Tackling energy challenges in buildings
The BuildInFlexergy approach
As buildings become increasingly reliant on electricity to maintain their indoor climate, they face challenges such as electricity supply and limited grid capacity.
To address these issues, Eindhoven Engine is happy to announce the BuildInFlexergy initiative commenced on May 1st, 2025.
Focus on energy flexibility
This project brings together 12 partners, including Eindhoven Engine. It aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of local energy supply by better utilizing energy flexibility. Additionally, this initiative is particularly crucial for large, complex building systems equipped with heat pumps and thermal energy storage. These systems often experience stability and coordination issues, which can negatively impact both energy and comfort performance. Therefore, by focusing on energy flexibility, BuildInFlexergy aims to overcome these challenges and ensure a more stable and efficient energy supply for building.
Smart control systems and model predictive control
By transforming building energy management with smart control systems and model predictive control, we achieve real-time responsiveness and dynamic climate control. Moreover, this optimization uses key performance indicators. This unified approach to innovation places buildings at the heart of the energy transition, paving the way for the future of building energy flexibility.
This project not only addresses current challenges but also sets a precedent for future developments in energy-efficient building management.
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.
Breaking barriers with AI
My EngD project focuses on the development of Mijke from the Met Mij project. Mijke is a conversational AI chatbot designed to support NT1 (Dutch as a first language) adults with limited basic skills in accessing local services. Hosted on WhatsApp and powered by a large language model, Mijke offers both voice and text interaction. This reduces the barriers many users face with written communication.
The project explores five core challenges:
1. Clarity in communication
Ensuring the chatbot communicates clearly.
2. Emotional connection
Providing a supportive and empathetic interaction.
3. User-friendly design
Making the chatbot intuitive and user-friendly.
4. Multi-modal accessibility
Offering multiple modes of interaction.
5. Precision in support
Connecting users with the right help efficiently.
For more information about Mijke and the Met Mij 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.
Eindhoven Engine News – October 2024
In this edition of Eindhoven Engine News: our participation in Dutch Design Week 2024 with ‘Aahh, ik snap het niet!! workhop, more about the upcoming Festival of Disruption, and project updates!
What else is happening at Eindhoven Engine?
Eindhoven Engine News – June 2024
In this edition of Eindhoven Engine News: Towards a more inclusive society to raise awareness of basic skills gaps, 5 years of Eindhoven Engine, Innovator in the Spotlight Devansh Kandpal & more!
What else is happening at Eindhoven Engine?
Celebrating five years of Eindhoven Engine
We had an incredible time celebrating our five year milestone, surrounded by great company and reflecting on our journey. From our ambitious beginnings to our impactful present. The celebration kicked off with an inspiring speech by TU/e Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts, highlighting the importance of valorization, the strength of our partnerships, and our commitment to addressing societal challenges.
A special treat was the stunning musical performance by the talented artists from Impressariaat Kunsten van Fontys, adding a perfect touch to our celebration.
Eindhoven Engine News – April 2024
In this edition of Eindhoven Engine News: From Unlikely to Unstoppable: Embracing Diversity in the Building Industry – a story from project partner Kropman & more!
What else is happening at Eindhoven Engine?
Eindhoven Engine News – February 2024
In this edition of Eindhoven Engine News: Eindhoven’s Energy Initiative recieves a boost for Grid Balancing Project, Innovator in the spotlight Steven Beumer & more!
What else is happening at Eindhoven Engine?
Eindhoven Engine News – November 2023
In this edition of Eindhoven Engine News: Flashback Festival of Disruption 2023, Innovator in the spotlight Petros Zimianitis & more!
What else is happening at Eindhoven Engine?
Eindhoven Engine News – July 2023
In this edition of Eindhoven Engine News: Festival of Disruption 2023, Innovator Ayda Golahmadi in the Spotlight, new project videos of Carbyon and more!
What else is happening at Eindhoven Engine?
Disrupt your Life serie no.1 : Thrive in a Rapidly Changing World
Last Thursday, May 25, renowned futurist and biohacker Peter Joosten showed us how to thrive in a rapidly changing world. In this context, we have worked on: how to change behavior, how to do your storytelling, and how important and fun it is to be part of an ecosystem.
To move forward in your project, at some point you might find yourself with a question you don’t have an answer to yet. In this session we learned that through one or two contacts in your ecosystem you can already help you move forward!
Eindhoven Engine’s Disrupt Your Life series
In this series you will be inspired and encouraged to become more disruptive in your daily life, both in your private and professional life. It will bring new ways of thinking and acting.
Keep an eye on our social media for the next Disrupt your Life!