DTW 2018 ©Bram Saeys
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What does the genetic structure of a kiwi look like? With DNA isolation you can find out. Also you will learn what you can do with this information. Or go on a journey through the stars and explore the universe in a mobile planetarium. Learn how to program a robot or think of ways to outwit AI systems. Just a few examples from the full programme of the ‘High Tech Ontdekkingsroute‘ on 25 May during this year’s Dutch Technology Week. (20 t/m 25 May).

Read more about the Dutch Technology Week 2019 here.

Where at the beginning of the DTW activities are mainly intended for professionals or visitors have to register in advance, the ‘High Tech Ontdekkingsroute’ is open to everyone. A great way to complete the week to share the possibilities of technology with the general public. Here visitors can peek behind doors that normally stay shut. To see how sensors in smartphones are made, for example. But above all, there is a lot to do and discover. From printing pancakes and programming robots to designing smart dykes and thinking about how to make cars more eco-friendly. At some locations, job seekers can meet potential employers at job fairs. Parents (and other interested visitors) can also enjoy themselves with lectures, technical experiments and demonstrations.

Divided into eleven ‘hotspots’ throughout the Netherlands, more than 100 companies, universities and other institutions open their doors. For young and old. In these hotspots, companies work together to share their enthusiasm for technology with the general public. From the construction sector to health care, because technology plays a role everywhere. The event is growing because once again this year a number of new ‘hotspots’ will join the route. This is the first time that the Novio Tech Campus and the Radboud University in Nijmegen are part of the route. Visitors to Nijmegen can join guided tours at various companies on the campus, such as Nexperia. This company produces almost 100 billion chips annually for the mobile phone and car industry, among other things. At Radboud University, in addition to lectures on, for example, the influence of AI on the world, there are also plenty of things to do; children (and adults) learn more about the periodic system through chemical tests.

High Tech Ontdekkingsroute
DTW 2018 © Bram Saeys

Also, new this year: during the ‘High Tech Ontdekkingsroute’, Shell organises the Challenger of the ECO-marathon in Oss. In this competition, teams of students and students design, build and drive a vehicle that is as sustainable as possible. On 25 May, it will be the last day that teams can qualify for the final in London. In addition to the qualification, a mini-festival on science and technology has been set up for children on the Berghem kart circuit in Oss. As well as in other locations in the Netherlands, young people can do a lot of things and try them out so they can experience what is possible with technology and science.

This edition two new tech hotspots were added to Eindhoven, the place where it all started eight years ago; Strijp-T and the Brainport Industries Campus. At Strijp-T, Additive Industries presents its technology as well as URE, a TU/e student team. They will tell about their racing car and what it’s like to be in a student team. And at the Brainport Industries Campus, KMWE is one of the many companies where visitors can have a look behind the scenes. At Summa College, young people can work with various machines and materials to find out whether a technical profession might suit them.

In addition to all the newcomers, ‘old-timer’ hotspots will also return, such as Tilburg, which is participating for the second time this year. At Stappegoor, visitors can see which technical gadgets are important in construction and they can design an energy-efficient home with VR glasses on their heads. The full programme can be found here.

DTW 2018 ©Bram Saeys