On October 6th, a group of UT students and young alumni visited PhiX Photonics Assembly, located at Kennispark Twente. The afternoon offered an inspiring look into the fast-growing world of photonics and the unique role PhiX plays in this field.
The visit started with a warm welcome from Gijs van Ouwerkerk (alumnus ME'94/Phd and host), who coordinated the event together with HR colleagues Babette Veldhuizen and Karen van der Struik in collaboration with the UT alumni office. Their efforts made the program smooth and engaging.
The presentations gave valuable insights into both the company and the sector. Marcel van Veen (ET'91 alumnus) introduced PHIX Photonics Assembly, explaining the company’s activities, the growing demand for photonics assembly, and the diverse ecosystem that supports this innovative industry. David van Duinen (AT'09/AP'13 alumnus) gave a guided tour through the company’s facilities and explained with more depth about the work at PHIX, while giving insights on how a UT background can lead to impactful work at PHIX.
Attendees were impressed by the high-tech environment, the modern labs, and the collaborative working atmosphere. Many expressed their curiosity through in-depth questions about the production processes, technologies, and career opportunities.
The program concluded with an informal networking moment. Here, students had the chance to meet PHIX colleagues, including Stan Weenink (alumnus BA'19 and currently doing his master), who has been working at PHIX since his second year of studies. Conversations over snacks and drinks gave participants a better sense of what it means to work at PHIX, both technically and culturally.
Overall, the visit left a strong impression: the participants discovered not only the technological excellence of PhiX, but also the welcoming and inspiring work environment that makes it an attractive place for future engineers and young professionals.
