Chiptech Talent ('Beethoven')

Project Leader: Shabnam Walyar/Harijot Singh Bindra

Other Team Members: International Office and participating UT faculties

Status: ☐Running     ☑Completed

Objective:
This project strengthens international collaboration between the University of Twente and leading Indian partners to support the long-term development of ChipTech Talent. Building on the Netherlands Innovation Mission to India and the strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, the initiative promotes student and staff exchange, joint research and international talent recruitment. The collaboration expands the university's global semiconductor network and creates new opportunities for education, innovation and research within the ChipTech ecosystem.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry

Project Leader: Cora Salm

Other Team Members: Herbert Wormeester, Jurriaan Schmitz, Gerwin Hoogsteen

Status: ☑ Completed

Objective:
The CuriousU Semicon programme introduces bachelor students from diverse academic backgrounds to the opportunities and societal relevance of semiconductor technology. Through interactive workshops, laboratory experiences and multidisciplinary learning activities, participants explore how chip technology contributes to solving real-world challenges while becoming familiar with related master's programmes at the University of Twente. The initiative inspires talented students to continue their studies in ChipTech-related disciplines and strengthens the future inflow into the semiconductor talent pipeline.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Leontien Kalverda

Other Team Members: Representatives of Nuffic, University of Twente, TU Eindhoven, TU Delft, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective
The semiconductor industry increasingly depends on international collaboration to attract and develop highly qualified talent. This project establishes a short international talent programme connecting universities in the Netherlands and Southeast Asia, creating opportunities for talented students to explore advanced semiconductor education and research. By combining academic exchange, international partnerships and targeted recruitment, the initiative increases the visibility of Dutch ChipTech education while strengthening long-term collaboration and attracting future master's students to the ChipTech Talent programmes.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Rita de Wilde-Brink

Other Team Members: Karan Raju (International Student Advisor Beethoven), Herbert Wormeester, Programme Directors of the Beethoven Master's programmes

Status: ☐Running     ☑ Completed

Objective:
International students play a vital role in the future ChipTech workforce but often require additional support beyond their academic programme. This project establishes a dedicated International Student Advisor for the Beethoven Master's programmes, providing guidance before arrival, during onboarding and throughout the student journey. By supporting recruitment, student wellbeing, internships, career orientation and integration into Dutch society, the initiative improves student success, strengthens retention and contributes to a higher stay rate of highly qualified ChipTech graduates in the Netherlands.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector

Project Leader: Lantian Chang

Other Team Members:

Status: ☑ Running   ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project establishes an annual international summer school that brings together bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students with researchers and companies active in integrated photonics. Through lectures, laboratory visits, company visits and multidisciplinary challenge-based learning, participants gain first-hand experience of the Dutch photonics ecosystem and the close collaboration between academia and industry. By attracting talented students from the Netherlands and abroad, the initiative strengthens international visibility, supports recruitment into UT programmes and contributes to the long-term ChipTech Talent pipeline.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Stefanie Ankonie

Other Team Members:

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project establishes a flexible scholarship programme for outstanding international students enrolling in degree programmes that contribute directly to the ChipTech Talent and Beethoven objectives. Individual scholarships complement existing University of Twente funding schemes and are tailored to each student's financial situation. By reducing financial barriers for highly talented students, the initiative strengthens international recruitment, supports academic excellence and contributes to a sustainable inflow of highly qualified semiconductor talent.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Antoinette Tool

Other Team Members: Student Affairs & Services (Admissions Office), senior Admission Officers, Process Coordinators, CES, Marketing & Communication, Strategic Programmes

Status: ☑ Running   ☐ Completed

Objective:
A smooth admissions process is essential to achieving the University's ambitious ChipTech growth targets. This project strengthens the capacity of the Admissions Office to support the expected increase in applications for Beethoven-related master's programmes. By expanding admission expertise, improving application processes and contributing to university-wide recruitment and conversion initiatives, the project enables timely admissions, enhances the student experience and increases the likelihood that talented applicants choose the University of Twente for their ChipTech education.

