Stella Juva: a solar-powered ambulance from Brainport that makes medical care accessible, anywhere
How do you provide access to medical care in places where there is no infrastructure, no power grid, and where fuel is scarce? That is the question that 23 students from Eindhoven University of Technology asked themselves when they embarked on their latest mission as Solar Team Eindhoven. Their answer: Stella Juva – the world's first ambulance that runs entirely on solar energy and powers medical equipment. In July 2026, they will present the vehicle to the world.
An innovative total solution
Stella Juva is much more than a vehicle. It is a self-sufficient mobile clinic that makes healthcare possible in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. Think of regions where conventional emergency services simply cannot reach due to a lack of infrastructure or high dependence on fossil fuels. Thanks to its smart design and integrated medical equipment, Stella Juva can perform screenings, provide first aid, and serve as a link in medical missions carried out by NGOs.
“The design requires a unique combination of robustness, lightweight materials, and maximum energy efficiency,” says Mathijs van Gerven, team manager of Solar Team Eindhoven and master's student in Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology. “In addition, the vehicle must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions and rough terrain. So we are not building a concept car, but a functional solution that can actually be used in the field.”
A project with impact: locally made, globally relevant
Solar Team Eindhoven operates entirely from Brainport Eindhoven, demonstrating what the region is capable of: bringing together students, technology, and social ambition to create tangible innovation. Whereas previous Stella vehicles were primarily focused on mobility itself, Stella Juva adds an extra dimension: healthcare. The team actively collaborates with NGOs to ensure that the application is as practical as possible.
“We want to show that mobility can mean more than just transportation,” says Van Gerven. “It can play a role in solving social challenges, such as access to healthcare.”
From sketch to driving prototype in one year
The team began the first sketches in September 2025. They are now working hard on production. Stella Juva will be presented to the public in July 2026, after which the team will take the vehicle on tour to NGO locations to demonstrate its practical application.
The challenge is great, but not new to the team. Previous successes such as Stella Terra (the first off-road solar car), Stella Vita (the self-sufficient camper) and four world titles in the World Solar Challenge prove that this student team knows how to push the boundaries time and time again.
Collaboration sought: connecting technology and social impact
To make Stella Juva possible, the team is seeking active collaboration with companies and organizations. At this stage, the focus is mainly on financial partners who want to commit to a local initiative with a global impact. The relevance is high for partners in the medical sector, energy industry, and automotive industry. It is precisely the combination of high-tech innovation, social relevance, and regional anchoring that makes Stella Juva a powerful project for companies that want to make an impact.
Van Gerven: “We are not looking for sponsors, but partners. Companies that believe in the power of collaboration and want to work with us to build a sustainable future for mobility and healthcare.”
Want to know more or join?
Visit solarteameindhoven.nl for the full story or contact team manager Mathijs van Gerven on + 31 (0)6 40426980or at info@solarteameindhoven.nl.