Please note that the program will be refined in the coming weeks. We will continue to update this page as new details and speakers are confirmed, so we encourage you to check back regularly for the latest information.
Program overview
We are delighted to welcome you at Voorhof for the registration of this event. Upon arrival, you will receive your personal badge, and we invite you to help yourself to a cup of coffee while you settle in. At 9.45 AM, the doors to the Blue Room will open, and you are kindly asked to take your seats so that the program can begin. We look forward to a day of inspiring exchange and wish you a pleasant start.
Speakers:
– Silvia Lenaerts, Rector Magnificus of Eindhoven University of Technology,
– Bart Smolders, Scientific Director of the Casimir Institute and Full Professor in Electromagnetics/Antennas at Eindhoven University of Technology.
The day will commence with opening remarks by the moderator, setting the stage for what lies ahead. Following this, Prof. Bart Smolders will offer a brief introduction to the Casimir Institute, reflecting on the past year since its establishment and taking stock of where the Institute stands today. His introduction will provide a concise overview of the progress made thus far and outline the themes that will shape the remainder of the day’s program. It is a moment to look back on early achievements and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Engineering bridges science and technology, driving innovation for the benefit of people and society. Today we live in an increasingly technology-dependent world shaped by engineers – and the pace of change is increasing exponentially, thanks to microelectronics advances. This lecture will provide a perspective on microelectronics technology innovation, highlighting the importance of collaboration across national, disciplinary and organizational boundaries.
Moderator:
Martijn Heck, Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology
Speakers:
1) Paul Heremans, CTO imec and Senior Fellow
2) Kevin Williams, Full Professor and Chair of the Photonic Integration research group at Eindhoven University of Technology
Expert Dialogue: The Challenge of Heterogeneous Integration
This session takes the form of an interactive dialogue between leading experts, moderated by one of our department heads, to explore the complexities of heterogeneous integration. Rather than a formal panel, the conversation will unfold as an open exchange of ideas, allowing the participants to respond to one another and delve deeper into the subject matter. The discussion will highlight how TU/e research teams are addressing this challenge together with academic and industry partners, offering room for different perspectives on both the obstacles encountered and the potential pathways forward. A central theme will be the added value of such collaboration, showing how the combination of expertise across disciplines and sectors can accelerate progress and help turn ambitious ideas into tangible outcomes. The audience is warmly invited to follow the dialogue and gain a richer understanding of one of the most pressing topics in modern technology development.
Moderator:
Joost Kok, Vice-Dean of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology
Speakers:
1) Sjoerd Verduyn Lunel, Senior Strategy Manager ASML and Professor of Infinite Dimensional Dynamical Systems by special appointment at Utrecht University
2) Willem Jonker, Professor at the University of Twente.
Expert Dialogue: AI from Materials to Systems
This session brings together leading specialists for a thought-provoking and interactive dialogue on the ambitious challenge of embedding artificial intelligence across the entire chain, from the smallest material properties to fully integrated systems. Rather than a formal panel, the conversation will develop as an open and candid exchange, moderated by one of our department heads, in which experts are encouraged to respond to one another and explore the subject in greater depth. The dialogue will not shy away from the tough questions, as participants share their sometimes contrasting views on where the real bottlenecks lie and what it will truly take to overcome them. Central to the discussion is how TU/e research teams, in close cooperation with their partners, are navigating these complexities, while also critically examining the effectiveness of current approaches. Audiences can expect a frank exchange of ideas, where constructive friction is not only welcome but encouraged, as it is often in these moments of productive tension that the most innovative solutions emerge.
Poster & Demo Session – Discover, Connect, Be Inspired
During lunch, the atmosphere shifts into full discovery mode as the Voorhof and Senate room transform into a vibrant showcase of cutting-edge research and bold innovation across the domains central to the Casimir Institute. This interactive session offers a unique opportunity to wander through a landscape of groundbreaking posters and live demonstrations, where researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders come together in an informal setting to exchange insights, challenge ideas, and ignite new collaborations. Whether you are looking for inspiration, seeking a new partner, or simply curious about what is happening at the forefront of science and technology, this is the place to be. Grab a bite, strike up a conversation, and let the sparks fly.
CONNECT WITH CASIMIR INSTITUTE PROGRAM MANAGERS
During the event, all the program managers from the Casimir Institute will be present, and a special opportunity will be provided to speak to them. Please come to the Voorhof, where a dedicated networking area has been set up, offering the chance to connect with the program managers from the Casimir Institute and exchange ideas.
Speaker:
Anouk Hubrechsen, CEO and co-founder of Antennex
Keynote: A Start-up Perspective
This keynote presentation will offer a view from the world of start-ups, sharing insights into how entrepreneurial ventures approach innovation and bring new ideas to the market. Anouk Hubrechsen will reflect on her experiences in building a company from the ground up, touching upon the challenges encountered along the way and the lessons learned in bridging the gap between research and practical application. The session aims to provide a better understanding of the start-up mindset and the ways in which collaboration with academic and industrial partners can contribute to success. It promises to be an informative and thoughtful talk for anyone interested in the journey from concept to impact.
Moderator:
Anouk Hubrechsen, CEO and co-founder of Antennex
Panelists:
1) Michael Machold, Director of Venture Lab Quantum/Semicon at TUM Venture Labs
2) Lex Hoefsloot, Co-founder Lightyear
3) Bart van Grevenhof, Incubation Manager @ Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) at Eindhoven University of Technology
4) TBA
Panel Discussion: deeptech ecosystem
The program continues with a panel discussion that brings together representatives from different stakeholder groups, including academia, industry, and the entrepreneurial community. Together, they will reflect on the various challenges addressed in the earlier sessions of the day and share their perspectives on how these issues may evolve in the coming years. The conversation will look ahead, exploring the future outlook for the domains central to the Casimir Institute and considering what opportunities and obstacles may lie on the horizon. It offers a chance to step back from the details and consider the bigger picture, with input from a range of voices and viewpoints.
Speakers:
– Silvia Lenaerts, Rector Magnificus of Eindhoven University of Technology
– Martin Schuurmans, TU/e and TU/Delft emeritus professor
Recognition Ceremony
The program continues with a recognition ceremony, during which two forms of acknowledgement will be presented: one internal, honouring a member of the TU/e community, and one external, celebrating a valued partner beyond the university. This ceremony also marks the first step toward a more formal initiative in the future, as these recognitions are intended to grow into an established tradition. It is a moment to appreciate contributions and look ahead to what lies next.
Closing & Future Outlook
The event concludes with a closing and future outlook by Prof. Bart Smolders, followed by a look ahead at the priorities for the Casimir Institute in the coming year. This includes reflecting on where we hope to be by the next edition and what steps will bring us there. A moment to gather insights and look forward with purpose.
Networking Drinks
The day ends on a relaxed note with networking drinks in the area in front of the Blue Room. It is a chance to unwind, continue conversations from earlier sessions, and meet new faces in an informal setting. All attendees are warmly invited to raise a glass and enjoy a final moment of connection before heading home.
Casimir Institute program managers
The program managers from the Casimir Institute will also still be present during this networking moment so that you can get to know us better and ask any questions you may have.