He is currently leading a unmanned robotics research program. This research program encompasses unmanned robot and their technologies that are developed in the context of various application domains. Together with his colleagues and industrial partners, he has developed various innovative and applicable technologies, such as interaction controllers, robust autonomous flight, optimal path planning, robust 2D and 3D SLAM, robust and precise autonomous landing, and drone-docking station technology.

Alix Armour is a passionate entrepreneur with expertise in circularity, urban mobility, and renewable energy. Co-founder of Super73, leading sustainability initiatives. Leveraging 12+ years in urban mobility and industrial design, now driving ventures in circular economy and new mobility. Skilled in fostering startup growth through empathy and clear communication. Outside work, enjoys volleyball, learning, culinary adventures, and crafting innovative business ideas.

Anke is an entrepreneur and angel investor spearheading NP-Hard Ventures, an early-stage VC fund supporting product-focused founders shaping the future. Prior to NP-Hard, Anke invested in 20 companies and co-founded Planet Positive and ANGELS.vc. In the U.S., Anke founded a health tech startup, led sales at startups like Pebble Smartwatch, and held roles at Procter & Gamble.

Anna Gimbrère is a science communicator and program maker. She is one of the regular faces and voice of KRO-NCRV, where she, among other things, hosts the journalistic program 'Pointer'. Anna studied theoretical physics at the University of Amsterdam and ended up as an editor for the National Science Quiz through an internship at the VPRO.
In addition, Anna is the traditional DID-host and not to forget: the Mole from the last season “Wie is de Mol?”

Arne Hendriks is a Master of Art (University of Amsterdam, 2001) and works passionately in the field of open-design, hacking, speculative research, education and the fine culture of repair.

Arne loves tho talk about his obsession with growth, our fear to shrink, the iconic substance of fat and what it wants, how to inspire the protein transition and how to create space for change.

Organisational change advisor, facilitator and coach applying the lessons Berber learned as a conflict diplomat in her work with teams and leaders. Berbers objective is to boost integrity, inclusion, humanity and courage within the public sector, putting social value first instead of systems and their impediments.

Bernhard Lenger is a social designer who conducts research and designs strategies to assist organizations and businesses in addressing societal challenges. His work focuses on environmental, technological, and social issues. He sheds new light on social challenges to make them understandable and enable all people to participate in the social transition. His methodology combines quantitative and qualitative research, strategy design, and facilitating collaboration among all stakeholders within societal issues.

Bert van Mil, a visionary in clean-tech startups, brings over two decades of experience in the energy storage field. He's been instrumental in shaping both emerging ventures and established corporations, contributing valuable insights into the industry's evolution. Recognized as a thought leader, Bert frequently shares his expertise on energy storage at key industry events. His educational background in business and engineering has equipped him with a strong foundation in both business strategy and technical know-how.

Bob Corporaal is Design Principal at CLEVER°FRANKE, a leading data design and technology consultancy that creates new ways to connect people to data and help unravel the world's complexity. The past 20+ years, he has worked on a diverse collection of innovative digital consumer and professional products, always focused on creating meaningful experiences.

Bram Nauta did PhD research in Electrical Engineering at the University of Twente, and then went to work at the Philips Physics laboratory in Eindhoven. In 1998, at the age of 34, he became professor of chip design at the University of Twente. In 2023 he received the Stevin Prize, the highest award in science for a researcher in the Netherlands who has achieved exceptional success in the field of knowledge utilization for society.

Dr. ir. Cristina is an assistant professor of Human-Centred Design group and DesignLab at the University of Twente. Cristina aims to foster societal transitions towards justice, care, and solidarity, with a focus on care and the future of work. She develops transdisciplinary approaches, blending-in design justice, speculation and human/more-than-human design. Cristina also leads the Social Justice and AI networks, working towards mitigating the dehumanizing effects of AI and promoting social and environmental justice.

Eefje will present the Dutch Innovation Quiz together with Rob van Hattum and Anna Gimbrere!

Developments in the field of nanodeposition and electrolysis make it possible in principle to construct solar cells and batteries at filament level (textile threads). By weaving these wires and linking them to embedded electronics, a system is created with an autonomous energy supply.

Evelien and Jorim, Co-founders of Dembrane, are determined to solve complex problems by ensuring that every voice is heard and no good idea is wasted. With a background in design, innovation and technology, they combine their expertise to commit to creating impactful solutions for society. Together they inspire others to push their boundaries and make it possible to work together with large groups towards a better future.

Jaap Peters is a renowned author with a portfolio of 14 books. He is widely recognized as the writer of the “het Rijnlands boekje” about the Rijnlands Model, which emphasizes a social approach to collaboration intertwined with the craftsmanship of business management and organization. Employees are no longer 'human resources' at the mercy of managers. The organization exists to facilitate the skilled workers who, in turn, ensure that the primary process is carried out.