Output(s)
Guidance Activities to Support Progression

Project Leader: Lyande Eelderink

Other Team Members: Stephanie Ankone, Leontien Kalverda, Yvonne Klerks, International partners (LPDP and participating universities)

Status: ☑ Planned

Objective:
International partnerships are becoming increasingly important for developing a sustainable semiconductor workforce. This project establishes a collaborative talent programme between the Netherlands and Southeast Asia, creating new pathways for highly motivated master's students to pursue ChipTech education at the University of Twente. By combining strategic recruitment, international scholarships and long-term cooperation with government and academic partners, the initiative strengthens the international visibility of ChipTech Talent while contributing to a diverse and highly qualified talent pipeline for the Dutch semiconductor sector.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Stefan Kooij

Other Team Members: Mark Rijkeboer, Marijke Stehouwer, Adelien Heutink

Status: ☑ Running  ☐ Completed

Objective:
In this project the objective is to (re)develop flexible pre-master pathways that enable talented students from different educational backgrounds to progress into ChipTech-related master's programmes. Students from abroad or from a University of Applied Sciences may not be directly eligible for enrollment in our master’s programmes. To remedie any deficiencies, a dedicated premaster programme may well prepare them for their MSc of choice. By assessing our present premaster programmes, and where necessary redeveloping the curriculum, we intend to more optimally align admission routes, academic preparation and student support, therewith lowering barriers for entry while maintaining academic quality. We envisage broadening access to ChipTech and semicon education, ultimately leading to a larger and more diverse influx of qualified master's students.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Attracting and Retaining Untapped Potential

Project Leader: Cora Salm

Other Team Members: Cora Salm, Stephanie Ankone, Rita de Wilde, Herbert Wormeester, Lisette van den Broek

Status: ☐ Running  ☑  Completed

Objective: This project strengthens educational collaboration with the University of Lodz to increase the international inflow of talented students into ChipTech-related master's programmes. Building on the existing Double Degree in Nanotechnology, the initiative explores opportunities to expand cooperation into Electrical Engineering and related semiconductor disciplines. By attracting highly motivated international students, the project contributes to a sustainable talent pipeline for the Dutch semiconductor ecosystem.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Bram Nauta, Leontien Kalverda

Other Team Members: Adrie Scheggetman, Carmen Oude Scholtenhuis, Antoinette Tool, Jessica Greven, Shabnam Walyar, Josine Meerburg

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
International talent is essential for strengthening the Dutch semiconductor ecosystem. This project establishes the Twente Unity-Gain Scholarship as a targeted recruitment instrument to attract outstanding master's students from Italy, Spain, Portugal to ChipTech programmes at the University of Twente. The pilot combines strategic international partnerships, a streamlined selection process and dedicated student support to enhance international enrolment while creating a scalable model for future scholarship programmes within the ChipTech Talent initiative.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Stephanie Ankone, Rita de Wilde, Leontien Kalverda

Other Team Members: Anne Olde Lohuis, Tineke van der Wal-Zoer, Irene van der Ploeg, Carmen Olde Scholthuis (proposed)

Status:  ☐ Planned     ☐ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
Outstanding international students play a key role in strengthening the future semiconductor workforce. This project introduces ChipTech Talent Scholarships as a strategic recruitment instrument to attract high-potential master's students from selected target countries while encouraging talented bachelor graduates to continue into ChipTech master's programmes. By combining financial support with targeted international partnerships and clear career perspectives in the Dutch semiconductor sector, the initiative contributes to a sustainable and internationally diverse talent pipeline for ChipTech.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Herbert Wormeester, Rita de Wilde

Other Team Members

Status: ☐Running            ☑Completed

Objective:
Strong international partnerships create new opportunities to attract talented students into the European semiconductor ecosystem. This project expands the existing collaboration with Lodz University of Technology by exploring broader educational cooperation in semiconductor-related disciplines, including Electrical Engineering. Building on the successful Double Degree programme in Nanotechnology, the initiative aims to increase the inflow of high-quality international students while strengthening long-term collaboration and graduate retention within the Dutch ChipTech sector.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Boukje Vreman

