IEC 2025 – Social Tech Edition
Where bold ideas meet real-world impact.
The International Engagement Circus brings together companies, changemakers, and next-gen talent from across Europe to collaborate, co-create, and connect. In five powerful days, we break boundaries between education and industry to build solutions that matter.
Why partner with the IEC
What’s in it for you as a stakeholder
As a stakeholder, you’re not just supporting innovation — you’re shaping it. Here’s what you gain by joining the IEC:
- Collaborate with top Gen Z talent on real-world challenges.
- Get fresh, out-of-the-box solutions that move beyond your internal mindset.
- Position yourself as a pioneer in innovation and inclusive talent development.
- Build future-proof connections—with employees, entrepreneurs, and co-creators.
- Co-invest in a European model for regional innovation and smart talent pipelines.
What is the IEC?
Real challenges. Real talent. Real impact
The International Engagement Circus (IEC) is a five-day event where companies, public organizations, and universities work directly with Europe’s most driven students and young innovators. Think of it as a talent accelerator, a startup sandbox, and a matchmaking platform — all in one.
This year, we focus on Social Tech: how technology, talent, and purpose come together to solve real challenges — from healthcare to circular business, smart learning to public well-being.
You bring a challenge from your business or sector. We bring the talent to help solve it. Together, we explore new ideas, test early solutions, and build real connections — across borders, sectors, and generations.
What is the IEC?
Real challenges. Real talent. Real impact
The International Engagement Circus (IEC) is a five-day event where companies, public organizations, and universities work directly with Europe’s most driven students and young innovators. Think of it as a talent accelerator, a startup sandbox, and a matchmaking platform — all in one.
This year, we focus on Social Tech: how technology, talent, and purpose come together to solve real challenges — from healthcare to circular business, smart learning to public well-being.
You bring a challenge from your business or sector. We bring the talent to help solve it. Together, we explore new ideas, test early solutions, and build real connections — across borders, sectors, and generations.
Why partner with the IEC
What’s in it for you as a stakeholder
As a stakeholder, you’re not just supporting innovation — you’re shaping it. Here’s what you gain by joining the IEC:
- Collaborate with top Gen Z talent on real-world challenges.
- Get fresh, out-of-the-box solutions that move beyond your internal mindset.
- Position yourself as a pioneer in innovation and inclusive talent development.
- Build future-proof connections—with employees, entrepreneurs, and co-creators.
- Co-invest in a European model for regional innovation and smart talent pipelines.
Theme 25
Social Tech – Tech for people, planet & progress
Save the data
Join us for 5 curated days of deep collaboration, team activation, and real co-creation.
Get in touch
5 Days of Impact
Social Tech – Tech for people, planet & progress
Culture meets innovation
Brussels & EU Parliament
Kick-off with the big picture: get inspired by Europe’s vision for social tech, diversity, and innovation..
Brussels & EU Parliament
Understand the role of Europe and diversity in shaping inclusive innovation.
SME Day
Leuven | UCLL
Dive into regional trends, talent matching, and tech foresight with Europe’s boldest stakeholders.
Day Takeaway
Spot key trends and connect talents with regional and business needs.
StartUp Day
Hasselt | Corda Campus
Step inside the startup arena. Learn directly from founders and join real startup teams for a day.
Day Takeaway
Experience startup life and discover how your talent fits in the innovation ecosystem.
Challenge Day
Diepenbeek | UCLL
Translate insights into concrete Talent Funnel challenges for future projects.
Day Takeaway
Learn how to define and pitch impactful challenges that matter for the region.
Education of Tomorrow
Hasselt | Z33
Reimagine learning: micro-internships, modular education, and the Talent Funnel roadmap.
Day Takeaway
Explore how education can become a real driver of regional transformation.
Culture meets innovation
Brussels & EU Parliament
Kick-off with the big picture: get inspired by Europe’s vision for social tech, diversity, and innovation..
Brussels & EU Parliament
Understand the role of Europe and diversity in shaping inclusive innovation.
SME Day
Leuven | UCLL
Dive into regional trends, talent matching, and tech foresight with Europe’s boldest stakeholders.
Day Takeaway
Spot key trends and connect talents with regional and business needs.
StartUp Day
Hasselt | Corda Campus
Step inside the startup arena. Learn directly from founders and join real startup teams for a day.
