On April 1–2, 2026, partners of the GENESIS project gathered in Paris, France, for a two-day Creativity Workshop organized under Task T4.1 – Definition of Connection Tracks Methodology and Ideation Tools. This milestone event brought together consortium members to co-create a shared framework that will shape the “Connecting Innovation Europe” track—one of the project’s core pillars.

A Collaborative Start to a Shared Vision

The workshop opened with an internal project meeting focused on aligning partners around a common protocol and methodology. This collaborative session aimed to:

  • Define a standardized framework for the Connection Tracks
  • Co-design ideation tools to support innovation processes
  • Strengthening collaboration between industry players, technology providers, and domain experts

By fostering open dialogue and co-creation, partners laid the groundwork for a structured and scalable approach to innovation across European ecosystems.

Exploring Innovation at Global Industrie

As part of the program, participants visited the Global Industrie trade fair, one of Europe’s leading industrial innovation events. This exploratory visit allowed the consortium to engage directly with key stakeholders and gain insights into cutting-edge technologies and industry trends.

During the visit, GENESIS partners connected with representatives from:

  • Institut Mines Télécom (Christophe Desrayaud)
  • Sotraban (Pascal Esnouf)
  • Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (Patrice Le Grelle)

These exchanges enriched the workshop discussions and contributed valuable perspectives to the development of the Connection Tracks methodology.

A special thank you goes to Solène Marek and the NextMove team for hosting the first day, as well as to Christophe Montoisy (Pole MecaTech) for facilitating the workshop sessions.

Shaping the Future of Connection Tracks

The second day of the workshop continued with focused discussions on structuring the “Connecting Innovation Europe” tracks. Partners worked collaboratively to:

  • Identify relevant events and trade fairs for future engagement
  • Define practical steps and milestones toward achieving the project’s long-term objectives

This strategic planning session ensured alignment across the consortium and clarified the pathway for implementing the Connection Tracks program.

Insights from the Circular Industry Campus

The workshop also included a visit to the Circular Industry Campus by Renault Group, a flagship initiative showcasing sustainable industrial transformation. Participants attended a presentation titled “The Future Is Neutral” by Catherine Leleu, Head of Business Development at TFIN.

This session provided valuable insights into circular economy practices and reinforced the importance of sustainability within innovation ecosystems—an essential consideration for the GENESIS project moving forward.

Moving Forward Together

The Paris Creativity Workshop marked a significant step in the GENESIS journey. By combining co-creation sessions, ecosystem exploration, and strategic planning, partners strengthened their shared vision and commitment to fostering innovation across Europe.

The main outcome of Task T4.1—a standardized methodology and set of ideation tools for the “Connecting Innovation Europe” track—is now well underway. The insights and collaborations from this workshop will serve as a strong foundation for the next phases of the project.

As the GENESIS consortium continues this collaborative journey, the momentum built in Paris sets the stage for impactful connections, innovative solutions, and a more integrated European innovation landscape.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.