International mission: the bicycle industry in the Agueda Valley, 22-24 September!

NextMove is organising a mission to Portugal, in the Agueda Valley, a veritable bicycle industry cluster which brings together 47 structures involved in component manufacturing, assembly, technology and manufacturing-related services.

Presentation of the mission

Why Portugal?

Portugal is the European leader in bicycle production. 3 million bicycles are exported every year (compared with 400,000 25 years ago). The Agueda Valley is an example of a dynamic industrial cluster, and the region has developed massively around this industry, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Aims of the study trip

• Understand the reasons for Portugal's success in the bicycle industry.
• Identify and meet Portuguese companies and organisations** in the sector
• Monitor innovations, production processes and business models applied locally
• Promote business opportunities and collaborations between French and Portuguese players.

This action is being carried out in collaboration with CARA and the ID4Mobility, CYGO and Vélo Vallée clusters.

Programme

Monday 22nd September

• 2.15pm**: Arrival at the airport.

• 2.45pm**: Departure by bus for Agueda

• 16h-17h30: Presentation of ABIMOTA and BikInnov: founded in 1975, is a network of companies located in the Agueda Valley. It works to promote cooperation between its members in order to develop their respective activities. In 2002, ABIMOTA created BIKiNNOV, a technology and innovation centre dedicated to the two-wheeler sector. Its mission is to provide companies with technical and technological support, by producing, disseminating and passing on knowledge.

• 5.30-7.30pm**: Cocktail networking with the ABIMOTA network

Tuesday 23rd September

• 8.40am**: Departure from the hotel

• 9-11am**: Visit to Triangle's Cycling Equipments S.A : produces aluminium e-bike frames using cutting-edge technology. The company is a pioneer in the automation of frame production, with a fully robotised welding process.

• 11.30am - 1.30pm: Lunch in the restaurant

• 1.45pm - 3.45pm**: Visit to Incycle: offers complete OEM services: assembly, design, painting and logistics.

• 4 - 6 pm**: Visit to BIKAP: launched in 2021, this Portuguese plant specialises in the assembly of electric bicycles, mainly in the mid- and top-range segments. It is equipped to assemble all types of bikes. By 2024, it will have two lines capable of producing 50,000 units a year.

• End of the day**: transport to restaurant and hotel

Wednesday 24 September

• 8.15am**: check out at the hotel

• 8h30 : Departure from the hotel

• 9am-10.45am**: Visit to Unibike : for over 20 years, provides OEM services in assembly, design, painting and logistics. In 2023, NEOMOUV, a French brand of VAE, announces the acquisition of Portuguese bicycle manufacturer UNIBIKE.

• 10.45am - 12pm**: Transport to the airport

• 2.15pm**: Departure of return flight

Visits and presentations will be given in English.

Practical information

<Price: €1500 excluding VAT per participant

Included: organisation of the mission, visits to 5 Portuguese companies, travel during the mission, 4 meals, networking cocktail reception

Not included: Accommodation and transport costs to get to the mission sites.

Application deadline: 28 June 2025

! Places are limited!