Nantes & Laval, France – April 2026

The 6th Exchange of Experience (EoE) event of the Interreg Europe project DeepTechValleys, successfully took place in Nantes and Laval, on April 7 – 9. The event brought together project partners and key regional stakeholders, to explore the deep tech ecosystem of the Pays de la Loire region, while fostering the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and best practices. Over three days, participants engaged in study visits, knowledge exchange, and forward-looking discussions on strengthening innovation-driven growth across Europe.

Day 1: Study Visits and Local Ecosystem Insights in Nantes

The meeting opened on April 7, in Nantes, with a series of study visits and stakeholder presentations, offering participants a comprehensive introduction to the local deep tech landscape.

A central part of the day, featured contributions from key regional stakeholders and innovators, including:

• Joëlle Martin-Gauthier (Nantes Métropole – Archipel S)
• Pierre Alix Dancer (Kaer Labs)
• Elodie Girardet (Atlanpole Biotherapies)
• Valentine Dutheillet de Lamothe & Niels Knapp-Ziller (Gérontopôle)

Through their presentations, participants gained valuable insights into the role of local ecosystems in supporting deep tech innovation.

Participants then visited the Gustave Eiffel University, where they explored research facilities, and learned about collaboration between academia and industry in driving technological innovation.

The day concluded with a networking dinner in Laval, providing an opportunity for informal exchanges and strengthening connections among partners.

Day 2: Exchange of Experience and Regional Best Practices in Laval

On 8 April, the program continued at the Laval Virtual Center, with a dedicated session for project partners, focusing on project coordination. The broader stakeholder event followed, highlighting the deep tech ecosystem of the Pays de la Loire region.

Key presentations were delivered by:

• Samuel Bachelot (Atlanpole, regional public research incubator)
• Pierre Durand (Kivo, incubator of Centrale Nantes, Audencia and Nantes Université)
• Nathan Evereart (Bpifrance)

These sessions provided an overview of funding mechanisms, incubation models, and regional strategies supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Later, project partners and stakeholders contributed to a series of presentations under the theme:

“Future Trends and Expanding Deep Tech Ecosystems and Facilitating Public-Private Partnerships for Deep Tech Innovation.”

This session enabled regions’ representatives to exchange best practices, policy approaches, and experiences, reinforcing collaboration and knowledge transfer across Europe.

The day concluded with a networking dinner, further fostering dialogue and partnership-building among participants.

Day 3: Thematic Workshop and Learning Expedition at Laval Virtual

The final day, 9 April, began with a thematic workshop focused on predicting and preparing for future trends in deep tech ecosystems. Participants engaged in interactive discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and identifying opportunities for ecosystem development.

The program continued with a learning expedition to Laval Virtual, where participants explored cutting-edge innovations in immersive technologies through guided tours and exhibition visits. Laval Virtual was also a great opportunity to network and interact with innovators and foster important synergies.

Strengthening Europe’s Deep Tech Future

The Nantes and Laval EoE event provided valuable insights into the region’s dynamic innovation ecosystem and fostered meaningful interaction between project partners, research institutions, startups, and public authorities.

Through study visits, expert discussions, and collaborative sessions, the event reinforced the shared mission of the DeepTechValleys project: to strengthen regional deep tech ecosystems, accelerate collaboration, and support policy improvements across Europe.

The next Exchange of Experience will build on this momentum as partners continue working towards a more connected and resilient European deep tech landscape.