Women play an essential role in industry, technology and Deeptech. Yet their representation remains insufficient in many industrial and scientific professions. At REC, we believe that fostering diversity in profiles and skills is also a way to build an industry that is more innovative, collaborative and capable of addressing the challenges of the ecological transition.
2026 update: This article, originally published under the name Ecollant, has been updated following the company’s name change. Ecollant became REC in 2026.
Lady’J Tech: spotlighting women in industry and technology
In March 2025, we once again took part in Lady’J Tech, an event held in Dijon focusing on women in industry, technology and innovation. The day provided an opportunity to meet professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and members of the Deeptech ecosystem, who came to share their experiences and career paths.
The programme included:
- Dij’ Innov Connect, dedicated to connections between public research and regional innovation;
- Lady’s Industrie, focusing on the role of women in industrial professions;
- Women in Tech & Industry Internationally, featuring testimonials from European professionals.
These discussions highlighted career paths and innovations from a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, mobility and textiles.
Why is the role of women in industry important ?
Industry is evolving rapidly. The ecological transition, automation, artificial intelligence, new materials, reindustrialisation and the circular economy are progressively transforming the professions and skills required.
In this context, attracting more women to industry and technology is a genuine challenge. It is not simply a question of representation. The diversity of backgrounds, experiences and skills also makes it possible to bring different approaches to a problem and can encourage new perspectives in innovation projects.
For industrial companies, the challenge is therefore also to attract the skills they will need in the future.
Women and Deeptech: essential profiles
Deeptech lies at the intersection of scientific research, technology and industry. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, including:
- new materials;
- healthcare;
- energy;
- mobility;
- the environment;
- chemistry;
- artificial intelligence;
- recycling.
These fields require scientific, technical and industrial expertise, as well as commercial, financial and managerial skills. Diversity of profiles is therefore particularly important in bringing innovations to life and developing them.
Changing perceptions of industrial careers
One of the challenges in attracting more women to industry is also to change the image people may have of the sector. Today’s industry is no longer associated solely with traditional production lines.
It also encompasses:
- research laboratories;
- digital tools;
- automation;
- cutting-edge technologies;
- engineering professions;
- new materials;
- innovative processes;
- environmental challenges.
The development of the circular economy is also contributing to this transformation. Industrial recycling now involves designing processes capable of transforming waste into new resources for industry.
Building the industry of tomorrow with all talents
The ecological transition cannot happen without scientific and industrial expertise. Nor can it happen without diversity. To develop new recycling solutions, new materials and new industrial processes, we need all talents. This is why initiatives that give greater visibility to women in industry, technology and Deeptech are important.
They help demonstrate that these sectors are open to diverse profiles and offer many career opportunities.
From awareness to action
The question of women’s place in industry cannot, of course, be reduced to a single day or event. It requires long-term efforts focused on:
- educational guidance;
- scientific and technical training;
- access to industrial professions;
- visibility of female role models;
- entrepreneurship;
- evolving recruitment practices;
- access to positions of responsibility.
Companies also have a role to play by creating environments in which everyone can develop their skills and take on responsibilities.
A more diverse industry to meet tomorrow’s challenges
At REC, we are convinced that industrial transformation relies as much on technology as on the women and men who develop it.
Recycling polyamide is a technological challenge. But behind this technology are researchers, engineers, industrial professionals, partners and entrepreneurs working together to build a new industry. Diversity of skills and backgrounds is a strength when it comes to tackling these challenges.
The industry of tomorrow will be technological, circular and collaborative. It must also know how to attract all talents. Together, we can build a more innovative and sustainable industry. 🌱
