From innovation to impact: enabling sustainable transformation
The 9th G-STIC (Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community) conference brings together policymakers, innovators, industry leaders, researchers, investors, and civil society to accelerate sustainable development through science, technology and innovation.
What makes G-STIC Brussels unique
With a strong global track record and deep links to international policy processes, G-STIC Brussels marks the launch of G-STIC 3.0 - a new phase focused on systems thinking, real-world impact, and actionable solutions.
As global challenges become increasingly interconnected - from climate change and resource scarcity to social inequality and geopolitical uncertainty - technological innovation is advancing faster than ever. Real progress, however, requires alignment with policy, finance and real-world needs.
G-STIC Brussels creates a space where innovation meets decision-making. Moving beyond single technologies or sectors, the conference connects perspectives across energy, food, water, health, cities and finance, exploring how solutions can reinforce each other and scale responsibly and inclusively.
More than a conference, G-STIC is a place to connect, challenge assumptions and shape pathways from innovation to impact.
Who should join
G-STIC Brussels is designed for all stakeholders driving sustainable transformation, including:
- policymakers and public authorities
- industry leaders, entrepreneurs and technology providers
- researchers, scientists and innovators
- investors, financial institutions and donors
- international organisations and development agencies
- civil society organisations and NGOs
Why attend
G-STIC Brussels explores the mission and scope of G-STIC 3.0, combining strategic discussions with practical insights on how systems thinking, innovation and enabling frameworks can accelerate sustainable development.
What to expect
- One-day, in-person conference at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels, a unique setting at the crossroads of global sustainability ambitions and European policy, innovation and finance ecosystems
- Plenary sessions, interactive panels, and breakout sessions for focused deep dives
- Strong emphasis on dialogue, co-creation and peer learning
- Clear pathways from innovation to tangible impact
- Participation is free, but places are limited
The first confirmed speakers
Kaven Naidoo
Paulo Gadelha
Vibha Dhawan
Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz
Motoko Kotani
Inge Neven
Stay informed and get involved
The programme will be announced soon. Express your interest to stay informed and receive updates as soon as registration opens.
Partners
G-STIC is hosted jointly by VITO (the prime research and technology organisation on cleantech and sustainable development in Belgium) and 14 other not-for-profit independent technology research institutes: C2MI (the MiQro Innovation Collaboration Centre, Canada), CRIM (Computer Research Institute of Montreal, Canada), CSIR (the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa), FIOCRUZ (Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil), Fraunhofer IVV (Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und Verpackung, Germany), GIEC (Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, China), IMHEN (Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate change), IRESEN (Institut de Recherche en Énergie Solaire et Énergies Nouvelles, Morocco), JITRI (Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute, China), K-water (Korean Water Research Institute), SINTEF (Stiftelsen for industriell og teknisk forskning, Norway), TECNALIA (Fundación TECNALIA Research & Innovation, Spain), TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute, India) and ZRDC (Zambia Research and Development Centre).