Other Team Members: Stephanie Ankoné , Karan Raju, Herbert Wormeester, Cora Salm

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
The Short Talent Programme India is designed to strengthen the international recruitment pipeline for ChipTech master's programmes at the University of Twente. Organised in collaboration with partner universities, SEMICON India, the Dutch Embassy and industry partners, the programme introduces high-potential bachelor students to semiconductor research, engineering education and career opportunities in the Netherlands. Through lectures, workshops, company interactions and academic networking, participants gain first-hand experience of the UT ChipTech ecosystem while creating a natural pathway towards exchange programmes, master's studies and, ultimately, doctoral research. The initiative also establishes a scalable international recruitment model that can be replicated in other strategic regions.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Edwin Lodder, Cora Salm

Other Team Members: 2 Applied Physics students (BE cases), Sissi de Beer, Wesley van den Beld, Simone Bonenkamp, Edwin Lodder, Thomas Hoen, Stefan van Vliet

Status: ☐ Planned    ☐ Running     ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project develops a modular and mobile ChipTech outreach toolkit that makes semiconductor technology tangible and accessible to prospective students and other target groups. Through interactive demonstrations, topical boxes and workshops covering areas such as wafer surfaces, lithography, optics, circuits and chip applications, participants discover how chips are made, how they work and how these technologies connect to University of Twente study programmes. Designed for use at schools, fairs, open days and educational activities, the initiative strengthens student orientation and recruitment while creating reusable teaching materials that bring real-world ChipTech applications into the classroom.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Establishment of Practical Facilities
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector
Attracting and Retaining Untapped Potential

Project Leader: Cora Salm

Other Team Members: Arnoud Onnink, Stef van Zanten, Kai Sotthewes

Status:  ☑ Running   ☐ Completed

Objective
Introducing prospective students to semiconductor technology requires an inspiring and accessible story. This project develops a dedicated ChipTech presentation for University of Twente Open Days, combining engaging explanations with demonstrations that illustrate how chips are designed, manufactured and applied in everyday life. The presentation is designed for repeated use across multiple audiences, including prospective bachelor's and master's students and non-specialist visitors. By making ChipTech visible and understandable, the initiative strengthens recruitment and increases awareness of the University's semiconductor education and research programmes.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Edwin Lodder

Other Team Members: Physics Education Group (ELAN), Teaching staff, Students from the Physics Teacher Education Minor and Double Master's programme

Status: ☑  Running    ☑ Completed  - yearly conference -

Objective: Physics teachers play an important role in inspiring the next generation of engineers. This project strengthens the visibility of ChipTech education during the annual Dutch Physics Education Conference by presenting the University of Twente through demonstrations, educational materials and direct interaction with teachers, school leaders and curriculum developers. The initiative creates lasting connections with secondary education, supports teachers in introducing semiconductor topics in the classroom and increases awareness of ChipTech study opportunities among future students.
 - yearly conference -

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Cora Salm

Other Team Members: Jorien Berendsen, Petra Hendrikse, Thomas Hoen

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
Inspiring future engineers starts with making semiconductor technology visible and accessible. This project develops a portfolio of interactive demonstrations, laboratory activities and educational materials for Open Days, Girls' Day and other outreach events. By creating engaging experiences for prospective students and supporting outreach activities across multiple ChipTech initiatives, the project increases awareness of semiconductor technology and strengthens recruitment into ChipTech-related degree programmes.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Attracting and Retaining Untapped Potential

Project Leader: Cora Salm

Other Team Members: Jorien Berendsen, Mathieu Odijk

Status: ☑ Running     ☐ Completed

Objective:
Student creativity can play an important role in making semiconductor technology accessible to a wider audience. This project engages bachelor students in developing outreach concepts, demonstrations and communication materials for the Semiconductor Learning Centre and ChipTech-related recruitment activities. By integrating authentic graduation assignments with outreach objectives, students contribute directly to increasing public awareness of ChipTech while gaining valuable experience in multidisciplinary collaboration and science communication. The project also creates opportunities to expand similar assignments to other educational programmes in the future.