Day Takeaway
Experience startup life and discover how your talent fits in the innovation ecosystem.
Challenge Day
Diepenbeek | UCLL
Translate insights into concrete Talent Funnel challenges for future projects.
Day Takeaway
Learn how to define and pitch impactful challenges that matter for the region.
Education of Tomorrow
Hasselt | Z33
Reimagine learning: micro-internships, modular education, and the Talent Funnel roadmap.
Day Takeaway
Explore how education can become a real driver of regional transformation.
Join our inspirational formats & Speakers
Café session
Rapid chats, fresh topics and insights captured for all. It’s speed dating for ideas!
FIshbowls
Really take part in the conversation by speaking with the speakers. Take place aroundthe stage and become a thought leader.
Polls & Journaling
No long meetings at one given time. Think quick at a moment when your creativity is high and share in the community.
Pieter Seyssens
Growth Marketeer
Fishbowl moderator
Peer Power
Why Every Student Can Be Someone’s Mentor. Discover how every student can play a role in boosting the resilience and growth of their peers. Explore why peer-to-peer mentorship is a game-changer for personal development, community building, and tackling real-world challenges together.
Kenneth Vandaele
Move to Happiness Founder
Fishbowl moderator
New StartUP gold
Why Why Well-being is the New Start-Up Gold. Explore why well-being is no longer just a trend but a key driver of success in the world of social-tech and entrepreneurship. Learn how prioritizing mental health, purpose, and community impact can unlock real value — for individuals and businesses alike.
Isabelle Eulenars
Transformation Mentor
Fishbowl moderator
Rethink the Default
Step beyond passive scrolling and discover how Gen Z can use Social Tech to create positive change. Learn how to challenge the status quo, build resilience, and embrace technology as a force for connection, equity, and well-being.
Leen Jooken
Stijn vzw
Fishbowl moderator
Dream or Danger?
Dive into the opportunities and risks of using AI to support mental health and well-being. Explore how AI can empower young people — or backfire if not designed responsibly. Join us to discuss how to shape technology that truly cares.
Jesse Claes
COO MediaLife
Keynote speaker
AI & Media: Beyond the Hype
Jesse Claes, COO of MediaLife, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the media landscape — from content creation to audience engagement. Discover what’s real, what’s hype, and how young creatives and innovators can help shape the future of ethical, impactful media powered by AI..
Bart Wolfs
Founder Ceo Cats & Dogs
Fishbowl moderator
Can Tech Feel Human?
Explore how technology can be designed and implemented to foster genuine human connections and trust within communities. Discuss the role of digital platforms in enhancing social cohesion and the importance of empathy in tech development.
Roel Mentens
Corda incubator manager
StartUP talk
Rethink the Default
Explore the startup mindset with real-world CEOs. Discover what it takes to navigate funding, scaling, and competition. Experience startup life firsthand by stepping into the role of an entrepreneur for one hour..
Stefan De Keersmaecker
EU Commission
Keynote speaker
Diversity as a Driver
Stefan De Keersmaecker shares how EU policies empower regions and foster talent growth through diversity in education, research, and innovation. Learn how students and stakeholders can work together to build a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready Europe.
Bart Boelen
UCLL Rethinker Tech in Education
Keynote speaker
From Digital Tools to Social Impact
Bart Boelen shares how digital tools can transform education and create broader social impact. Discover how technology can foster inclusion, collaboration, and social responsibility — empowering students to thrive in a changing world.
Michael bauwens
Founder ChatGPT academy
Future couch member
How AI Can Jumpstart your Career
Michael Bauwens (UCLL ChatGPT Academy) invites students to see AI not just as a tool — but as a personal growth accelerator. In this session, we explore how AI can boost your entrepreneurial mindset, help you make smarter career moves, and turn your ideas into action. What if AI could be your co-pilot in building confidence, solving problems, and shaping your future — not by replacing you, but by amplifying what makes you human?
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Grace Gendera
ZOL Talent Center
Fishbowl moderator
Bridging Skills Gaps
Grace Gendera explores how Talent Centers can bridge the gap between student potential and real-world needs. Learn how to co-create solutions that empower young people to thrive in a dynamic, tech-driven world. Discover how Social Tech and community engagement can turn challenges into opportunities.