Germany x Canada : Accelerating Materials Innovation Across Borders
Student Poster and Pitch Competition Registration
As GCMAC’s term comes to an end, our closing conference will be held on 3-5 March 2026 to bring together German and Canadian program funders, administrators, collaborators, researchers, and students to highlight progress and outcomes achieved over the past five years of the program – in the context of accelerating the development, discovery, and deployment of clean energy materials across length scales. The conference will look at where we have come from, and where there are existing opportunities for future program iterations as the momentum of GCMAC is sustained and oriented to new areas of relevance given recent changes and those in coming years. The tentative schedule for the event is provided below.
**The registration starts on November 3rd and will be open until February 10th 2026.**
Day 1: 3 March 2026
| Time (CET) | Activity |
| 16:30 | Session 1-1: Final Advisory Board Wrap-up Meeting (by invite-only) |
| 18:30 | Dinner/Reception @FZJ Seecasino |
Day 2: 4 March 2026
| Time (CET) | Activity |
| 8:00 | Coffee & Registration*(*Non-FZJ Personnel – please arrive at 8 :00 promptly to allow adequate time for Security & Registration at FZJ Security Desk) |
| 9 :00 | Session 2-1: Welcome & Introductory remarks What’s Next? KeynoteAdditional high-level presentations |
| 11:00 | Break |
| 11:15 | Student Pitch Session |
| 12:00 | LunchStudent Poster Presentations |
| 13:30 | Session 2-2:Energy Materials Experimental Labs KeynoteInvited TalkGCMAC-WP talkStudent Talk |
| 15:30 | Break |
| 16:00 | Session 2-3:Data, AI, & OrchestrationKeynote Invited TalkGCMAC – WP TalkStudent Talk |
| 18:00 | Poster Session cont’d |
| 19:00 | Dinner |
Day 3: 5 March 2025
| Time | Activity |
| 8:00 | Coffee & Registration*(*Non-FZJ Personnel – please arrive at 8 :00 promptly to allow adequate time for Security & Registration at FZJ Security Desk) |
| 9:00 | Session 3-1:Energy Materials Modelling and Simulation Keynote Invited TalkGCMAC – WP TalkStudent Talk |
| 11:00 | Break |
| 11:30 | Session 3-2:Energy Materials CharacterizationKeynote Invited TalkGCMAC – WP TalkStudent Talk |
| 12:30 | LunchPoster Presentations |
| 14:00 | Session 3-2 cont’d |
| 15:00 | Session 3-3: AI-Informed Materials SimulationKeynote Invited TalkGCMAC – WP TalkStudent Talk |
| 16:00 | Break |
| 16:15 | Session 3-3 cont’d |
| 17:20 | Awards (posters and presentations) and Concluding Remarks |
| 19:00 | Dinner (Self-organized) |
Student Poster and Pitch Competition Registration:
Are you a student passionate about materials science, AI, robotics, or modelling-driven research, and accelerating innovation? The German Canadian Materials Acceleration Centre invites students to showcase their ideas at our Student Pitch Competition at the GCMAC Closing Conference.
This is your chance to:
- Present your research or innovative concept to an international audience of experts
- Gain visibility and network with leaders in materials acceleration and AI
- Compete for recognition and prizes
Pitch Session Details:
Date: 4 March 2026 @ 18:00 CET
Format: Each student will have 5 minutes to present their pitch to a panel of judges (in-person only)
Prize:
First Place – €1500
Second Place – €1000
Third Place – €500
Who can apply?
Undergraduate and graduate students in materials science, engineering, data science, or related fields (not restricted to GCMAC-related institutions). There is no cost to participate.
How to apply:
Submit a short abstract (max 200 words) outlining your pitch topic and its relevance to accelerated clean energy materials / materials technology discovery, development, or deployment. Selected participants will be confirmed via email.
Pitch Session Application Deadline: 10 February 2026
Don’t miss this opportunity to share your vision and contribute to shaping the future of accelerated materials discovery!
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Call for Industry Exhibitors
Showcase Your Innovation at Germany Ă— Canada: Accelerating Materials Innovation Across Borders
Are you driving the future of advanced materials, clean technologies, or manufacturing innovation? We’re inviting industry leaders, startups, and technology developers to participate as exhibitors at this binational workshop bringing together top Canadian and German innovators.
This event creates a unique platform for companies to highlight breakthrough technologies, connect with researchers and policymakers, and spark new cross‑border collaborations.
Why Exhibit?
- Engage directly with experts shaping the future of materials innovation
- Build connections with potential partners, customers, and investors
- Demonstrate your technologies, prototypes, or solutions to a highly engaged audience
- Position your organization at the forefront of Canada–Germany innovation efforts
Exhibitor Details
- Event: Germany Ă— Canada: Accelerating Materials Innovation Across Borders
- Date: 4 & 5 March 2025
- Location: Forshungszentrum Juelich, Juelich, Germany
- Booth Includes: Table, power access, and space for displays
- Audience: Industry, academia, government, and innovation networks
- Cost: free!
If your organization is interested in hosting a booth, we encourage you to express your interest early — space is limited.
Join us and help shape the next wave of materials innovation across borders.
