Symposium 2025
Grenoble, France
We are thrilled to invite you to take part in the symposium of the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition, organized for the first time in France, in Grenoble.
It will bring together major players from the academic and industrial worlds in both countries to discuss the major challenges of the energy transition.
The event is an ideal opportunity not only to exchange ideas and discover the selected research and innovation projects, but also to forge lasting contacts in an environment that fosters Franco-Australian collaboration and the exploration of new opportunities.
Symposium
Energy transition on a global scale
The second annual symposium of the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition, will be held on 8 October 2025, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE).
This significant collaborative event signifies a robust partnership between the two nations in the domain of energy transition.
It will begin on 7 October evening by a cocktail reception.
Panel discussions
Networking
Industry leaders
Innovative solutions
The event will especially cover critical topics including critical minerals, e-fuels and (e-)biofuels, hydrogen and smart grids.
7-8 October
The symposium opens on Tuesday evening, October 7, with welcome speeches and a cocktail reception.
It will then be held all day on 8 October, and will feature keynotes speeches, a spotlight on the industry-innovation link for Franco-Australian ecosystems, announcements of awarded projects, thematic roundtables, and more.
9-10 October
For our Australian guests, we have reserved two days of complementary visits on 9 and 10 October. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in guided visits to French's cutting-edge research centers, including CEA and UGA laboratories (in Grenoble, the area or other sites in France). These visits will offer a closer look at current projects and opportunities for collaboration, and will give possibilities to deepen discussions with French partners. Visits will be tailor-made and will depend on the participants' areas of research and interests.
Registration for non-EU citizens by September 15
(click on the “Register here” button).
Our Speakers (TBC)
The FACET Symposium promises to be a
pivotal gathering for advancing dialogue and collaboration in
energy transition between
France and
Australia.
overview
TUESDAY
7 OCTOBER
EVENING
Cocktail reception
Location: Chapel of the Sainte-Cécile Convent, 37 Rue Servan, 38000 Grenoble, France
7:30pm - 10:30pm Welcome speeches followed by a cocktail reception
overview
WEDNESDAY
8 OCTOBER
ALL-DAY
A sessions:
Venue: Isère Building and Public Works Federation,
88 Avenue des Martyrs,
38000 Grenoble, France
B sessions:
Venue: GreEn-ER building,
21 Avenue des Martyrs,
38000 Grenoble, France
Both buildings are opposite in the same street.
Morning
Location: Isère Building and Public Works Federation, 88 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
8:30am - 9:00am Registration, Welcome coffee and Networking
9:00am - 9:20am Opening and Introduction
Joy Sumner & Sarah Cumming, Co-Directors of FACET
9:20am - 10:00am Keynotes - High level speeches from French and Australian sides
10:00am - 10:45am Confirmation of successful 2025 proposals
Joy Sumner & Sarah Cumming, Co-Directors of FACET
10:45am - 11:05am Coffee break and Networking
11:05am - 12:05am Industry and Innovation spotlight
Lunch and Networking Activities
Venue:
Isère Building and Public Works Federation, 88 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
Afternoon
Location: Isère Building and Public Works Federation, 88 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
1:00pm - 1:30pm Introduction to sessions
Session A:
Location: Isère Building and Public Works Federation, 88 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
Cochairs and moderator: TBC
1:35pm - 3:35pm Hydrogen
3:35pm - 4:00pm Coffee break and Networking
4:00pm - 6:00pm E-fuels & (e-)biofuels
Session B:
Location: GreEn-ER building, 21 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
Cochairs and moderator:
TBC
1:45pm - 3:45pm Critical minerals
3:45pm - 4:05pm Coffee break and Networking
4:05pm - 6:05pm Smart grids
Symposium Close
Venue:
Isère Building and Public Works Federation, 88 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
6:15pm - 6:30pm Closing Remarks
Joy Sumner & Sarah Cumming, Co-Directors of FACET
WHY GRENOBLE?
01
A BEACON OF RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND excellence
Ranked among the top 150 universities worldwide (top 50 in 6 disciplines and top 100 in 15 disciplines), Université Grenoble Alpes also stands out as the most inventive university in Europe, with over 3,300 patents filed between 2000 and 2020 and 170 active start-ups. It welcomes 57,000 students, including 3,000 doctoral candidates and 11,000 international students, and is a global leader in fields such as AI,
quantum engineering, digital health, and cybersecurity.
As the leading research organization in France and Europe for patent filings, the CEA files 660 patents
annually (70% on the Grenoble site), supports 240 start-ups, and manages 30 technological platforms. It notably launched Minatec and INES and hosts France’s first industrial renewable hydrogen unit.
The region also hosts five major international research facilities (ESRF, ILL, EMBL, IRAM, EMFL), welcoming over 8,000 visiting researchers annually, thereby strengthening its global scientific influence.
02
A LEADING HUB FOR DEEPTECH AND INDUSTRY
Ranked among the top 20 DeepTech hubs worldwide and 7th in Europe for DeepTech startups, the Grenoble Alpes ecosystem includes 750 start-ups that have raised nearly €4 billion since 2000. With 700 patents filed annually, it is the leading patent filer in the French public sector. It also hosts global industry leaders such as STMicroelectronics, Schneider Electric, and Soitec.
03
A STRATEGIC LOCATION OFFERING AN INSPIRING ENVIRONMENT
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Grenoble is renowned for its exceptional Alpine landscapes and ranked the best city in the world for quality of life.
WHY ATTEND?
- Access insights from specialists and decision-makers
- Participate in sessions addressing urgent transition challenges
- Network with key bilateral stakeholders
- Explore funding opportunities for projects
- Contribute to the development of tomorrow's clean energy workforce
FACET Symposium is indeed a unique opportunity to connect with global peers, share expertise and shape the future of energy transition. It is dedicated to highlevel and impactful collaboration, fostering lasting partnerships and leading to joint initiatives.
See you soon!
Our Founding Partners
