Queen Máxima drove behind her husband, together with Alexia and Ariane, in the Lightyear One, the world’s first family car powered by solar energy, designed by alumni of Solar Team Eindhoven. It was an excellent idea: presenting Eindhoven’s potential and innovative power in a parade led by the king. The execution was less successful though. The television director only seemed interested in that ‘cute’ DAF Kini and never thought to turn the cameras in the direction of Eindhoven’s true pride. A major shortcoming, because this decision deprived viewers of the opportunity to see Solar Team’s solar car Stella Era, TU/ecomotive’s car made out of recycled waste Luca, InMotion’s ultrafast charging car, and the driverless race car designed by University Racing Eindhoven. And this despite the fact that student teams are an asset to the Netherlands, which deserve to be seen.

They are formed by groups of motivated students from various backgrounds with a wide variety of talents. Young people with knowledge of technology, organization and design. It’s only by joining forces that we can benefit from the innovative technology that we need today. And not just within the automotive sector, because TU/e currently has nineteen accredited teams working in various fields, all of which are committed to making a contribution to a more sustainable and efficient world.

That knowledge shouldn’t remain hidden from view behind the university’s walls. Self-elected student minister of innovation Dirk van Meer, who is also a student at TU/e, recently made a plea that student teams should be included in an effort to “help shape the future of the Netherlands - based on research and science.” Van Meer would like student teams, with their knowledge of innovation, to play a more significant role in the political debate, for example when it comes to tackling possible new pandemics. Student team T.E.S.T. is currently in the process of developing a test that detects such a new virus, which is also the focus of an international competition organized by SensUs. Members of the House of Representatives have very little knowledge of technology, and the expertise of teams like these will bring more substance to the debates on such matters.

Critical questions asked by the University Council and the recent growth and results of the teams have resulted in HiGST, the High interest Group Student Teams, which aims to draw up a shared vision for student teams in the future. Because these teams don’t just deliver successful products that can be put on display, but they also offer students at TU/e the opportunity to develop themselves and to become the engineers of the future. Something TU/e gladly supports.

I would like to advise our King to leave the DAF in the royal garages next time he visits Eindhoven, and to opt for one of the vehicles designed by a student team instead. This way, he will see with his own eyes and experience for himself just how valuable innovation is to the Netherlands. My advice to all TU/e students: inform yourself about what a student team can offer you! And I strongly encourage people working in politics and industry to do the same.

Photo | Dutchmen Photography / Shutterstock