Are you a Master’s or PhD student from France or the Netherlands with an interest in cybersecurity, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, public policy, innovation, or societal challenges linked to the digital transition?
Do you want to contribute to building a more resilient, secure and trustworthy European digital future?Would you like to collaborate in an international and interdisciplinary team and present your ideas to leading experts, policymakers, and researchers at the annual Franco-Dutch Erasmus-Descartes Conference?
Apply now for the 2026 Young Talents Programme, a unique opportunity to develop innovative ideas and concrete recommendations addressing one of today’s most strategic challenges: Europe’s digital resilience and autonomy.
Join an international team, expand your network, develop your public speaking skills, and contribute to discussions shaping the future of European digital cooperation.
This year’s theme is: “Digital resilience – A driver for strategic autonomy and societal trust” as part of the Erasmus-Descartes Conference, which will take place on Tuesday, 17 November 2026 at Campus Cyber Île-de-France in Paris.
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WHAT IS THE YOUNG TALENTS EVENT
The spirit of the Young Talents Programme is captured in four key objectives:
- Fostering cross-border cooperation between France and the Netherlands
- Tackling real-world challenges by valuing the perspectives and creativity of the younger generation
- Promoting transdisciplinary collaboration across fields and areas of expertise
- Expanding participants’ professional networks through high-level events and targeted networking opportunitiesEach year, the Young Talents event, held as part of the Erasmus-Descartes Conference, brings together 8 outstanding young participants from France and the Netherlands to debate, collaborate, and co-create solutions for the future.
Their ideas, questions, and perspectives are meant to enrich the conference discussions and help shape forward-looking approaches to shared challenges.In addition to their prominent role in the conference programme, participants benefit from extensive networking opportunities with leading experts, policymakers, and fellow innovators.The 8 selected participants will be divided into two teams and will work on a specific challenge of their own choosing, in close collaboration with two expert coaches from the field. These coaches will provide guidance and support throughout the entire programme, helping the Young Talents refine their ideas and prepare for their final presentation.
While the Erasmus-Descartes Conference itself is a one-day event, the Young Talents Programme extends over a longer period. Over the course of 1.5 months, participants collaborate in two teams, working remotely through online sessions and self-organised team preparation. This is followed by a few intensive in-person working days in and around Paris, leading up to the conference.