Output(s)
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry

Project Leader:  Jorien Berendsen

Other Team Members: Marketing & Communication Team, ChipTech outreach team

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
Semiconductor manufacturing is a highly complex process that can be difficult to explain to prospective students and the general public. This project develops a professional animation that visualises the complete chip production process, from raw materials to advanced semiconductor devices. Designed for use during open days, school visits, online communication and outreach activities, the animation provides an accessible introduction to ChipTech and supports a consistent communication strategy across the University of Twente's recruitment and educational initiatives.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Clara Stegehuis

Other Team Members:

Status: ☑ Running   ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project develops a professional educational video that explains how semiconductor chips underpin modern AI technologies and how they are designed and manufactured. By combining accessible explanations with authentic footage from ASML, the project aims to inspire secondary school students and teachers while demonstrating the societal relevance of mathematics and engineering. As part of a broader Mathness video series accompanied by teaching materials, the project strengthens early awareness of ChipTech and supports recruitment into STEM and semiconductor-related degree programmes.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Kirsten Stadermann (TNW, BMS)

Other Team Members: Carolien Swart-Castenmiller (TNW/MESA+), Aernout van Rossum (TNW), Thomas Hoen (EEMCS), Petra Hendrikse (EEMCS), Secondary school teacher (tbd), Technical Support

Status: ☑ Running   ☐ Completed

Objective:
The ChipTech Discovery Lab establishes a hands-on outreach programme that welcomes entire secondary school classes (VWO 4/5) with their teachers to the UT campus, as well as bachelor students who do not necessarily have a background in electrical engineering or physics. Because whole classes participate, the practical workshops do not onnly showcase chip technology, but explicitly connect to the Dutch secondary school curricula in physics, chemistry and computer science. Building on the successful Qlab Twente model, new experimental setups on lithography, transistor logic and semiconductor materials will also be integrated into UT education, fostering interest and progression toward related UT bachelor, minor and master programmes.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Establishment of Practical Facilities
Attracting and Retaining Untapped Potential

Project Leader: RoboTeam Twente 

Other Team Members: RoboTeam Twente student team

Status: ☑ Running ☐ Completed 

Objective:
RoboTeam Twente expands and professionalises its educational robotics workshops to inspire secondary school students to pursue technical studies and careers in the Dutch semiconductor sector. Building on existing collaborations with Pre-U, UT Marketing & Communication and Oh Chips, the project develops new robotics workshops, acquires educational robot platforms and broadens outreach to schools throughout the region. By combining hands-on programming, robotics and engineering experiences with improved educational design and wider accessibility, the initiative strengthens the future ChipTech talent pipeline.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Kai Sotthewes

Other Team Members: Stefan Kooij, Kirsten Stademan, Paul Rupert, Marketing & Communication (MC)

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
The ChipTech Exchange Day strengthens the connection between secondary education and the University of Twente's ChipTech programmes through a dual-track exchange initiative. Secondary school teachers participate in an interactive ChipTech programme at the university while UT lecturers simultaneously teach application-oriented ChipTech lessons in participating schools. Starting with a pilot involving physics teachers, the initiative aims to build lasting school partnerships, improve awareness of semiconductor education and careers, and create a scalable outreach model covering the full ChipTech domain.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Dannis Brouwer

Other Team Members: Maarten Bonnema

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective
This project develops a new specialisation track in High-Tech Equipment Development within the MSc Mechanical Engineering programme. The track responds to industry demand from ASML and other high-tech companies by creating a visible and attractive educational route for students interested in advanced equipment engineering. By strengthening the profile of Mechanical Engineering in the ChipTech domain, the initiative aims to increase progression from the bachelor’s programme, attract national and international students, and prepare graduates for careers in high-tech systems development.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Lifelong Learning (LLL)

Project Leader: Herbert Wormeester

Other Team Members: Cora Salm, Leonie Krab, Sissi de Beer, Linlin Pei, Arturo Susarrey Arce

