INSIDE Connect 2026
The INSIDE Connect 2026 event — from 30 September to 1 October, 2026
European digital systems roadmapping forum
Where Europe’s digital future takes shape
INSIDE Connect 2026
Join industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and innovators from across Europe for two days of strategic discussions, networking and collaboration that will shape the future of electronic systems and semiconductor technologies.
Why attend?
- Connect with Europe’s leading digital systems ecosystem
- Discover future technology roadmaps and innovation priorities
- Exchange with industry, academia and policymakers
- Explore collaboration opportunities and EU initiatives
- Experience one of Europe’s most inspiring destinations
Event highlights
Strategic Keynotes • Technology Roadmaps • Networking Sessions • Cultural Tour • Social Dinner • International Community
We are absolutely delighted to invite the global INSIDE community to join us in Palermo, Southern
Italy, for the upcoming Roadmapping Forum.
This remarkable city offers a truly distinctive setting that pairs a robust academic and research
foundation with an incredibly vibrant, layered cultural backdrop.
INSIDE Connect 2026 is where our interdisciplinary, inclusive, and forward-thinking community comes together to anticipate what lies ahead, defining a collective vision that strengthens our impact, influence, and identity in a rapidly changing world.
This is where connections become direction!
Army Officers’ Club
P.za Sant’Oliva, 25, 90141 Palermo PA, Italy
It’s time to connect!
During INSIDE Connect 2026, you can expect two inspiring days filled with insightful keynotes, interactive workshops, industry showcases, and meaningful networking opportunities. The program is designed to connect ideas, people, and innovation across Europe’s digital ecosystem.
Below is what you can expect:
Programme
This programme is currently a draft and may be updated as sessions and speakers are confirmed.
Day 1 – Wednesday – 30 September 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration and Welcome Coffee |
| 09:00 – 09:10 | INSIDE Connect Opening Paolo Azzoni (INSIDE/Eurotech), Jean-Luc di Paola Galloni (INSIDE/Valeo) |
| 09:10 – 10:00 |
National and regional strategies for digital innovation
Welcome speech – Palermo Municipality
Building ECS value chain future: national perspectives
MIMIT and MUR
|
| 10:00 – 10:45 | State of Affairs: Chips Act 2.0,
MFF/ECF/FP10, WP 2027 Paolo Azzoni (INSIDE/Eurotech) |
| 10:45 – 11:15 | Networking Break: Connect & Exchange Projects Exhibition |
| 11:15 – 12:15 |
Global Semiconductor Power Shift: Europe, US & China
Presentation from Valeo/INSIDE
Jean-Luc di Paola Galloni (Valeo/INSIDE)
Presentation from LIMES
Giuseppe De Ruvo (LIMES)
Presentation from IFRI
|
| 12:15 – 12:45 |
Building Europe’s Next-Generation Chips with RISC-V
Michael Chapman (CORTUS)
|
| 12:45 – 13:00 | CADETTI: the Italian Competence Center Meet the Ecosystem Cristina De Luca (Chips IT Foundation) |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch: Connect & Exchange Projects Exhibition |
| 14:00 – 14:30 | Nature-inspired Computing: the Next Frontier |
| 14:30 – 15:30 |
Parallel Sessions
Session 1
Autonomous Systems
Enabling the Trillion Sensor Economy with Ultra-low Power Edge Computing
Michele Mastella (Neuronova)
Agentic AI for Robotic Autonomous Systems
Marco Di Felice (University of Bologna)
Brain-Inspired Compute for System-Level Autonomy
Mahmoud Akl (SpiNNcloud)
Session 2
Engineering the Next Generation of European Chips
How High-performance CPU Contribute to Europe AI Strategy
SiPEARL
Computing Evolution for the AI Edge
Giulio Urlini (STMicroelectronics)
TBD
|
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Networking Break: Connect & Exchange Projects Exhibition |
| 16:00 – 17:00 |
Parallel Sessions
Session 1
Autonomous Systems
Presentation from Google
Efficient Edge Intelligence for Autonomous Drones and Robotics
Michele Magno (ETH Zurich)
Interoperable Multi-domain Autonomy
Alberto Bianchi (Leonardo)
Session 2
Application-driven Innovation Across the ECS Value Chain
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Dimitrios Serpanos (Patras University)
|
| 17:00 – 17:30 |
Parallel sessions
Session 1
Software-defined-X: the Future of Digital Systems
Hardware plasticity: unlocking the true potential of AI with software-defined hardware
Keith Shea (D-Chiplets)
Session 2
Business Development Session
Introduction
Turning innovation into business opportunities
|
| 17:30 – 18:15 | Return to the hotels and reach the meeting point |
| 18:15 – 20:00 | Discovering Palermo: heritage & innovation walk |
| 20:00 – Late | Evening networking dinner |
Day 2 – Thursday – 1 October 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Networking Break: Connect & Exchange Projects Exhibition |
| 09:00 – 10:45 |
Parallel Sessions
Track 1
Software-defined and AI-defined Mobility
ECAVA Evolution and Future Opportunities
Michael Paulweber (AVL)
A Hardware Architecture for the Digital Vehicle of the Future
Patrick Pype (NXP)
