The program offers a strong mix of inspiring speakers, in-depth updates, and plenty of time to network and explore demos at the knowledge plaza. The full program and lineup of speakers will be revealed soon.
Program
10:00 - 11:00 | Walk-in and demo's
Start the conference with a coffee and explore cutting-edge technological demo's.
11:00 - 11:15 | Kick-off
We kick off the conference with a plenary session, introduced by Monika Hoekstra and Peter Stolk.
Speakers:
Monika Hoekstra, Managing Director NXTGEN Hightech
Peter Stolk, Chair of the Board NXTGEN Hightech
11:15 - 11:35 | Keynote: Mattijs Slee, CEO Alquion
Mattijs Slee is a cleantech entrepreneur with a broad technical and commercial background, motivated to bring scale to the energy transition to ensure energy security and reduce climate damage.
After graduating with a MSc in hydraulics at Delft University of Technology in 2006, he worked on large scale energy projects around the world with Shell. In 2019 he joined the New Energy business as an Investment Director at Shell Ventures and later Commercial Head Europe for Shell Hydrogen.
In 2021 he was appointed CEO of Battolyser Systems, a cleantech scale-up developing the first fully flexible electrolyser that allows integration of renewable energy and produces low-cost green hydrogen for industrial applications. In 2026 Battolyser Systems merged with VDL Hydrogen Systems into Alquion, which he leads as Founder and CEO.
11:35 - 11:55 | Keynote: t.b.d.
12:00 - 13:30 | Network lunch and demo's
At midday, enjoy an extensive networking lunch. Explore demos at the knowledge plaza, learn more about our PhD projects, and make new connections.
13:30 - 14:15 | Break-out sessions Round 1
See below for more details.
14:15 - 14:30 | Break
14:30 - 15:15 | Break-out sessions Round 2
See below for more details.
15:15 - 15:30 | Break
15:30 - 16:00 | Keynote by astronaut André Kuipers
André Kuipers is the first Dutchman with two space missions to his name. His second mission was the longest spaceflight in European history: 11 days during mission DELTA in 2004 and 193 days during mission PromISSe.
André will be sharing his unique perspective on innovation, sustainability and the future.
16.30 - 17:00 | PhD Poster Award Ceremony
17:00 - 18:00 | Closing & Networking drinks
After a full program, it’s time for drinks. Take a moment to walk around the knowledge square and enjoy some snacks and refreshments.
Break-out sessions
These sessions are designed around a selection of topics that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. We will explore six different themes, each split up into two engaging rounds.
We will share the details of the sessions as soon as we can. For the moment, we've highlighted the main focus area of each session.
Round 1
Zero hunger
From Innovation to Impact
Accelerating the Handsfree Agrifood Transition through Collaboration
Good health and well-being
Scaling the next generation of personalized therapies
Quality education
Engineering the workforce of tomorrow
Climate action
How Dutch elektrolyser technology can enable the climate transition for Dutch industry
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Advanced materials for Dutch defense
Decent work and economic growth
Decent work and economic growth
Round 2
Zero hunger
Automating the food chain
Good health and well-being
Opportunities for semicon in healthcare
Quality education
Reskilling for systems complexity
Climate action
How Dutch battery technology can enable the climate transition in The Netherlands
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Connecting Europe's critical infrastructure
Decent work and economic growth
Financing the next generation of hightech