Forty new Brainport Eindhoven ambassadors thanks to Young Brainport Summer School

Shortage of tech talent

The aim of the summer school is to create new ambassadors worldwide, because there is a growing shortage of good high-tech knowledge workers. Following the motto ‘you reap what you sow’, Young Brainport Summer School hopes to be able to reduce this shortage. The students transfer their enthusiasm on to other tech talents in their region, so that they hopefully become interested in studying and/or working in Brainport Eindhoven.

Enthusiastic ambassadors

It is clear that we have 40 new ambassadors. They really showed their enthusiasm about Brainport Eindhoven. That was also visible during the PSV assignment, where the participants, after a master class Design Thinking by Van Berlo Agency, had to design the stadium of the future. As a result of the collaboration, many creative ideas emerged, such as a water-based heat regulation system, a discount system based on the sustainability of your vehicle, and the winning idea: a supporters app to be used during the match. The sometimes intense discussions prior to the results, coming from different disciplines, showed commitment and enthusiasm.

Despite these discussions, there is a close bond between the participants: "The young people created a family in just one week, in which everyone helped each other and had fun with each other." Shristi (17) from Delhi, described her fellow participants as ‘scientists’ with academic excellence, passion for technology and respect for each other regardless of their backgrounds. The international participants were very impressed by the hospitality in the region. “The companies are very hospitable and they have provided us with real cases. That really helps as it gives a realistic view of the companies in which we could work later. Working together is vital,” says Ekin (18) from Turkey. The participants felt very welcome which of course helps with enthusing their friends and fellow students about this region.

The number of companies and especially start-ups also appeals to many participants. Sinan (17) from Turkey: “I really like that everything is so close together here. It is easy to reach. I don't think I will find these opportunities in my own country," he adds. "It's so nice to see how the technology is applied. I have always been interested in physics and I am now even more enthusiastic.”

The various company visits have made a considerable impact on the students. In their final presentations they spoke exuberantly about their experiences. Ines (17) from Lisbon: “We found the philosophy of Brainport. We got that Brainport Eindhoven can’t be measured in square meters. It needs to be measured in progress and by that point of view, Brainport is huge. We got that going forward is really important to this place but they know that communication and interaction between people from different fields is key for that. And we are so glad to be part of this.”

One participant even asked for a moment to put project manager Mieke Zijlstra in the spotlights, as a ‘thank you’ for this unique experience. Prince (16) from Bangladesh would love to study and work in Brainport Eindhoven. The Young Brainport Summer school has fed his enthusiasm even more. "Without a doubt I can say that this is an unforgettable experience that I will cherish in the future."

Last young Brainport Summer School

This was the last edition of the Young Brainport Summer School. "We have had four very successful editions and think it is time for the next step," says program manager Yvonne van Hest. “Together with our partners we have decided to continue the concept, but with a target group that is a bit closer to the business world. In concrete terms, this means that we will use the unique experience at our tech companies for (international) students at (applied) universities. In order to retain even more students who will use their talents for the companies in the region.”