Status: ☑ Planned    ☐ Completed

Objective:
Designing, manufacturing and characterising a semiconductor device provides students with a unique understanding of the complete chip development process. This project develops an interdisciplinary educational module that combines theoretical foundations with hands-on cleanroom experience, allowing students to work through the full semiconductor value chain. Developed in collaboration with multiple faculties and the ECIU network, the module strengthens challenge-based learning, promotes international collaboration and prepares students for advanced study and careers within Europe's semiconductor ecosystem.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Cora Salm

Other Team Members: Herbert Wormeester, Jurriaan Schmitz, Wesley van den Beld, Dannis Brouwer, Maarten Bonnema

Status: ☑ Running     ☐ Completed

Objective:
The ChipTech Minor introduces students from different engineering backgrounds to the complete semiconductor value chain, from device physics and chip design to manufacturing and characterisation. Combining existing and newly developed educational modules with industry cases, laboratory experiences and opportunities for internships, the minor provides an attractive interdisciplinary learning pathway for University of Twente students, exchange students and, potentially, students from universities of applied sciences. The programme strengthens recruitment into ChipTech master's programmes while fostering closer collaboration with regional semiconductor companies.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Attracting and Retaining Untapped Potential

Project Leader: Ruben Ytsma

Other Team Members: Sterre Henrar, Desi Oosthoek, Bryan de Langen, Haike Strijker, (Europe Trip Committee 2026 – Arago)

Status: ☐ Running  ☑Completed

Objective:
This project engages Applied Physics students in a structured hackathon to explore how ChipTech is currently represented within the curriculum and student activities. During the event, students identify opportunities to increase awareness of semiconductor technologies, strengthen interest in ChipTech careers and research, and improve communication throughout the programme. The project delivers a set of student-driven recommendations that can be translated into concrete educational and outreach initiatives, ensuring that future cohorts encounter ChipTech earlier and more consistently during their studies.

Output(s)
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry

Project Leader: Luuk Spreeuwers

Other Team Members: Luuk Spreeuwers (DMB – EEMCS), Geert Jan Laanstra (DMB – EEMCS),

Status  ☑ Running   ☐ Completed

Objective:

This project develops a modular autonomous electric vehicle platform for the Dutch Self Driving Challenge, providing students with an authentic environment to design, integrate and test advanced chip-based technologies. Students from Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Technology and Creative Technology collaborate on autonomous driving, sensor integration and embedded computing. The reusable platform strengthens multidisciplinary project-based learning, increases the visibility of ChipTech education, and inspires students to continue into master's programmes and careers in the semiconductor and high-tech systems sectors.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Hao Chen

Other Team Members: Arash Amirteimoori , Yucheng Lyu, Wei Zgai

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
Many students outside traditional engineering programmes are unfamiliar with the breadth of career opportunities within the semiconductor sector. This project develops a cross-faculty seminar series that introduces students to the semiconductor ecosystem from an industry, supply chain and sustainability perspective. Through interactive seminars, regional industry contributions and practical career guidance, participants discover how their own academic background can contribute to ChipTech through electives, internships, graduation projects, academic conferences and future employment. The pilot creates a reusable educational package that can evolve into a university-wide elective or challenge-based learning module.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry
Lifelong Learning (LLL)
Attracting and Retaining Untapped Potential

Project Leader: Herbert Wormeester

Other Team Members: Stefan Kooij, André ten Elshof, Cora Salm, Arie van Houselt, Loes Segerink

Status: ☑  Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project explores the development of an interdisciplinary resilience track within the Bachelor Advanced Technology (B-AT) programme. By integrating topics such as critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, engineering systems and signal analysis, the initiative investigates how resilience can become a distinctive educational profile with strong links to the ChipTech domain. The project assesses the feasibility of the curriculum, develops a roadmap for implementation and strengthens progression towards ChipTech-related master's programmes through close collaboration with regional partners and industry.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry

Project Leader: Herbert Wormeester

Other Team Members: Martin Bennink, Additional educational staff (to be appointed)

