The 22nd session of the ARIA Hauts-de-France Innovation Club focused on surface functionalization with the CERAMATHS laboratory.
On September 25, manufacturers from the automotive industry discovered the advances made by the CERAMATHS laboratory on a key issue: the functionalization of surfaces.
The CERAMATHS laboratory is a leader in the field of surface functionalization.An unmissable event for industrial innovation
On September 25, 2025, ARIA Hauts-de-France organized the 22nd session of its Innovation Club, a space for exchange and sharing dedicated to innovation players in the automotive industry. This edition, held on the Maubeuge campus, and had as its central theme: "The functionalization of surfaces", a strategic subject for manufacturers in search of performance, sustainability and innovation.
This club, which brings together R&D managers, technical center directors and representatives from the academic world four times a year, aims to encourage networking, the sharing of best practices and the discovery of innovative tools to support industrial transformation in Hauts-de-France.
Why functionalize surfaces?
Surface functionalization is a major challenge for many industrial sectors, particularly the automotive industry. It enables materials properties to be improved (resistance to wear, corrosion, adhesion, etc.), manufacturing processes to be optimized, and growing demands for durability and eco-design to be met.
"This theme was chosen because it meets the concrete needs of our members, who are looking to integrate innovative solutions into their production processes," explains the ARIA team. "Surface functionalization is a key lever for product and process innovation, and a topic of common interest to Club members. "
The CERAMATHS laboratory in the spotlight
To illustrate this theme, ARIA Hauts-de-France called on the CERAMATHS laboratory, renowned for its expertise in mathematical modeling and industrial process optimization. Participants had the opportunity to discover the laboratory's work and innovations in surface functionalization, as well as the tools and methods developed to support manufacturers.
"We wanted to enable Club members to discover the work, facilities and industrial collaborations of CERAMATHS, a laboratory that is often little-known but whose skills are directly applicable to their challenges," says ARIA. "We remembered a CERAMATHS intervention at the IMTD in Valenciennes in September 2023, which made a lasting impression. The connections did the rest! "
The morning was punctuated by a number of highlights, alternating between experience sharing, technical presentations and visits to the facilities.
The ARIA Hauts-de-France Innovation Club is a regional association that supports manufacturers in the automotive industry. Club members include R&D and/or innovation managers, technical center directors and school/university representatives, all of whom are members of ARIA Hauts-de-France. They meet 4 times a year to discuss a common theme related to innovation management in our region. The host venue is a company, university, school, etc. in line with the day's theme.