The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology aims to further assert its role as the technological arm of the economy. In its 2025 annual report, published on Wednesday, the public research centre highlights a year marked by a change in governance, the finalisation of its new multi-year plan and the strengthening of its partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders.
The institute now has nearly 840 staff members, representing 59 nationalities – 73 more than in 2024. It reports that it is carrying out nearly 500 research projects. Its income from public grants and other sources reached €115.7m in 2025, compared with €110.5m a year earlier.
“2025 has confirmed the role of technology research organisations in informing public policy decisions, supporting economic competitiveness and facilitating the transitions our societies are undergoing, against a backdrop of unprecedented geopolitical tensions and global technological competition. “The List has once again demonstrated its ability to adapt and to channel its expertise in the service of the Luxembourg economy and both public and private sector stakeholders,” emphasises Etienne Jacqué, chairman of the List board of directors.
In 2025, the centre finalised its 2026–2029 multi-year plan, entitled ‘Ambition 2030’. This roadmap organises the centre’s activities around three areas of expertise – natural, built and industrial environments – and three cross-cutting priorities: space, artificial intelligence, and security and defence. The choice of these focus areas positions the List within sectors where Luxembourg is seeking to consolidate an industrial or strategic position, going beyond mere scientific output.
The challenge of technology transfer
This approach also involves a more structured commercialisation strategy. The List has set up a centralised Technology Transfer Office, responsible for coordinating technology transfer and the management of intellectual property. The institute has recorded 12 spin-offs created since 2011, more than 200 intellectual property assets and 91 ongoing private partnerships, mainly in sustainable manufacturing, space, health and environmental systems.
“We want to offer practical, high-quality solutions that support the economy, start-ups, governments and society in building a more sustainable and resilient future. This ambition is reflected in very concrete terms through the strengthening of our commercialisation strategy and through partnerships that bridge the gap between fundamental research and real economic impact,” says the CEO of the List, 
Several collaborations illustrate this commitment to bridging the gap between research and economic applications. In particular, the List cites partnerships with FM on climate and cyber risk management, with Adia Lab in Abu Dhabi on the governance of multi-agent AI systems, and with the Bil on the evaluation of AI-based banking chatbots. The strategic partnership with Goodyear has entered its second phase, with 22 joint research projects already up and running one year after its launch.
The institute is also part of national initiatives relating to artificial intelligence. It is a founding member of Luxembourg AI Factory, launched in April 2025 alongside Luxinnovation, LuxProvide, the Luxembourg National Data Service and the University of Luxembourg. It is also leading the development of the national digital twin for energy systems, D2ET, as well as SmartCityHub, designed to support smart cities.
186 articles in the top 10%
On the scientific front, the List reports that it has published 186 articles ranked in the top 10% of their category, filed 13 patents and granted 21 paid licences. Three innovations in composites have been recognised by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar. Its researchers have also won around thirty international prizes and awards, including a prize for the best paper at the European Conference on Artificial Intelligence 2025.
Space is one of the most visible indicators of this growing influence. Construction of the Space Campus in Belval began in 2025. The site is set to house the Dusty Thermal Vacuum Chamber, described as a facility unique in Europe and operated by the European Space Resources Innovation Centre. ESRIC, which has just celebrated its fifth anniversary, remains one of the key vehicles through which Luxembourg seeks to link technological research with the space economy.
Artificial intelligence is becoming another key pillar. The List states that it is leading 134 active projects in this field, representing around €125m. Its workforce specialising in AI has grown from 86 to 136 experts in two years. In the field of security and defence, the institute mentions the submission of several key European projects, including Famous III, under the European Defence Fund.
Finally, the annual report highlights social and organisational aspects. In December, the List became the first research institute in Luxembourg to obtain ISO 45001 certification for occupational health and safety. It has signed a new collective labour agreement valid until 2027, set up a PhD Office to support its 109 PhD students, and established an ‘AccessAbility’ working group dedicated to the inclusion of people with disabilities.
