A Week in Grenoble: Innovation, Immersion & International Collaboration

Tech&Fest · High Level Forum · Start-up Bootcamp

In February 2026, UBIK had the privilege of accompanying two Taiwanese startups on a full week of immersion in Grenoble, freshly named European Capital of Innovation 2026. What followed was one of the most dynamic and enriching international programmes we have been part of to date.

Opening the Week: The High Level Forum Summit

The week began with the HLF Summit, an annual gathering that brings together innovation leaders, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders from across Europe and beyond. Alongside the summit, participants were treated to an exclusive tour of some of Grenoble's most iconic innovation sites:

• Schneider Electric — showcasing state-of-the-art energy efficiency solutions

• CEA — presenting cutting-edge projects spanning technology, sports, medicine, and more

• GEM Labs — highlighting forward-thinking education methodologies, including VR-based interviews, AI applications, and consumer behaviour analysis through experimental retail simulations

These visits offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the depth and breadth of Grenoble's innovation infrastructure.

Start-up Bootcamp by Invest in Grenoble Alpes

Following the HLF opening ceremony, the Start-up Bootcamp provided an intensive platform for international startups to pitch their solutions, attend thematic seminars on establishing and scaling operations in France, and connect directly with key ecosystem players through structured one-to-one meetings. For our Taiwanese startups, this was an invaluable opportunity to test positioning, gather market feedback, and begin building meaningful relationships on the ground.

Tech&Fest 2026: February 4–5

Tech&Fest is France's leading deep-tech and innovation tradeshow — and this year, UBIK was proud to be present with a joint "UBIK–Taiwan" booth, co-hosted with IIST, one of the participating startups.

Through this shared platform, UBIK highlighted Taiwan as a dynamic and strategic innovation hub, showcasing the strength of its tech ecosystem and the real opportunities it presents for EU–Asia collaboration. IIST, meanwhile, presented its advanced semiconductor-based cybersecurity solutions, demonstrating the relevance and market-readiness of its technology for the European landscape.

The event also saw strong Taiwanese representation across research, academia, and university delegations, a testament to the growing presence of Taiwanese expertise on the European innovation stage.

We were honoured to hear a keynote address by Mr. John Kao (NTHU) and a panel discussion featuring Ms. Karen Yu, President of ITIC, both of whom underscored the strategic importance of international collaboration and Taiwan's genuine openness to global partnerships.

Tailored Visits & Closing Engagements

To round off the week, UBIK organised a series of bespoke meetings and site visits for its clients, allowing for deeper conversations, targeted introductions, and the early foundations of what we hope will become long-term international partnerships.

More Than a Programme

Beyond the structured agenda, the week was defined by the kind of connections that don't appear on any schedule, reconnecting with long-standing partners, meeting new stakeholders, and, naturally, embracing the best of French culture along the way. Raclette, saucisson, macarons, some traditions are simply non-negotiable. 🥂

Interested in Joining Next Year?

If you are looking to explore similar international soft-landing opportunities or would like to be part of next year's programme in Grenoble, we would love to hear from you.