What can we do with CO₂ instead of simply releasing it into the atmosphere?
This was one of the questions behind MemCat’s participation in Maker Days Eindhoven 2026, where the project brought its research on innovative CO₂ conversion technologies closer to the public.
On 12 and 13 September 2026, MemCat participated in Maker Days Eindhoven through the TEENTECH2 programme, coordinated by 1CUBE. Together with four other EU-funded projects — AMBHER, ANDREAH, ELEKTRA and APOLO — MemCat joined the festival at the Klokgebouw in Strijp-S. The 2026 edition attracted more than 10,000 visitors and brought together makers, artists, inventors and technology enthusiasts around innovation, creativity and technology.
MemCat is developing innovative technologies for the conversion of CO₂ into ethylene, an important chemical building block used in a wide range of products.
The project combines nanostructured tandem catalysts with membrane technology to investigate new approaches for producing ethylene from CO₂. By integrating catalytic conversion and membrane-based processes, MemCat aims to explore more sustainable pathways for chemical production.
These technologies are highly specialised and normally discussed within the scientific and industrial communities.
Maker Days offered MemCat a very different environment in which to introduce these ideas.
Making advanced research accessible
Through the TEENTECH2 stand organised and coordinated by 1CUBE, visitors could discover European research through interactive activities, games and informal conversations.
The Hydrogen Quiz, Hydrogen Memory Game, Hydrogen Word Search and colouring activities provided younger visitors with an accessible way to explore topics connected to energy, technology and the transition towards more sustainable systems.
For MemCat, this was also an opportunity to start conversations about CO₂ — not only as an emission, but as a potential carbon resource.
Explaining such concepts to a broad audience is not always easy. Maker Days created a space where complex scientific ideas could be introduced through simple questions, curiosity and interaction.
Connecting science with society
MemCat has already taken part in several activities aimed at bringing its research beyond the laboratory, including the TEENTECH2 Day in Badolato, Calabria, organised by 1CUBE in June 2026. The event brought researchers, students and local citizens together to explore European research and innovation.
Maker Days continued this approach in Eindhoven, allowing MemCat to engage with families, young people, makers and visitors interested in science and technology.
It was an opportunity not only to explain what MemCat is developing, but also to listen to questions and discover how people understand the challenges surrounding CO₂, sustainable production and the future of industry.
Research that sparks curiosity
Maker Days demonstrated how public events can create a bridge between scientific research and society.
For MemCat, communicating its research is about more than presenting technical results. It is also about creating curiosity around new ideas and showing how research can contribute to addressing some of the challenges of the future.
And, as with the other TEENTECH2 activities, there was also room for some fun — including a special appearance by Wall-E at the stand! 🤖
From CO₂ conversion and catalytic technologies to quizzes, games and conversations, MemCat brought cutting-edge research closer to the public and helped turn complex science into an accessible conversation about the future.
Discover the highlights of Maker Days Eindhoven 2026: