E.T.S.V. Scintilla

On October 2nd, two eminent UT-alumni come to campus to tell about their career and what drives them. During their story, you get free lunch if you sign up!

 

Kees Eijkel PhD'88

THE QUANTUM REVOLUTION IN THE NETHERLANDS: GLOBAL IMPACT!

From Twente engineer to shaping the quantum era: Kees Eijkel on entrepreneurship, deep tech and the future of quantum technology

Kees Eijkel is a connector. His entire career has been dedicated to bridging the gap between science and entrepreneurship, with the aim of creating a positive social impact. As General Director of QuTech, TU Delft’s Dutch research institute for quantum technology, he continues to do just that. Among other things, QuTech develops quantum computers and a secure quantum internet, and plays a leading role in the global quantum race.

After studying Mathematics at the University of Amsterdam, Eijkel came to Twente to pursue a PhD. In the years that followed, he held various positions within the university and became one of the driving forces behind Twente’s innovation ecosystem. As director of Kennispark Twente (now Novel-T), he was committed to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting start-ups and commercialising knowledge. Previously, as director of operations at the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, and later as Director of Strategic Business Development at the University of Twente, he worked to enhance the economic and societal value of scientific research.

Groundbreaking technology can only make an impact when researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and governments work together, says Kees. That conviction also forms the basis of his work at QuTech, where he is building an ecosystem designed to give the Netherlands and Europe a leading position in the quantum era.

 

Bert Lutje Berenbroek (EE'92)

Accelerating the energy transition with data and AI

From Twente engineer to international entrepreneur: Bert Lutje Berenbroek on smart energy data, AI, and the future of the electricity grid

Bert Lutje Berenbroek believes that data is the key to a successful energy transition. As Founder and CEO of NET2GRID, he has spent more than a decade helping households, utilities, and grid operators better understand and optimize energy consumption. His philosophy is simple: when consumers and businesses have access to real-time, personalized insights, they can make smarter decisions, reduce energy use, and contribute to a more sustainable energy system. As one of the pioneers in applying artificial intelligence to energy data, Bert is helping shape the digital transformation of the global energy sector.

After earning his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Twente, Bert began his career in the semiconductor industry in Silicon Valley and Boston. He held international commercial and management positions at companies including Cypress Semiconductor, Samsung Semiconductor, Ubicom, and Ember Corporation, specializing in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies and building expertise in innovation and global business development. In 2011, he founded NET2GRID, convinced that smart meter data would become an essential driver of the transition to a cleaner and more efficient energy system.

Today, Bert leads NET2GRID, an internationally operating scale-up that uses AI-powered analytics to transform energy data into actionable insights for major utilities across Europe and North America. By enabling grid operators and energy suppliers to better manage electricity networks, unlock flexibility, and actively engage consumers in sustainable energy use, NET2GRID is helping tackle one of the defining challenges of our time: creating an affordable, reliable, and carbon-neutral energy system.