Three alumni. Three completely different paths. One shared ingredient: Passion.
On Friday 2 October 2026, three prominent UT alumni return to where it all began to share how they got from "student in Enschede" to where they are now, and what's driving them today.
Three stories about the choices that mattered, the detours nobody plans for, and the question that ties it all together: what actually moves you forward?
Save the date for the Alumni Talks 2026 and join on your own or with UT friends for the inspiring TED-style talks.
Speaker reveal
Over the coming weeks, we'll introduce the three alumni taking the stage on Friday 2 October. Meet the first two speakers.
Experience the Alumni Talks together
Would you like to bring someone along to attend the Alumni Talks together? A former classmate, colleague, or someone from your old association? You are very welcome! Make sure they also have the details above!
About the speakers
Kees Eijkel
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.
Leonie van der Steen
Leonie van der Steen is on a mission: how can we create societal systems that are not only sustainable and effective, but also just for all life? As a strategic thinker, connector, and catalyst for change, she works on the energy transition, bio-based construction, and the development of a new economic system. She firmly believes that everyone can contribute to major societal transitions—but only if they know the impact they want to make.
At the University of Twente, Van der Steen truly embodied the university’s More Than A Degree philosophy. Alongside her studies in Civil Engineering, she was actively involved with Audentis, served on the board of the Student Union, and became a partner at PIP Advice, a consultancy entirely run by master’s students. During her time at Boer&Croon and Squarewise, she established herself as a sought-after expert in systems change within the built environment and became an entrepreneur in a steward-owned organisation. As Leonie puts it: “We strive for an ego-free and eco-friendly world. Unconventional and independent. That means you shouldn’t have owners or managers standing in the way.”
Leonie is a social entrepreneur through and through. She co-founded the Gideons Movement, a community of around 1,200 bold pioneers committed to driving positive change in the construction sector. Today, she is primarily focused on the regenerative estate De Kleverbergh, where she is bringing her vision for the future to life—creating a place that reflects her ideals and that she will one day call home.
SPEAKERS from previous editions
To get an overview of the speakers for the past Alumni Talks you can check out our overview page.