Jam-packed Philips Museum embraces winners of the eighth Gerard & Anton High Tech Peak Awards

In a packed Philips Museum tonight, the annual Stars, Knallers, and Peak were awarded. The prizes went to people who have achieved something special in the innovative ecosystem of Brainport Eindhoven and from whom we expect a lot in the near future. These are not always the people in the foreground, but without whom, the ecosystem would collapse quickly. These Gerard & Anton High Tech Peak Awards were presented today for the eighth time. It is the winter counterpart to the Gerard & Anton Awards, offered to promising startups every summer.

Like last year, the awards ceremony took place at the Philips Museum, where Beatrix Bos and Bert-Jan Woertman and jury chairman Stijn Steenbakkers handed out the prizes to the winners. Museum director Olga Coolen welcomed the visitors with an explanation of the museum's goals and its plans for the coming year.

This year, the jury had a long list of 52 nominees. Below are the winners by category, along with the jury report.

Stars 2024: Four people are spotlighted for contributing to the high-tech and startup scene in and around Eindhoven in the past year.

Knallers 2025: Four people from whom much can be expected for the coming year.

Peak 2024: One person has made such a structural contribution to the Eindhoven ecosystem year after year - and will hopefully continue to do so - that they deserve a lifetime award.

Olga Coolen, Philips Museum, © Bram van Dal

Peak: Saartje Janssen

To start with the latter: this year's lifetime award goes to Saartje Janssen, director of Engineering, Process Technology, Construction, Electrical and Installation Technology at Summa College. The jury: “When you say Saartje Janssen, you say technical education with a big T. At a time when everyone cries out for well-educated technical talent, Saartje never cried - she performed. She has been fighting tirelessly for better technical education all her career, especially at the MBO level. And that MBO will only become more critical in the near future. Of the 80,000 jobs created in the coming years, two thirds will be for MBO graduates. Saartje is responsible for projects for retraining, additional training, and Lifelong Development. In this way she helped and is helping thousands of people to a future in technology. Precisely what this region needs.

This lifetime achievement award is not just a thank you but a tribute to her years of dedication and impact. Yet the work is far from finished, and Saartje knows that better than anyone. That's why this is also a shout-out: more people like Saartje are needed to make her mission successful. Because without her and her advocates, there would be no well-educated technicians, and without those technicians, there would be no innovative Brainport. Saartje, you are a rock - this Peak is your crowning achievement!”

In her acceptance speech, the winner addressed the great importance of technical mbo students. “This award is given to me, but it feels like an appreciation for all our MBO students, who are the backbone of the manufacturing industry in Brainport. That I am allowed to stand here now is certainly also thanks to all my colleagues and all the collaboration partners I work with daily to build the Brainport ecosystem. With other educational institutions, companies, and government, the Beethoven project will take us into a challenging period in which we will make a joint effort to train technical talent. We take up that challenge together. That's what makes this work so special!”

Saartje Janssen, Piek Award, © Bram van Dal

Star: Freek Smit

If there is one person you can call the true IP guru of Brainport, it is Freek Smit. Decades of experience in intellectual property sounds impressive, but with Freek, it is much more than just experience. With an unmatched ability to reduce complicated IP issues to bite-sized chunks, he has voluntarily helped countless start-ups in Eindhoven move forward. No spotlight needed, no big ego - Freek does it because he believes in innovation and collaboration.

His advice has protected promising ideas and strengthened start-ups in a competitive world. Freek is the quiet force that lays the foundation for success with his sharp mind and warm personality. Or, as a young founder once said, “If Freek doesn't know, no one does.” Today we put Freek in the spotlight - and rightly so, because this star has been shining for years!

Freek Smit, Ster Award, © Bram van Dal

Star: Monique Greve

If there were an award for “connector of the year,” Monique Greve would win it. Her boundless energy and passion for innovation make her an indispensable link within Brainport's high-tech ecosystem. At The Gate, she helps start-ups turn dreams into reality, while with the DIANA project, she seeks adventure by bringing defense and high-tech companies together. Whether it's brilliant tech minds or serious strategists, Monique knows how to get them to the table with flair and vigor.

And then there was Level Up 2024, an event that became a resounding success thanks in part to her commitment to the pre-event Fuck-up Night, next to the big event itself. Monique brought not only ideas but also people together - an art she has mastered to perfection. Today she can 'level up' herself, because this award is more than deserved. Monique, you are the gateway to the future of Brainport!

Monique Greve, Ster Award, © Bram van Dal

Star: Bas Luijten and Maikel Denissen

If somewhere in Brainport, a young start-up was about to throw in the towel, Bas Luijten and Maikel Denissen were never far away to give them the necessary push in the right direction. On behalf of Metropoolregio Eindhoven, in recent years, they have not only guided many dozens (perhaps hundreds?) of start-ups but also provided them with that magic €50,000 subsidy - precisely the amount that often made the difference between giving up or persevering.

