies. Certainly, sectors such as engineering, high-tech systems and ICT are important, but the scope is explicitly broader. Companies from the construction, installation, consultancy, sustainability, logistics and hospitality sectors are also invited.

“Experience at major research organisations such as CERN shows that opportunities are often broader than expected,” explains Jorik Kreuwels. “Around half of the contracts at CERN are not directly related to technology, and a large proportion goes to SMEs. This means there are opportunities for a broad and diverse group of companies, including those outside the traditional high-tech sector.”

This broad approach fits with the Einstein Telescope’s ambition: to build an ecosystem where technology, infrastructure and services converge.

Connecting across borders

The information sessions are aimed at companies from across the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion: the southern Netherlands, Belgian Limburg, the province of Liège and the Aachen region. This border region is the intended location for the Einstein Telescope and thus plays a central role in the development of the ecosystem.

During the meetings, cross-border cooperation is actively encouraged and, due to the international setting, the sessions are held in English. Companies from different countries and sectors meet, exchange ideas and explore joint opportunities.

“Cross-border cooperation is a core principle of this project,” says Jorik Kreuwels. “By forging connections now, we are strengthening the foundation for future joint projects.”

From technology to funding

The afternoons offer more than just inspiration. Participants also gain insight into concrete opportunities to get involved. For instance, funding opportunities such as the Interreg grants COMET and STIPP are discussed in detail.

In addition, examples of existing projects and applications are shared. This helps companies to form a picture of their potential role within the ecosystem.

Technologically, too, a corner of the veil is lifted. Think of extremely accurate measurement technology, vibration-free and underground structures, cryogenic – or extremely cold – systems, and large-scale data processing. At the same time, it is made clear that these innovations often have broader applications.

“It is precisely this cross-pollination that makes it interesting,” says Jorik Kreuwels. “Technology developed for the Einstein Telescope can also have an impact and be deployed elsewhere.”

Keeping pace with a rapidly developing project

The decision to organise three information sessions spread throughout the year was a deliberate one. The Einstein Telescope project is developing at a rapid pace, with new insights and results following in quick succession.

“In 2026, we’ll be working towards the bid book, but many results from the feasibility study will also become available,” explains Jorik Kreuwels. “In addition, we expect more clarity on, for example, the choice of location for the Einstein Telescope in the Euregio. Each session therefore offers the latest updates. At the same time, it gives companies flexibility: they can join at a time that suits them.”

Personal and interactive

With a maximum of 25 participants per session, the setting is deliberately kept small-scale. This allows room for questions, discussion and personal conversations. The location at the ETpathfinder reinforces this effect: it makes the ambitions of the Einstein Telescope tangible and concrete.

For companies wishing to explore where their opportunities lie, the information sessions may form a first step in a broader process.

Building the future together

Through this series of meetings, a strong and diverse ecosystem is gradually growing around the Einstein Telescope. By involving companies at an early stage and actively connecting them with one another, a network is created that is ready for the next phase of the project.

The message is clear: those who join now will help build a groundbreaking project – and new opportunities for the region.