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. General director at QuTech with 20 years of experience in developing systems for commercialization of university research.
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.
Session in English