Looking at the list of Gerard & Anton Award winners, it takes little effort to conclude that the vast majority of them started their journey thanks to MRE's encouragement. Without that crucial push, the list of G&A winners might have looked very different. Bas and Maikel are thus the silent architects of high-tech success in this region. With their keen eye for potential and a hefty dose of decisiveness, they are the true investors of hope and perseverance. Today, they get to reap for themselves: this award is proof that you make a difference!

Bas Luijten, Maikel Denissen, Ster Award, © Bram van Dal

Star: Lex Boon

Lex Boon is the man who has been the beating heart of the Automotive Campus in Helmond for the past 7.5 years. With his vision, leadership and infectious enthusiasm, he has not only grown the campus, but also driven countless innovations in the mobility sector. From smart vehicles to sustainable transportation solutions, Lex has always been at the forefront of the future of mobility.

Recently, he put his talents to work at the Eindhoven Metropolitan Region, where he is sure to bring the same fire. Lex is not just an administrator; he is a connector, a visionary, and someone who knows how to turn an idea into a movement. Today we put him in the spotlight, in gratitude for his years of dedication and impact. Lex, you may have changed positions, but one thing remains the same: your drive to move the region forward. This is your moment to sit back; you've earned it!

Lex Boon, Ster Award, © Bram van Dal

Knaller: Gerard Spanbroek

As director of the Brabant Startup Fund, Gerard Spanbroek is the man who gives startups the boost they need to go from idea to impact. Whether it's about smart AI solutions or groundbreaking hardware innovations, if it's crackling with potential, Gerard is ready with advice, network and, not unimportantly, a bag of money. Thanks to him, many start-ups have already seen the light in the often dark tunnels of product development.

But this Knaller Award does not only look at what he has already achieved (and it is a lot!). We expect even more explosive impact from Gerard and his team in 2025. Because with his sharp eye for the right propositions, combined with his love for everything that breathes high tech and hardware, the future of innovation in Brainport is partly in his hands. Gerard, keep 'knalling' as only you can - the region is counting on your fireworks!

Gerard Spanbroek, Knaller Award, © Bram van Dal

Knaller: Boost - Ewout Hulscher, Joos Kat, Nick Hol, Maarten van den Elshout, Hugo van Hees

Ewout Hulscher, Joos Kat, Nick Hol, Maarten van den Elshout, and Hugo van Hees-five young pioneers with a mission: to take Brabant student teams to the next level. By founding Platform Boost, they have not only created a stage but built a real springboard for innovation. Thanks to their vision and perseverance, student teams can continue to push their boundaries and increase their impact on the region.

Because we all know how important student teams now are for Brabant. Not for nothing are they often used as a business card and signboard. What's extra nice is that Boost will link all levels of education. With €2.8 million of provincial support and a jam-packed agenda for 2025, this platform only promises to grow further. Boost is more than a name; it's a promise to connect talent, technology and ambition and to put Brabant even further on the international map. Ewout, Joos, Nick, Maarten, and Hugo, you are the embodiment of energy and vigor. We expect a lot of fireworks next year! Keep boosting!

Team Boost, Knaller Award, © Bram van Dal

Knaller: Sjoerd Romme

If there is anyone who not only builds dreams but also hands out the toolbox, it is Professor Sjoerd Romme, who, by the way, outside the Netherlands, invariably introduces himself as George Romme (we wonder if that is still allowed since the law 'internationalization in balance'). Since 2005 professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at TU/e, he has shaped the region into what it is today: an international hotspot for deep-tech innovation and entrepreneurship. From a white paper on the design of the High Tech Campus to his role in founding EIT InnoEnergy, which has now achieved unicorn status, Sjoerd has literally and figuratively built the future of Brainport.

But Sjoerd is not finished. With HighTechXL and DeepTechXL, he continues to mentor young professionals and develop venture-building tools that will be emulated internationally. In 2025, we expect even more impact from him-more tools, more talent, more innovation! Today he pops not only as a professor, but also as a visionary builder of our future. Sjoerd, keep building, 'knalling' and inspiring - the region looks forward to your next masterpiece!

Sjoerd Romme, Knaller Award, © Bram van Dal

Knaller: Marion Hinderdael and Sophie van Hof

Everyone sees the flashy press moments and the big bucks being brought in, but few people know who does the real lobbying work behind the scenes. In recent years, Marion Hinderdael and Sophie van Hof have walked all over The Hague - literally and figuratively - to put the Brainport region on the national map. One of the most striking results we now know as “Project Beethoven”: an impressive 2.5 billion euros for talent development, accessibility, housing construction, and equity in Brainport. This is an amount many regions can only dream of, but in their eyes, only the beginning of what is needed.

With Marion in her current role at Brainport Development and Sophie in her new position as sector head of economy and culture, we expect them to continue their tireless lobbying in 2025 as well. Because, let's face it: without them, nothing would have come of all this success. Marion and Sophie, you are the silent force behind Brainport's great leaps. Keep 'knalling' - the region is counting on your magic!

Marion Hinderdael, Sophie van Hof, Knaller Award, © Bram van Dal

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