Status: ☑  Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project explores the development of a dedicated ChipTech track within the MSc Nanotechnology programme, preparing students for engineering careers in the semiconductor industry. Building on the programme's strong scientific foundation, the track integrates industrial design, device fabrication, characterisation, testing and extended company-based learning. By strengthening collaboration with semiconductor SMEs and embedding practical industry experience in the curriculum, the initiative enhances graduates' readiness for ChipTech careers while creating a clear progression route towards Engineering Doctorate programmes.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression

Project Leader: Maarten Bonnema

Other Team Members: Dannis Brouwer, Lisa Gommer, Other Mechanical Engineering academic staff

Status: ☑ Running  ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project develops a flagship master's course in High Tech Machine Design that prepares students to design the next generation of advanced equipment used in the semiconductor industry. Through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach, students learn to balance mechanical, electrical, manufacturing and systems engineering aspects within complex machine architectures. The course strengthens the connection between academic education and industrial practice while supporting the development of highly skilled ChipTech engineers.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression

Project Leader: Mark Oude Alink /Bram Nauta

Other Team Members:

Status: ☑ Running     ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project develops a new course on the fundamentals of Digital IC Design from a transistor-level perspective to address the growing demand for skilled IC designers in the regional ChipTech ecosystem. The course provides students with a solid foundation in digital hardware design and its applications in embedded systems, artificial intelligence and system design. By strengthening collaboration with regional semiconductor companies, the initiative better prepares graduates for careers in IC design while expanding the University's educational offering.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry

Project Leader: Jurriaan Schmitz

Other Team Members: Cora Salm, Jurriaan Schmitz, (additional team members to be appointed)

Status: ☑ Running  ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project introduces a new portfolio of master's courses that address emerging developments in semiconductor technology. Students gain practical experience with advanced chip processing, electrical characterisation, reliability testing and heterogeneous integration using industry-standard equipment and methods. The curriculum is developed in consultation with industrial partners to address identified knowledge gaps and strengthen the connection between research, education and professional practice. The project contributes to a future-ready ChipTech workforce.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Felix Schwenninger

Other Team Members:

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
High-precision semiconductor equipment increasingly relies on advanced control methods that describe the behaviour of complex physical systems. This project develops a new master's course on the control of distributed parameter systems, introducing students from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Robotics to mathematical models and control techniques used in applications such as wafer stages and precision manufacturing. By connecting advanced theory with practical engineering challenges, the course prepares students for careers in the high-tech and semiconductor industries.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Bram Nauta/Stef van Zanten

Other Team Members:

Status: ☑ Running   ☐ Completed

Objective
Electronics is becoming an essential competence for engineers across a wide range of disciplines. This project reviews and renews electronics education for students outside the Electrical Engineering programme, making course content more relevant, application-oriented and closely connected to modern semiconductor technologies. By strengthening the electronics foundation of students in programmes such as Advanced Technology and, in the future, other STEM disciplines, the initiative broadens interest in ChipTech, supports progression into Electrical Engineering master's programmes and contributes to a larger multidisciplinary talent pool for the semiconductor sector.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Attracting and Retaining Untapped Potential

Project Leader: Bram Nauta

Other Team Members: Stef van Zanten

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
Electronics education forms an essential foundation for future IC design engineers. This project modernises the compulsory Master's course Advanced Analog IC Electronics and redesigns key elements of electronics education to better reflect current developments in integrated circuit design. The renewed curriculum strengthens educational quality, increases student engagement with electronics and contributes to stronger pathways into ChipTech-related master's programmes for students from Electrical Engineering and other STEM disciplines.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Arnoud Onnink

Other Team Members: Teachers from the Applied Physics, Advanced Technology, Chemical Science & Engineering, Nanotechnology and Technical Physics programmes, including Hubert Gojzewski, Joost Duvigneau, Chris Nijhuis, Arie van Houselt, Harold Zandvliet, Kai Sotthewes, Pantelis Bampoulis, Jimmy Faria Albanese, Jéré van Lente, Martin van der Hoef, Floris Zwanenburg and Rebecca Saive.

