Are you studying IT at a Belgian university or university college? Are you working on an innovative idea or (research) project and would you like to pitch it to the global research and education community? Through Belnet, you have the opportunity to take part as a speaker at the TNC26 Conference!
This conference, organised by the European research network GÉANT, brings together hundreds of IT specialists from both academia and industry. This year, TNC will take place from 8 to 12 June in Helsinki, Finland.
GÉANT has developed a special programme to give young talents the chance to present their ideas during a “Lightning Talk” at TNC26: the Future Talent Programme. All topics within the IT / networking domain are eligible. You may highlight a technical, economic, legal or security-related aspect of IT. If your idea is selected, you will be able to attend TNC26 completely free of charge and will receive personalised coaching beforehand to improve your presentation skills.
In 2025, Mike De Decker, AI student and data engineer at HOGENT, was selected for the Future Talent Programme.
“It was an amazing experience to present my project to leading technology experts within the European Research & Education community. Both GÉANT and Belnet supported me tremendously – not only practically and financially, but also by providing presentation training – and I am very proud to have been selected out of so many candidates. The interaction with the other students chosen for the Future Talent Programme was also incredibly enriching.”
Mike De Decker, FTP 2025 participant
Practical information
To participate, you must meet a few conditions:
- Be enrolled at a Belgian university or university college in an IT-related study programme, or be working as a young professional in an IT/networking role with a maximum of 5 years of experience.
- Commit to taking part in the preparatory events (online workshops and coaching sessions in April and May 2026).
- Be available – if selected – to attend TNC26 and pitch your idea during a 5-minute Lightning Talk.
- Have a good command of English, both written and spoken.
Does this unique opportunity appeal to you?
Then contact us quickly via the link below. Once you have provided us with all the information about your idea or (research) project, we will submit your application to GÉANT. The deadline is 4 February 2026.
Apply for the Future Talent Programme!