FTI, In The Pocket & NextGen launch TECTONIC: a seismic shift in European tech

Three leading players from Belgium’s tech scene are joining forces to write a new chapter in Europe’s innovation story. Flanders Technology and Innovation (FTI), In The Pocket, and NextGen are launching Tectonic, an ambitious new technology event taking place on 5 and 6 November 2025 in Ghent’s iconic Wintercircus. Their goal is to unite the innovation ecosystem and propel Europe to the forefront of global tech and entrepreneurship.

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Tectonic is born in a time of tectonic shifts. The rise of artificial intelligence, growing geopolitical pressure, and a renewed focus on digital sovereignty are pushing Europe to step up and lead.

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This is the moment to set a digital course, to build, to accelerate; Belgium is the perfect starting point: centrally located in Europe, full of talent, and with a sense of urgency among companies, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike.

Jeroen Lemaire, CEO of In The Pocket. 

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AI is rewriting the rules of how companies are founded and run, how people learn, work, create, and how societies are shaped. We are at a tipping point. Europe must claim its role and shape a technology agenda that is both bold and responsible.

On 5 and 6 November, the Wintercircus will become the epicentre of that ambition. Tectonic will bring together startups and scale-ups, investors, researchers, corporates, policymakers, and young talent — all under one roof. Participants can expect two days of sharp insights, bold ideas, and new alliances to help define Europe’s technological trajectory.

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This won't be just another date on the calendar  –  it's the starting shot of a seismic shift. Our region needs imagination, courage, and collaboration to truly make a difference with technology  –  and that's exactly what we aim to achieve here.

Frank Hamerlinck, CEO of FTI

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The strength of Tectonic lies in the unique collaboration between its initiators. FTI facilitates data collaboration and innovative use cases across sectors to position Flanders as a top region for innovation. In The Pocket contributes fifteen years of experience in digital product strategy, design, and ecosystems. And NextGen represents the future: young founders and thinkers already shaping what’s next.

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If we want Belgium to matter in the tech world of tomorrow, we need to start connecting today: startups and investors, to further support our scale-ups; startups and corporates, to broadly deploy the latest technology and learn how to ride this new wave of AI; tech companies and talent, to prepare the next generation for what Europe will need.

Nathan De Troyer, board member of NextGen Belgium 

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If we want Belgium to matter in the tech world of tomorrow, we need to start connecting today: startups and investors, to further support our scale-ups; startups and corporates, to broadly deploy the latest technology and learn how to ride this new wave of AI; tech companies and talent, to prepare the next generation for what Europe will need.

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Registrations are now open. Anyone eager to help lay the foundations for Europe’s digital future can sign up today.

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