Open Day returns to High Tech Campus Eindhoven Saturday, June 13
On Saturday June 13, many exciting High Tech Campus Eindhoven companies open their doors to the public, giving people of all ages a unique behind-the-scenes look. From startups making AI more efficient, to world-firsts in photonics. “Groundbreaking technological innovations are taking place here,” says Kelly Antonis, Communications and Events professional at the Campus. “During Open Day, companies translate complex technology into something everyone can understand and add an experiential element to it.”
More than three hundred companies, more than a hundred startups, the place responsible for forty percent of all Dutch patent applications. That is High Tech Campus Eindhoven. “And that’s exactly the point,” Kelly explains. “We want to be the Campus where companies love to set up tech space and offices, because they strengthen each other here, meet each other, and because innovation happens here. That’s why we host many events and join the High Tech Discovery Route (High Tech Ontdekkingsroute) of Brainport Development every two years.”
On Saturday, June 13, leading companies and Campuses in the Brainport region will jointly open their doors at the following locations: High Tech Campus Eindhoven, DAF Trucks, Strijp-T, AAE, and the Automotive Campus in Helmond, as well as ASML, Thermo Fisher Scientific, VDL ETG, Microstad, and the TU/e Campus.
Neighbors
The concept is clear: a glimpse into companies that are located on Campus, such as NXP, Philips, and Signify, as well as several spaces where multiple companies present themselves together. Examples include the Conference Center on The Strip and Building 37, where startups and scale-ups like Axelera AI, SMART Photonics, Playsight, and VRinSchool showcase what they have to offer. Steven Feenstra (Community & Events Manager, Innovation Hubs) is closely involved in this. “The demos in Building 37 are very hands-on. Think VR, motion capture suits, and facial recognition on screens. These are things that really resonate with kids and families.”
Kids and families are well catered for in any case. “But we also see, for example, older people who want to take a look around here, or employees who proudly bring friends and family along,” Kelly explains. “And of course, the PSV bus taking a tour and the PSV championship trophy are a hit,” she laughs.
The fact that companies are opening their doors on June 13 has little to do with recruiting new people or customers. “Companies just enjoy giving back to the community,” says Steven. “New talent is always welcome, of course, but that’s certainly not the goal. It’s a bonus.” Kelly agrees. “Employees from different companies really mingle here. It feels like they’re neighbors. And on June 13, we invite the entire neighborhood.”
Student Base
This year, the Student Base is opening its doors for the first time; a place where educational institutions, students, and companies come together. This makes sense, as the Campus has close ties with Fontys and TU/e. That collaboration is becoming increasingly formal and visible. Kelly: “Now we’re giving it a real home, and what’s more, in an Italian restaurant where many company employees eat. Students can literally pull up a chair at the table.”
Although there are many lighthearted activities during Open Day, there’s also room for surprising content. The world’s first pilot factory for photonic chips on this scale is currently being built on Campus. These are chips that operate using light instead of electricity. “A collaboration between TNO and various companies. An amazing example of how companies within the Brainport region and on the Campus keep finding ways to connect,” says Steven. Kelly adds: “We therefore warmly encourage everyone to also check out the other locations participating in the High Tech Discovery Route. We’re doing it together.”
