Different job, same mission

After a fruitful 12 years at High Tech Campus Eindhoven, currently as Marketing & Communications Director, I have decided to change jobs.

As from June 1 I’ll be working as Commercial Director for the Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e) in a new role of building bridges, connecting people and getting the success story of Eindhoven’s Brainport Region into the limelight.

It’s been a difficult decision, as I leave behind a host of fantastic colleagues, talented entrepreneurs and great friends. If I say it’s been a pleasure working with you, I’m selling you short. It’s been amazing.

So why leave? The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “All is flux, nothing is stationary.” In life you need a new challenge once in a while. At least I do. I feel the need to develop myself further, meet new, inspiring people and see my beloved city of Eindhoven from a different perspective. So when the opportunity came, I jumped.

But although my job title and employer may change, my mission remains the same. It’s still my passion and my goal to tell the world about the incredible research, discoveries and innovation taking place in Eindhoven.

I’ll be doing it from a different office, but I’m taking my network with me. So if you thought you finally got rid of me, I’m sorry to say you can put away your party hat. You’ll still be seeing a lot of me in the future. ;-)

And now for the philosophical bit. If you look at Eindhoven from the moon, we’re just a tiny little dot. So why emphasize our differences? Why institutionalize things? Whether you call it High Tech Campus or Technical University, it’s the same ecosystem.

The two campuses have been working together for years. Students from the TU/e find internships in the companies at the High Tech Campus, which profits from the influx of new talent. Professors and researchers from the university join forces with big tech companies at the Campus to do research and development in health care, data science and LED lighting.

These cross-pollinations comprise what I call ‘managed serendipity’ and it’s driving innovation and scientific breakthroughs.

Without getting all teary-eyed, what I’m trying to say is that we’re in this together. As a tech region or innovation district, we have to cooperate and network as much as we can. Because that’s where new ideas dawn, grow and blossom.

So whether you are a student, a start-up, a company CEO or a university professor here in Eindhoven, you’re part of the same tech ecosystem that is the Brainport Region. And I’ll be here to help you find the right people, talent and stakeholders to kickstart your great ideas. Just like I’ve been doing the past years.

Thanks for the great 12 years.

Bert-Jan