Innovator in the Spotlight

Towards a more inclusive society to raise awareness of basic skills gaps

In the Netherlands, 2.5 million people struggle daily with reading, writing, math, and digital skills, also called basic skills. These deficiencies make it difficult for them to fully participate in society, such as reading and understanding a letter or buying a train ticket, leading to various personal and societal problems.

New students at Eindhoven Engine

In September, six talented students from Fontys, Avans, and TU/e joined Eindhoven Engine. They will contribute to our four key programs:

  • Sustainable Semicon
  • Future-Proof Care
  • Inclusive Society
  • and Livable Region.

 

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Their mission? To devise innovative solutions to significant societal challenges, directly impacting our region. With their fresh perspectives and creative energy, they are set to turn theory into practice and bolster our mission.

In their first week, the students were immediately tasked with tackling issues within their respective pillars, generating their initial ideas. The first mini demo day showcased the students’ inspiring viewpoints and innovative thinking!

More students

Fontys Crossover Lab

In the Fontys Crossover Lab, 25 students are taking on the challenge of addressing a significant social issue. By thinking and acting radically, utilizing system analysis, and adopting a multi-disciplinary approach, they are working within the Inclusive Society framework. Each group aims to develop a design, proposal, or recommendation that addresses the complex problem of the lack of basic skills.

Our Bridge Builders team provides weekly inspiration and feedback, guiding the students throughout the project. Their efforts will culminate in a final exhibition at Fontys in November.


Project from Kempenhaeghe

Another 19 students have started at Eindhoven Engine. These students from Fontys Paramedic and Avans Business Innovation took up a challenge from Kempenhaeghe, a center of expertise for complex epilepsy, sleep disorders and neurological learning and developmental disorders, to strengthen the involvement of the community in care for residents of Kloostervelden, a neighborhood in the village of Sterksel, Noord-Brabant. In this neighborhood residents of Kempenhaeghe live together with regular residents of Sterksel .

This challenge provides multiple learning components for the students, addresses current challenges in specific domains for the clients, and contributes to Eindhoven Engine’s mission to tackle the larger ‘wicked problem’ of making healthcare in the Netherlands future-proof.

The program spans multiple years, with research results being handed over to new groups of students in a relay-like manner, ensuring a sustainable impact.