FTI, In The Pocket & NextGen Launch Tectonic

Tectonic is born in a time of tectonic shifts. The rise of artificial intelligence, growing geopolitical pressure, and a renewed focus on digital sovereignty are pushing Europe to step up and lead.

“This is the moment to set a digital course, to build, to accelerate,” says Jeroen Lemaire, CEO of In The Pocket. “Belgium is the perfect starting point: centrally located in Europe, full of talent, and with a sense of urgency among companies, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike.”

AI is rewriting the rules of how companies are founded and run, how people learn, work, create, and how societies are shaped. We are at a tipping point. Europe must claim its role and shape a technology agenda that is both bold and responsible.

On 5 and 6 November, the Wintercircus will become the epicentre of that ambition. Tectonic will bring together startups and scale-ups, investors, researchers, corporates, policymakers, and young talent — all under one roof. Participants can expect two days of sharp insights, bold ideas, and new alliances to help define Europe’s technological trajectory.

Frank Hamerlinck, CEO of FTI: “This won’t be just another date on the calendar – it’s the starting shot of a seismic shift. Our region needs imagination, courage, and collaboration to truly make a difference with technology – and that’s exactly what we aim to achieve here.”

The strength of Tectonic lies in the unique collaboration between its initiators. FTI facilitates data collaboration and innovative use cases across sectors to position Flanders as a top region for innovation. In The Pocket contributes fifteen years of experience in digital product strategy, design, and ecosystems. And NextGen represents the future: young founders and thinkers already shaping what’s next.

Nathan De Troyer, board member of NextGen Belgium: "If we want Belgium to matter in the tech world of tomorrow, we need to start connecting today: startups and investors, to further support our scale-ups; startups and corporates, to broadly deploy the latest technology and learn how to ride this new wave of AI; tech companies and talent, to prepare the next generation for what Europe will need."

Registrations are now open. Anyone eager to help lay the foundations for Europe’s digital future can sign up today at https://www.tectonicconf.eu/