This is an elective course for EngD trainees in Designing Human–System Interaction and Automotive Systems Design.
The challenges of today are wicked in nature: we have no upfront idea where the solution might be found. Most of the technology management approaches and methods are not based on this reality of a complex, systemic world, and therefore do not always equip engineers ideally.
To make sense of today’s reality, engineers must take charge. They need to shape the future instead of being swept along by it. This means understanding what innovation truly requires in a world that is constantly shifting and filled with uncertainty. And above all, they must be ready to navigate the rapid disruption driven by exponential technologies. They need to know how to construct business models that matter, using technologies for positive impact. Additional to their technological specialization, engineers need to develop an understanding of, and a competence in, turning the great potential of (exponential) technologies into business models to bring to market.
More about the course >>
Eindhoven Engine will once again be participating this year. We look forward to engaging with students, presenting our projects, and exploring how we can work together to drive meaningful and sustainable innovation.
Eindhoven Engine is committed to tackling complex societal challenges—often referred to as wicked problems. As an independent organization, we strive to contribute to a livable and sustainable Brainport region. Supported by our stakeholders Fontys, TNO, and Eindhoven University of Technology, we focus on four key areas: Livable Region, Future‑Proof Care, Sustainable Semicon, and Inclusive Society.
What sets Eindhoven Engine apart is our ability to operate outside traditional frameworks. We collaborate closely with industry, academia, government partners, and the people directly experiencing these challenges. This approach enables us to innovate faster and respond more effectively to emerging needs. By combining independence and openness with respect for existing ecosystems, we create space for disruptive solutions that can truly make a difference.
The Career Expo is an exciting event created especially for TU/e students—but the doors are also open to non‑TU/e students who want to explore the expo floor and connect with the wide range of participating companies.
Across two inspiring days, students can introduce themselves to more than 180 forward‑thinking companies ready to answer questions, share insights, and explore potential opportunities in their field of study or business. It’s a unique chance to discover new directions, broaden perspectives, and kick‑start a meaningful career journey.
Eindhoven Engine is committed to tackling complex societal challenges—often referred to as wicked problems. As an independent organization, we strive to contribute to a livable and sustainable Brainport region. Supported by our stakeholders Fontys, TNO, and Eindhoven University of Technology, we focus on four key areas: Livable Region, Future‑Proof Care, Sustainable Semicon, and Inclusive Society.
We can’t wait to connect with students who are passionate about technology, creativity, and making a difference—see you at the expo!
Climate-neutral Brainport 2040: Circular water hubs
We proudly announce a landmark collaboration between Eindhoven Engine, Rijkswaterstaat, and a coalition of visionary partners. This agreement, officially kicked off during the Festival of Disruption 2025, marks a decisive step toward achieving a climate-neutral Brainport by 2040 through circular water hubs. Among those present at this milestone: Patricia Zorko, Deputy Director-General at Rijkswaterstaat, and Silvia Lenaerts, Rector Magnificus of TU/e.
Why does it matter?
Water scarcity is no longer a distant threat—it’s a pressing reality already impacting the Netherlands, especially during increasingly dry summers. By 2030, we will need an additional 100 million m³ of drinking water every year to meet growing demand. Without bold action, structural shortages could disrupt households, industries, and ecosystems. In the Brainport region, this challenge is even more urgent due to climate change, rapid economic growth, and fragile sandy soils.
Our solution: circular water hubs
We are building a regenerative water system that not only uses water but actively restores and strengthens the natural cycle. Our guiding principle: Every drop you receive should be returned at least as clean—ideally cleaner—so nature benefits too.
This approach connects to other societal challenges such as nitrogen, energy, raw materials, and food. It’s a wicked problem that demands integrated, multidisciplinary collaboration. Eindhoven Engine acts as the orchestrator, leveraging expertise from TU/e, Fontys, Avans, and Yuverta, alongside key partners including businesses, the Ministry of Defence, Brabant Water/Rehydro, and Waterschap De Dommel. Rijkswaterstaat contributes innovationsite Kloosters from InnovA58 and its assets—such as the Wilhelmina Canal and highways—to enable this transformation.
The commitment
The collaboration runs for four years, with the intention to extend. This agreement forms part of Rijkswaterstaat’s sustainability strategy, with Eindhoven Engine leading as regional orchestrator within the University 4.0 hub. A budget of €800,000 has been allocated to kick-start this initiative. By integrating technical, societal and organizational innovations we improve our ability to tackle complex problems.
Every drop you receive should be returned at least as clean—ideally cleaner—so nature benefits too.
Eindhoven Engine News – October 2025
In this edition of Eindhoven Engine News: Festival of Disruption 2025, How healthy is your neighborhood?, Mijke the Matchbot update & more.
What else is happening at Eindhoven Engine?
Media: Mijke the Matchbot guides you through the jungle of social organisations
Imagine you have a question about finances, your health, or a difficult letter. But in the maze of social organisations, your first attempt always leads you to the wrong organization. For over three million Dutch people with limited basic skills, this is a daily reality. Many give up out of frustration or shame. Mijke the Matchbot aims to change that: a friendly digital assistant, developed with support from the Regio Deal Brainport Eindhoven funds, that actually points you in the right direction.
