News

Media: Innovation accelerator Eindhoven Engine enters new phase

As a society, we face numerous challenges. At Eindhoven Engine, a collaborative program between companies, knowledge institutions, social organizations and citizens in the Brainport region, work has been going on for years on innovations to address these problems. Now the program is breaking new ground.

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Festival of Disruption 2025

Ready to make a real impact and tackle the world’s most complex challenges?

Date: Thursday 27 November 2025
Time: 12:00 – 17:00 (walk-in starts at 11:30)
Location: Disruptor building, TU/e campus

Join us at the next edition of the Festival of Disruption! Dive into today’s most pressing issues, from the energy transition and preventive healthcare to sustainable semiconductors and creating an inclusive society. Be part of the change and sign up now!”


Keynote speaker Teun Toebes

What does a society look like where everyone truly belongs? Teun Toebes shares his powerful story about humanity, inclusion, and changing systems from within. By choosing to live in a nursing home, he shows how real change starts with understanding people’s lives up close.

Teun Toebes (26) is an international healthcare innovator with a mission to improve the quality of life for people with dementia worldwide. Having lived in a nursing home for over three years, he has experienced firsthand why this change is so urgently needed. Therefore, Teun decided to elevate his mission by looking beyond our borders.

To find answers on how we can make the future more beautiful and inclusive, he traveled the world in recent years with filmmaker Jonathan de Jong for the Golden Calf-winning documentary ‘Human Forever’ to see what we can learn from other countries. The film premiered at a G20 summit on dementia, broke all records in the Netherlands, and is now being shown in 22 countries.

Teun Toebes appears in the media, speaks at international conferences, and has previously published the #1 global bestseller ‘VerpleegThuis,’ ‘Een Wereld te Winnen,’ and the documentary ‘Human Forever.’ During our event, Teun will also share his hopeful message for a better future with you!

Workshops

Co-creating the circular water hub – Open innovation in action

Livable region

In this high-energy workshop, inspired by Chesbrough’s open innovation paradigm, we will tap into its power to tackle climate change related to local water management. At the heart of the session is the creation of a Circular Water Hub in the Brainport region—an ambitious project that reimagines how we manage and reuse water in a smarter, more sustainable way.

Rethinking High-Tech – Towards a Circular Future

Sustainable semicon
The Dutch high-tech industry drives global innovation—but also generates significant waste and pressure on people and the planet. In the next 10–15 years, half of its revenue is expected to come from value chains that don’t yet exist—and these must be sustainable.

To achieve this, business as usual won’t work. This workshop explores how we can redesign products and systems with a lifecycle perspective.

Strengthening togetherness: What can you do for your neighborhood?

Future proof care

Within Eindhoven Engine we want ensure that every individual receives the care they deserve—both now and in the future. But professional care alone isn’t enough. This interactive workshop you will be invited to test what you can do, even if you might not want to. Join us to reflect, challenge assumptions, and discover new ways to contribute to a more resilient and connected community.

Workshop Aahh, ik snap het niet during DDW 2024

The power of digital tools

Inclusive society

The digital world offers immense opportunities for connection, but it’s also becoming increasingly complex. As technology evolves, a gap emerges, leaving many struggling to fully participate in this digital age. The workshop ‘The power of digital tools’ offers an immersive experience that helps participants understand the impact of limited digital skills and explore digital tools that can bridge the gap.


What else can you expect?

Brainport region deal completion

We mark the successful completion of the Brainport Region Deal. Thanks to this 15 million euro deal we have been able to support 26 promising projects, accelerating their innovations.Discover how these initiatives shape the future of our region.

Hands-on workshops

Step into dynamic, hands-on sessions that challenge the status quo. These workshops are designed to spark fresh thinking and equip you to tackle complex, real-world challenges—head-on. Stay tuned for the full line-up!

Real-world impact

Discover how Eindhoven Engine co-creates solutions with the people who experience the problems firsthand. By leveraging technology as a force for good, we turn bold ideas into meaningful, human-centered change.

Interested in the previous edition of Festival of Disruption? Check it out >>