It applies to all of the above! SmartGoals is a new private company that was founded by TU/e graduate Chris Heger, who recently launched the system. It’s a practice tool for soccer (or field hockey or other sports), fitting a university that feels very strongly about technological innovation and the connection with society.

SmartGoals are six small interactive luminous soccer goals that can be used for practice. As soon as you score in the goal that’s lit up, the LEDs turn off, and another goal lights up immediately. Players have to think fast, making the practice material a dynamic factor that learns and gradually becomes more difficult.

SmartGoals is very Brainport. The concept and entrepreneur hail from TU/e. Van Berlo contributed to the design and VDL produces it – they’re all based right here in this region.

I’m not trying to launch a promotional campaign for the start-up, but it’s an apt example of what TU/e stands for. There are many more fantastic examples that I will definitely mention if the opportunity arises in the future.

Since my installation as Executive Board Chairman six months ago, I’ve been going to work with a smile on my face. I enjoy being on campus and beholding the wondrous world of science, but most of all I am submerged by the unrestrained energy of young people.

And that’s exactly why I think this is a good example. On top of that, it shows how technology can help people to improve themselves. Think of TechUnited: the team won the world robot soccer championships, and so made the idea of a soccer match between humanoids and human players by 2050 a realistic prospect.

I am convinced that technology can advance not only sports and games, but society as a whole, too: healthcare, mobility, and sustainability. And soccer, the most popular sport in the Netherlands, happens to be one of the most conservative sports when it comes to technological innovation. Ajax and AC Milan have already purchased SmartGoals, so it’s up to PSV to follow suit. Who knows, it might just influence their results! Is the Dutch national team looking to improve, by any chance?