Source: Brainport Eindhoven
Mijke the Matchbot: Bridging gaps with AI
Introducing Mijke, the Matchbot: a conversational AI designed to bridge the gap between individuals with low literacy and the support systems around them.
Hi, I’m Sichen, and I am currently pursuing an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) at Eindhoven Engine. With a background in Industrial Design and a strong focus on user experience (UX) and interaction design, I completed my master’s at Eindhoven University of Technology.
Currently, I work within the focus area of Inclusive Society. Here, I explore how AI can create more accessible and supportive environments for everyone. Our solution? Mijke, the Matchbot.
The project explores five core challenges:
1. Clarity in communication
Ensuring the chatbot communicates clearly.
4. Multi-modal accessibility
Offering multiple modes of interaction.
2. Emotional connection
Providing a supportive and empathetic interaction.
5. Precision in support
Connecting users with the right help efficiently.
3. User-friendly design
Making the chatbot intuitive and user-friendly.
Interested in more information about Mijke and the MetMij project?
Addressing information inequality
Millions of people in the Netherlands struggle with basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. Mijke shows a possibility of solving this information inequality by offering a friendly experience tailored to the real-world needs of often overlooked people via Artificial Intelligence (AI). This work stands at the crossroads of technology, social equity, and public service innovation. It shows how AI can be used responsibly in human-centered design.
Empowering communities
To achieve these goals, I plan to run iterative user tests to gather insights and improve mijke’s usability. to help people with limited basic skills access support more easily and confidently. By doing so, I hope to decrease the workload of stakeholders, such as social workers, employees from municipalities, or public service staff. Additionally, I want to set a benchmark for evaluating AI recommendations in social public service contexts and contribute new knowledge and tools to the fields of human-computer interaction (HCI), accessibility, and digital inclusion.
This work stands at the crossroads of technology, social equity, and public service innovation, showing how AI can be used responsibly in human-centered design.
Using the design thinking approach, the trainees will tackle issues presented by industrial partners and devise with creative concepts. Throughout the challenge, they will also delve into several key areas, such as understanding wicked problems (addressing complex issues that are difficult to define and have no clear solution), DISC Profile (understanding different personality types to enhance team dynamics and communication), and presentation skills (learning how to effectively convey ideas and solutions to diverse audiences), .
Would you like to know more or are you considering submitting a case next year? Then please contact us
Following the success of the Dutch CBL Conference in 2023, the organization is thrilled to bring together educators, researchers, practitioners, industry leaders, and community stakeholders from around the world.
We are especially proud to feature our esteemed colleagues in Forum 2: Exploring CBL’s Ecosystem:
- Jessica Goss (Designer & Researcher, Eindhoven Engine), an expert in human-centered design and social innovation, will share her insights on tackling literacy challenges with AI-driven solutions for a more inclusive society.
- The session will be moderated by our scientific director, Maarten Steinbuch, ensuring a dynamic and insightful conversation.
New interns
Eindhoven Engine welcomed a vibrant group of new interns in 2025. Get to know them from left to right. Additionally, four bachelor students from TU/e have started. Over the coming months, they will focus on the climate-adaptive region, working one day a week.
We wish them good luck! We hope the interns gain valuable experience and bring fresh insights to the various programs at Eindhoven Engine. Everyone can make impact on society!
- Cathelijne Brantjes | Human & Technology, 4th year, Avans University of Applied Sciences | Inclusive Society
Research on making blended care more understandable at general practitioners’ offices for people aged 18-40 with reduced digital skills.
- Hilde Schram | Strategic Communication, HBO Master, Fontys University of Applied Science | Communication
Eindhoven Engine focuses on the complex challenges our society faces. Addressing these challenges requires a specific approach. Hilde is researching how this approach can be tackled through strategic communication.
- Levi Deerenberg | Business Innovation, 4th year, Avans University of Applied Sciences | Livable Region
Develop a concept that reduces energy consumption at the residential towers Luna & Aurora on the TU/e-campus by actively influencing the behavior of the residents.
- Ivory Johan | Business Innovation, 4th year, Avans University of Applied Sciences | Livable Region
Develop an innovative concept to increase the engagement and participation of students and staff on the TU/e campus around sustainability, by connecting them with sustainable innovations in an inspiring way.
- David Rozenberg | HBO-ICT (Software) , 4th year, Fontys University of Applied Science | Inclusive Society
Preparing the MetMij chatbot for deployment and real-world use. MetMij easily directs people with low basic skills to appropriate support agencies.
- Santiago Triginer | Industrial Engineering, 3rd year, Eindhoven University of Technology | Livable Region
Identifying challenges and solutions for solar panel reuse, and exploring how AI can enhance recycling processes.
- Mare Gijsbers | Business Innovation, 4th year, Avans University of Applied science | Inclusive Society
Develop a methodology to effectively and accessibly introduce the ‘Met Mij’ app to users with low literacy, enabling them to quickly and easily receive support to participate fully in society.
- Rosalie Hendriks | Business Innovation, 4th year, Avans University of Applied Sciences | Inclusive Society
Develop a new concept for people with low basic skills between the ages of 18 and 40 in the Eindhoven region, in such a way that these people can independently ensure the security of their financial situation.