Open discussion
Track 2
CEI-Sphere Deep Dive – Edge to Cloud in Industrial Optimization and Productivity
CEI-Sphere Introduction
Paolo Azzoni (INSIDE/ Eurotech)
Hourglass Model 2027 as a Business Canvas
Antonio Kung (Trialog), Paolo Azzoni (INSIDE/ Eurotech)
Presentation and Analysis of the “Stand-up 3” Questionnaire
Mauro Tortonesi / Paolo Azzoni (University of Ferrara / INSIDE Industry Association / Eurotech)
Deep-dive Open Discussion
Preliminary Recommendations
Track 3
EuroCDP – Designing Chips in Europe: Tools, Support and Opportunities
Session opening
Réda Nouacer (CEA)
Design-Platform Overview
Romano Hoofman (IMEC)
Using the EuroCDP Platform: a Tutorial
Marina Diaz (INL) Design Enablement Teams overview
Olivier Thomas (CEA)
EuroCDP Venture Programme
Giorgio Dell’Erba (ChipsIT)
EuroCDP Grants
Helio Fernandez Tellez (IMEC)
Questions and answers
Réda Nouacer (CEA)
|
| 10:45 – 11:00 | Networking Break: Connect & Exchange Projects Exhibition |
| 11:00 – 13:00 |
Parallel thematic workshops
Thematic workshop 1
Autonomous systems
The Future of AI is Event-Driven: Connecting Sensors, Edge Intelligence and NeuroAI – Gianvito Urgese (Politecnico di Torino)
From LLMs to Living Systems: Autonomic AI in Controlled Environment Agriculture
Markus Tauber (Research Studios Austria)
Working Group Open Discussion
Thematic workshop 2
European engineering toolchain
AI-driven Engineering Copilot Based on Federated Knowledgegraphs
Torbjörn Holm (TBH Konsult AB), Jan Van Deventer (LTU)
Digital Transformation and why Ontology Based Integration could Significantly Improve the Success Rate
Håkan Kårdén (TBH Konsult AB)
Guardrails in Generative AI – Automated Traceability and Liveness: from Requirements to Trusted Implementation.
Flip van Spaendonck (Verum)
Working Group Open Discussion
|
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch: Connect & Exchange Projects Exhibition |
| 14:00 – 16:00 |
Parallel thematic workshops
Thematic workshop 3
Trustworthy & Resilient Cyber-physical SoS
Working Group Open Discussion
Thematic workshop 4
Open ECS Architectures
Presentation from Quintauris
Presentation from Apex.AI
Working Group Open Discussion
|
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Closing Session: Shaping the Next Steps of the INSIDE Ecosystem |
Cultural Tour
Join us for a memorable cultural and social experience in the vibrant city of Palermo.
We believe that the best professional connections are often made outside the lecture hall. To enrich your experience in Palermo, our social programme will begin with a carefully curated, guided cultural itinerary through the city’s historic centre. Designed specifically to be engaging yet time-efficient for an international audience, this walk will guide you through stunning Arab-Norman landmarks, bustling traditional markets, and vibrant central streets, allowing you to discover the city’s visible layers of history together.
Date: 30-09
Social Dinner
Following the cultural tour, the evening will culminate in the official Social Dinner, hosted at the magnificent Palazzo Fatta. Located in the heart of the city, this stunning aristocratic residence provides an exceptionally elegant and authentic Sicilian backdrop. It is the perfect prestigious setting to enjoy an unforgettable evening of fine dining, celebrate the day’s insights, and continue networking in an atmosphere of historic grandeur.
Let’s share great food, laughter, and community spirit together!
Date: 30-09
Palermo stands as a historic cultural crossroads, having been deeply shaped over the centuries by Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. This incredible diversity has left a permanent, fascinating mark on the city’s architecture, its everyday energy, and its world-renowned cuisine.
Experience the atmosphere of our upcoming INSIDE Connect in Palermo.
Stay Nearby with Exclusive Rates!
Palermo boasts a comprehensive and diverse range of accommodation options designed to suit various travel policies, stay patterns, and personal preferences. Whether you prefer the charm of the historic centre, the sweeping views along the seafront promenade, or the relaxed coastal atmosphere of the Mondello area, there is a perfect location for your stay. Delegates can easily choose from trusted international hotel brands, unique boutique properties infused with local character, and highly accessible budget options.
Below are our selected accommodation recommendations for attendees visiting the event. These hotels have been chosen to help make your stay more comfortable and convenient, with options suitable for different preferences and budgets. We encourage guests to review the available options and book early to secure their preferred accommodation during the event period.
Please, Our advise is to book your hotel asap
Moments from INSIDE Connect 2025
A glimpse of the previous event, where the community gathered in Málaga for two days of keynotes, workshops, showcases, and cultural activities focused on collaboration and digital innovation in Europe.
Be part of it: register now
