Bridging innovation ecosystems
30 May 2025
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How Aquitaine Robotics opened new doors in Bavaria
Stronger ties with German innovation actors, over 20 targeted meetings with organisational representatives and a journey through more than five Bavarian cities. These are just some of the outcomes achieved by Aquitaine Robotics members during its latest Learning Expedition organised by EIT Manufacturing West.
Over four days, participants followed a carefully curated programme designed to provide a 360-degree view of Bavaria’s innovative landscape. Through targeted visits to research centres, leading companies, public institutions, clusters, universities and labs, the expedition delivered actionable insights into how regional ecosystems can drive industrial transformation.
A strategic exchange for innovation
For the second time, Aquitaine Robotics, a cluster that brings together players in manufacturing and more specifically in robotics and automation, from Nouvelle-Aquitaine region (France), joined a Learning Expedition. The mission: to strengthen relations with the host region, draw inspiration from best practices, promote their innovation ecosystem and build networks to support international market access for regional businesses.
The French delegation was composed of key actors from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine innovation ecosystem, including several SMEs and startups such as Cognitive Engines, Fives Syleps, Lucas France, Métalo-Mécanique, PHOENIX Manufacture, Proditec and R&ACTIV, as well as research and academic institutions like Arts et Métiers ParisTech, XLIM ReMiX Lab and the University of Bordeaux.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged with more than ten leading Bavarian organisations—from global manufacturers to top universities, labs and public institutions—each selected to align with the cluster’s priorities.
“We see Learning Expeditions as a powerful mechanism to connect regional innovation systems and enhance cross-border collaboration. This mission with Aquitaine Robotics proved that focused, need-driven engagements can build strong alliances and deliver practical insights that help drive innovation forward”
Annabelle El Helou, Business Development and Innovation Manager, EIT Manufacturing West
Inside Bavaria’s innovation engine
Recognised by the Regional Innovation Scoreboard as one of Europe’s leading innovation regions, Bavaria proved to be a great opportunity for knowledge exchange. Through factory tours, lab visits, live presentations, meetings and exchanges about ongoing projects, the delegation experienced first-hand how the region integrates industrial strength, academic excellence and public-sector support.
A highlight of the programme was the exclusive visit to the German Aerospace Center (DLR), a highly prestigious institution—an opportunity not easily granted to many, which made the experience particularly meaningful. The delegation was introduced to innovative projects in robotics and aerospace, toured the lab to witness the latest creations and encountered impressive robots.
One of the robots showcased at the DLR
The public sector also played a strategic role. Invest in Bavaria outlined the region’s investment benefits, introduced the actual ecosystem and demonstrated the best practices to conduct a business in Bavaria. Meanwhile, Bayern Innovativ shared valuable insights and discussed a potential collaboration on certain topics with the Cluster Aquitaine Robotics.
Meeting with Invest in Bavaria to explore regional investment opportunities
The agenda also featured visits to leading manufacturers that showcased real-world applications of robotics and automation. In addition, exchanges with academic institutions and research centres revealed how academic research is transformed into market-ready solutions—supported by embedded structures like startup incubators, innovation networks and entrepreneurship programmes.
“It is not only about projects or funding by federal governments—it is also because of people are able to work together hand by hand to help grow their ecosystem in the best way, for their future and for our global future.”
Eric Pernot, Director of Cluster Aquitaine Robotics
Building two-way bridges
More than a visit, the expedition acted as a two-way bridge. Delegates from Aquitaine Robotics not only discovered good practices but also showcased the strengths of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine ecosystem, sparking connections that could lay the groundwork for future collaborations. The experience also underlined the value of in-person encounters when exploring international collaboration and open innovation.
Why join a Learning Expedition?
Learning Expeditions is a service provided by EIT Manufacturing to clusters, SMEs, universities and institutions looking to benchmark internationally, build new partnerships and discover emerging technologies.
With each edition, EIT Manufacturing West brings together key actors in the European manufacturing sector to foster innovation and education through hands-on experiences right inside the labs and factories where transformation is happening.
The case of Aquitaine Robotics is a clear example: their goals mirror those of many clusters across Europe, and this format offers a unique opportunity to pursue them effectively.