Jeroen van Erp co-founded Fabrique in Delft in 1992. Under his leadership, Fabrique has grown into a diverse design agency with over 100 staff members serving clients such as Albert Heijn and the Rijksmuseum. Their innovative approach blurs traditional boundaries between design disciplines to create simple solutions for complex issues. The agency has won over 130 awards and expanded to Amsterdam in 2007 and Rotterdam in 2012.

Jólan van der Wiel leads a collaborative design practice that conducts artistic experiments within multiple themes and environments. His creative explorations result in original design tools, new materials and unique objects. Jólan established his multidisciplinary practice in 2011 in Amsterdam. A Gerrit Rietveld Academie graduate, Jólan is an intuitive designer and creator, equipped with a peculiar mix of expertise. Starting from his personal fascination with extreme natural phenomena, he creates unusual shapes and materials that challenge our understanding of ‘invisible’ forces.

Marissa Memelink is artistic design researcher at SETUP, a platform for a technology-critical society. With artists and researchers they make the ethical and social consequences of technological developments tangible. With her Project Dodo she explores the phenomenon of 'tech solutionism': Where does the human tendency come from to solve the major problems of our time with innovations and technical quick-fixes.

Rebel with a cause according to some. Eccentric lunatic and business hippie according to others. Brings cloud telephony that connects people to more than 30.000 business together with +160 colleagues at Voys. Connects the unconnected with 48percent.org. Keynote speaker, blogger and columnist about working without managers & job description (Voysmodel / Holacracy), digital transition and entrepreneurship.

Meta Knol, an art historian, co-founded Framer Framed and directed Museum De Lakenhal until 2020. She currently leads Leiden European City of Science 2022 and co-founded the Ministry of the Future. With a background in art history, she has curated exhibitions and advocated for museum innovation, emphasizing collaboration to break down colonial divisions. Knol's recent articles in NRC Handelsblad critique the reliance on blockbuster exhibitions in Dutch museums.

Ray is an IT professional and Magento evangelist. He started working with computers in 1993 as a hobby at first. Over the last years he co-founded many businesses as a CTO and he trained over 1,000 Magento experts worldwide since 2008. Currently managing as Head of Commerce Customer Engineering, he focuses on customer success and software automation. Ray is passionate about driving success and concinuous improvement. His top qualities: great results, good value and high integrity.

Rob will present the Dutch Innovation Quiz together with Eefje and Anna Gimbrere!

Ruben Brave is a Dutch internet pioneer, media professional, serial tech entrepreneur, investor and Multi-Board Member. Recently he initiated the Dutch New Narrative Lab Foundation  (DNNL), after conducting a Diversity Exploration in the Dutch startup ecosystem commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate. In 2021 he was elected as the first black President of the Dutch Chapter of Internet Society.

Former IoT thought leader of KPN, Rutger Rienks, has chosen a new career path and is now working for a scale-up with a bold idea on machine learning.

Sascha is a dynamic entrepreneur and tech enthusiast with a strong passion for diversity and inclusion. After working in the tech industry for years and noticing the stark disparities in representation and equality, she found her true calling in supporting diversity and inclusion.
Her message: 'get out of your comfort zone'. With this, she encourages people to challenge themselves to grow and reach new heights. A call for personal growth and development to undergo significant transformations.

MSc. Mechanical Engineering 1997, has been working for more than 22 years at NRG, the Dutch nuclear research institute, operator of the High Flux Reactor Petten and worldwide leading supplier of medical isotopes. Sander has a background in computational engineering, design and management of nuclear fuel and material irradiations (specifically High Temperature Reactor), post-irradiation examination, business development, and medical isotope development.

As Head of the Data Lab Sofie work with a team of dedicated professionals on data science solutions that help us safeguard what is dear to us.

The inventor of streaming technology (exactly 30 years ago!) Stef van der Ziel radically restarted his company

Tabo Goudswaard is an artist, researcher and social designer. His Social Design Studio designs new ways of looking at social problems. It seeks to connect with people’s everyday behaviour and designs new concrete perspectives for taking action, which is both shared with participants and produced together with them. It is his conviction that creative professionals can play a crucial role in shaping societies.

Wendy van Ierschot, entrepreneur and HR expert, guides companies through the challenges of scaling up. She emphasizes the importance of adapting leadership styles and HR strategies to different growth stages. Recognized globally for her expertise, Wendy is committed to empowering individuals in their careers.

About easy identity verification for everyone with a smartphone and an electronic identity document. Their ReadID technology is the most user-friendly, secure, and scalable solution, building upon the possibilities of NFC technology.

Mr. Dr. Willeke Slingerland is a Professor of Applied Research in Resilient Democracy at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. She leads projects on integrity and anti-corruption, and serves on multiple boards, including the Incompatibility Commission House for Whistleblowers.

Wiro (partner in Zin in de Zaak and Professional Play) has a firm belief that we can achieve anything if we tap into collective wisdom. And that’s exactly what Dutch Innovate Yourself is about: Collect ideas, Create your profile, Connect to others, Collaborate on challenges and Celebrate progress.