Eindhoven Engine Ushers in a New Era, Tackling Complex Social Challenges

Eindhoven Engine Ushers in a New Era, Tackling Complex Social Challenges

(IN BRIEF) Eindhoven Engine has entered a new phase, focusing on solving complex societal challenges through innovation and collaboration in the Brainport region. The initiative, celebrated at the recent Festival of Disruption, now emphasizes four key areas: inclusive society, livable regions, future-proof healthcare, and sustainable semiconductors. Using a “love your problem” approach, it deeply analyzes systemic issues before developing solutions, such as addressing low literacy and promoting behavioral change alongside technological advancements for climate action. Since 2018, Eindhoven Engine has completed 26 projects, fostering collaborations and launching impactful innovations like bio-soluble stents and CO2 capture technologies. Its renewed mission aims to drive meaningful change in tackling urgent global problems.

(PRESS RELEASE) EINDHOVEN, 7-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Eindhoven Engine, a collaboration between TU/e, Fontys, TNO, and partners in the Brainport region, has entered a transformative phase in its mission to address societal challenges. Moving beyond a traditional focus on technological innovation, the initiative is now prioritizing deep analysis of complex social issues to develop sustainable, impactful solutions.

A Shift Toward Socially Driven Innovation

At the recent Festival of Disruption, held to celebrate this milestone, Eindhoven Engine unveiled its new direction, concentrating on four key areas: inclusive society, a livable region, future-proof healthcare, and sustainable semiconductor solutions. “We’re placing system thinking at the core of our approach,” said co-director Janne Brok. “By starting with the problem itself, detached from existing systems or interests, we aim to create maximum impact.”

Co-director Maarten Steinbuch echoed the sentiment: “We’ve learned to ask deeper questions about the core of the challenges we face. This shift marks Eindhoven Engine’s evolution into a 2.0 version, where we tackle pressing societal needs with a more holistic perspective.”

Spotlight on Low Literacy

The event highlighted Eindhoven Engine’s inclusive society theme with a workshop on low literacy. Despite significant efforts in the region, 10% of the population struggles with reading and writing, limiting their ability to participate in modern society.

Eindhoven Engine adopted a “love your problem” approach to analyze the issue, focusing on understanding its systemic roots before seeking solutions. Brok explained, “Instead of immediately engineering fixes, we’ve brought together stakeholders—ranging from those directly affected to organizations working on this issue.” Participants in the workshop experienced the challenges of interpreting complex letters, fostering empathy and awareness.

“Prosperity should benefit everyone,” said Steinbuch. “This aligns perfectly with the values and ambitions of the Brainport region.”

Combining Technology and Social Change

Keynote speaker Heleen de Koninck, professor of social-technological innovation and climate change at TU/e, emphasized the need for integrating technological advancements with behavioral changes to address climate issues. “Technology alone isn’t enough; society must transform, and behavioral change is critical,” Steinbuch added.

Delivering Promising Results

Since its inception in 2018, Eindhoven Engine has launched 26 projects that have fostered new collaborations between students, companies, and startups.

Notable projects include:

• AUXSTENT: Developing 3D-printed bio-soluble stents for tissue repair in cardiovascular diseases.
• CoLLidE: Introducing reusable, circular food packaging solutions.
• Carbyon’s Direct Air Capture 2.0: Innovating CO2 capture directly from the air.

With a focus on collaborative solutions and a renewed vision, Eindhoven Engine is set to build on this momentum. Brok concluded, “The challenges we face demand immediate action. At Eindhoven Engine, we’re determined to face these problems head-on, ready to innovate for a better future.”

Media Contact:

Anke Langelaan

Science Information Officer
+ 31 (0) 642159953
a.langelaan@tue.nl

SOURCE: TU/e