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2024

Pioneers
Forum

Advancing Solutions, Driving Climate Action

October 16th, 2024 - La Maison de la Poste, Brussels

The Pioneers Forum is the flagship event of the Solar Impulse Foundation. Placed under the sign of Climate Solutions, this forum will enable members of the Foundation’s ecosystem to leverage this exclusive network, harnessing the potential of efficiency innovations across sectors.

INSPIRE

High-level keynote speeches and panels featuring Bertrand Piccard, along with a visit to the City of Tomorrow exhibition.

CONNECT

Business meetings with a selection of the top 100 solutions identified by the Foundation.

CELEBRATE

Pioneer Awards Ceremony to honor successful implementations, and the City of Tomorrow Celebration cocktail to conclude discussions on challenges and solutions to tackle climate change.

MOBILITY

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AGRIFOOD & NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

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INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES & CONSUMER GOODS

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BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

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UTILITIES (WATER, ENERGY, WASTE)

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The Pioneers Forum is...

  • 300-400 Attendees.

  • 300+ Business Meetings

  • Brussels, the Capital of the European Union

  • Pioneer Awards Ceremony & B2B Networking as Focal Points of Our Event

  • 1-1 Matchmaking Tool

  • Inspire, Connect, Celebrate

Agenda of the day

Part I - Advancing Solutions, Driving Climate Action

Implementing innovations for a sustainable future.

12:00 - 13:00

Welcome Address by Bertrand Piccard & Networking Lunch

13:00 - 15:00

Business Meetings

To connect corporates, investors & public offtakers with top Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions.

15:00 - 15:45

Pioneer Awards Ceremony

To honour organisations advancing ecological sustainability across sectors through the implementation of Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions.

Discover more

Part II - Shaping the City of Tomorrow

Innovation and business models for sustainable and resilient cities.

16:00 - 16:45

Keynote by Bertrand Piccard – Shift paradigms, change the system!

Including a presentation of Product as a Service business model by PACCT for Sustainability with Mr. François Johnston, CEO.

PACCT for sustainability: Product as a service to Accelerate Cooperation and Circular Transformation for sustainability : Prioritise Service for a Sustainable Impact.

16:45 - 17:30

Panel Discussion: A Clean Industrial Deal for Europe – how can cities’ transition benefit our industries and foster qualitative growth?

High-level guests from the private and public sectors will discuss how transforming cities into sustainable, resilient hubs is an economic opportunity for industries and businesses.

Moderator: Mr. Bertrand Piccard, President, Solar Impulse Foundation

Ms. Elke Van den Brandt, Minister for Mobility, Brussels Region

Mr. Brieuc de Meeûs, CEO, STIB-MIVB, Public transport Brussels

Other speakers TBC

17:30 - 19:00

Visit & Cocktail: Solar Impulse Foundation’s exhibition "City of Tomorrow"

This exhibition showcases 50+ innovative urban solutions to address the challenges increasingly faced by cities.

Registration

Note: This event is by invitation only and is exclusively open to members of the Solar Impulse Foundation. It encompasses a diverse range of participants, including public figures, investors, businesses, innovators, experts, adopters, and promoters who will be present throughout the forum. Please keep in mind that participation is subject to approval.

Registration

Note: This event is by invitation only and is exclusively open to members of the Solar Impulse Foundation. It encompasses a diverse range of participants, including public figures, investors, businesses, innovators, experts, adopters, and promoters who will be present throughout the forum. Please keep in mind that participation is subject to approval.

ATTENDING CORPORATES, INVESTORS, AND CITIES INCLUDE

ATTENDING CORPORATES, INVESTORS, AND CITIES INCLUDE

LAST YEAR'S SPEAKERS

Joining the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions is your gateway to a global network
of innovative minds dedicated to creating a sustainable future.

Bertrand Piccard

President Solar Impulse Foundation

Jean Jouzel

PaleoClimatologist, Nobel Peace Prize

Michał Kurtyka

President of COP24 in Katowice

Maxfield Weiss

Executive Director CDP Worldwide (Europe)

Edelio Bermejo

Head of Group R&D and Innovation Holcim

Inge Schildermans

SVP Energy Transition Bekaert

Clara Lorinquer

Global Leader Positive Impact ADEO

Gwenaelle Avice-Huet

Executive Vice President of Europe Operations Schneider Electric

Louis-Frédéric Robin

Chief Technology Officer Energy Solutions Engie

Eric Marty

Managing Partner Demeter

Sabine Stuiver

Chief Marketing Officer and Co-founder Hydraloop

ATTENDING INNOVATIONS INCLUDE

THEY SAID IT

Thank you so much to the Solar Impulse Foundation for this great initiative. Very honoured to be with Emmanuel Ladent on stage to receive this award. Carbios is changing the world of plastic.

Jacques Playe
Global Head of Packaging and Product Development, L’Oréal
wbcsd

Thank you Solar Impulse Foundation! Very honoured to have had the opportunity to share our great and scalable collaboration with Winnow. Congrats to the other winners and finalists: we are all committed to a greener and more sustainable world!

Nicolas Bouny
Country Food Manager, IKEA
wbcsd

This is a fine reward that illustrates the environmental approach of our Group and the values of the Optic 2000 Cooperative!

Benoit Jaubert
Directeur Général, Optic 2000
wbcsd

The format is very effective and the mix of industries and profiles make them a very interesting and enjoyable event to attend. We had the feeling of being part of a very positive initiative, leading change in sustainability.

Giovanni Sosio
International Growth Lead, Celsius Energy
wbcsd

It is important to discover concrete and various solutions and the ways in which they can scale up, involving adopters and investors.

Philippe Huber
Partnerships & Business Development, Michelin Movin’On
wbcsd

I would like to express my profound gratitude and admiration for the remarkable commitment of the organising team, who brilliantly met the challenges of this event, especially in terms of appointments.

Angelo Montalbano
Founder, Univertpropre
wbcsd

Thank you so much to the Solar Impulse Foundation for this great initiative. Very honoured to be with Emmanuel Ladent on stage to receive this award. Carbios is changing the world of plastic.

Jacques Playe
Global Head of Packaging and Product Development, L’Oréal
wbcsd

Thank you Solar Impulse Foundation! Very honoured to have had the opportunity to share our great and scalable collaboration with Winnow. Congrats to the other winners and finalists: we are all committed to a greener and more sustainable world!

Nicolas Bouny
Country Food Manager, IKEA
wbcsd

Partners

A shared vision with partners

A support to fulfill its mission. Thanks to the continued support of its partners, the Solar Impulse Foundation can fulfill its mission, fund the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions and offer all services to its Members entirely free of charge.

Ecosystem Supporters

CDP
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