Join us at the LiT Aero Conference 2025

After a successful first edition, the second edition of our annual event – under a new name – brings together the aviation innovation community to reflect, connect and accelerate progress. The central theme of this year’s conference is: Maintaining Momentum in a Changing World. How do we keep moving forward – together – when the world around us is in flux?

The LiT Aero Conference 2025 offers:
• Keynotes and talks that inspire and challenge
• Thematic breakouts for deeper discussion
• In-depth updates on breakthrough technologies and projects
• Plenty of space to connect with peers and new partners

Event details:
📅 Thursday 9 October 2025
🕥 10:00 – 18:00 (incl. networking & drinks)
📍 Fort Voordorp, Voordorpsedijk 28 B, 3737 BK Groenekan (near Utrecht)
🗣 Language: English

Register

Programme

10.00 - 10.45Registration, coffee, and networking
10.45 - 11.00Welcome and introduction to the programme
  • Ron van Manen, Programme Director

  • Mark Wijsman, Host and Moderator
11.00 - 12.30Plenary programme
  • Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director General Business and Innovation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs
    An insight into innovation policy from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, including the 3% R&D action plan, and how this supports aviation and (inter)national collaboration.


  • Eline van Beest, Partner at Thuja Capital and founder of NightBalance.
    A remarkable journey from TU Delft graduate with an innovative idea to startup, successful scale-up and market adoption. Personal insights on succeeding in high-tech innovation.


  • A sneak peak into the Sustainable Technology line of LiT
    The six project leads will pitch their projects and give a sneak peak into what you can expect to hear during lunch.
12.30 - 13.45Lunch and Innovation Market
  • Innovation Market:
    The Sustainable Technology Line projects will give a more extensive insight into their approach and answer any questions about their project.
13.45 - 15.15Plenary programme

  • Sébastien Dubois, Head of Programme Development at Clean Aviation.
    Europe’s Aviation Research & Innovation Strategy 2050 (ARIS), launched at the Paris Air Show 2025.


  • Panel discussion:
    Charting a Wise Course: Combining Sustainable Competitiveness and Competitive Sustainability

    Featuring:
    Lodewijk Asscher (Chairman of the Dutch Sustainable Aviation Round Table)
    Jolanda Stevens (Program Manager Zero Emission Aviation, KLM)
    Wilma van Dijk (CEO Rotterdam The Hague Airport)
    Erik Geertsema (CEO Conscious Aerospace)
    Ivor van Dartel (Co-founder and CEO VÆRIDION)
    Nikhil Sachdeva (Head of Centre for Aerospace & Aviation Sustainability)


  • Robert Tieman, Minister of Infrastructure and Watermanagement

  • Paul Eijssen, Managing Director of NAG and LRN
    The Strategic Compass for Aerospace, outlining a joint vision on safety, sustainability and economic competitiveness.
15.15 - 16.30Thematic breakout sessions

  • The six thematic breakout sessions:

    Human Capital – Streamlining the funnel

    Harnessing Ecosystems – Ensuring the right engagement to create shared success

    From Lab to Runway – Breaking Barriers for Innovation in Aviation

    Cross-Sector Collaboration – Driving Sustainable Mobility Together

    Hydrogen – How do we make it fly?

    Novel Aerospace Certification Strategies - Reducing time and cost
16.30- 18.00Networking and drinks

  • Closing remarks by Ron van Manen, Programme Director
Register