Bridging the Pyrenees: EIT Manufacturing showcases innovation and industrial impact

As part of its mission to support networking among key industrial players in Europe, EIT Manufacturing will participate in the International Networking Day on Wednesday, 1 October in Bayonne, France. The event aims to foster cross-border collaboration, technological exchange and new opportunities for cooperation.

Co-organised by Robotekin, the Basque hub for robotics and automation, and Aquitaine-Robotics, in partnership with Compositadour, the session will bring together manufacturers, startups, research and technical centres, clusters and universities from both sides of the Pyrenees, with a focus on the robotics sector.

Xabier Alberdi, Business Development and Innovation Manager, and Carlota Sanz, Business Development and Innovation Coordinator, will speak at 14:30, providing an overview of EIT Manufacturing’s mission and activities. Their presentation will highlight success stories from public and private regional leaders, demonstrating impact on technology transfer, industrial autonomy and the adoption of new technologies. It will also show how EIT Manufacturing helps close the innovation gap through policy support, best-practice sharing and ecosystem development.

This participation builds on the strong relationship between EIT Manufacturing West and Aquitaine Robotics, which has already led to successful joint activities such as the Learning Expedition held from 28 to 30 November 2023, during which Aquitaine Robotics representatives explored the Basque Country’s innovation ecosystem.

Through initiatives like this, EIT Manufacturing continues to support industrial transformation by creating learning opportunities that encourage collaboration, share knowledge, and strengthen regional links—particularly between Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Basque Country.