Status: ☑ Running     ☐ Completed

Objective: Many science students are unaware that their discipline offers exciting career opportunities in the semiconductor industry. This project integrates ChipTech examples, applications and guest lectures throughout existing courses in chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering, demonstrating how these fields contribute to semiconductor innovation. By embedding ChipTech across the curriculum, students gain a broader perspective on career opportunities, while the University strengthens interdisciplinary education and increases the visibility of ChipTech throughout the Faculty of Science and Technology. Progress reports already demonstrate successful implementation across multiple courses and positive student feedback.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector
Attracting and Retaining Untapped Potential

Project Leader: Prof. dr. ir. Bram Nauta

Other Team Members: Teaching staff of the Integrated Circuit Design group, Educational support team

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
Advances in semiconductor technology have increased the importance of switching-based and mixed-signal circuits, requiring engineers with up-to-date knowledge of these analogue integrated circuits. This project modernises analogue electronics education by developing new teaching materials, practical assignments and laboratory exercises that extend on the renewed foundation of the current revision of the master's course Advanced Analog IC Electronics (project 49) to better reflect current industrial practice and to foresee in a growing demand for IC design engineers that master modern circuit analysis techniques. The updated curriculum provides students with stronger design competences, improves the alignment between education and the needs of the chip technology sector and helps ensure that ChipTech graduates are well prepared for careers in integrated circuit development.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Stef van Zanten

Other Team Members: Teaching staff Electrical Engineering, Student laboratory support team

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
Many engineering students outside Electrical Engineering benefit from a practical understanding of electronics and semiconductor technology. This project develops new laboratory materials and experiments tailored to students from other engineering disciplines, enabling them to gain hands-on experience with electronic circuits and measurement techniques. By making ChipTech concepts more accessible across programmes, the initiative broadens participation in semiconductor education and encourages more students to continue into ChipTech-related master's programmes.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Establishment of Practical Facilities

Project Leader: Dr. Marie-Alix Pizzoccaro-Zilamy

Other Team Members: Prof. Dr. Jimmy Faria Albanese, Maaike Jurriëns

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
SCALes develops a blended learning programme that introduces students and professionals to the role of surface chemistry in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Combining online learning with laboratory workshops, participants explore Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs), Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), gaining both theoretical understanding and practical experience. By translating cutting-edge research into accessible education, the project strengthens competences that are essential for semiconductor process development while creating scalable educational resources for both degree programmes and lifelong learning initiatives within the Semicon Learning Center.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Establishment of Practical Facilities
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry
Lifelong Learning (LLL)
Attracting and Retaining Untapped Potential

Project Leader: Dr. Tanmaya Mishra

Other Team Members: Prof. Dr. Matthijn de Rooij • Dr. Jude Osara (Chair of Surface Technology and Tribology, Department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems – MS3)

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
Develop and integrate hands-on educational modules on surface contamination and cleanliness into the Mechanical Engineering master's curriculum. Through laboratory demonstrations, experimental data analysis and industry-informed teaching, students gain practical knowledge of contamination control, surface characterisation and advanced cleaning techniques that are essential in semiconductor manufacturing. The project establishes a direct connection between theory and practice while laying the foundation for a professional masterclass for engineers, strengthening lifelong learning and collaboration between academia and the semiconductor industry.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry
Lifelong Learning (LLL)

Project Leader: Breno Alves Beirigo

Other Team Members: Niek van der Veen, Eduardo Lalla-Ruiz

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project introduces first-year BSc Industrial Engineering & Management (IEM) students to the supply chains behind chip production. While chips are often associated with hardware, their production also relies on planning, sourcing, logistics, inventory management, and operations, which are core areas of IEM. At the start of each academic year, about 90 students will work on realistic case studies based on challenges provided by regional semiconductor companies, complemented by alumni lectures and company engagement activities. The initiative raises early awareness of Industrial Engineering careers in ChipTech, strengthens long-term collaboration with regional companies, and creates opportunities for internships, graduation projects, and recruitment.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. ir. Jan R. Buitenweg

Other Team Members: Jan R. Buitenweg. Floris Aanstoot, Mendix Team (LISA), Educational Developer (vacancy)

Status: ☑ Running  ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project introduces a competency-based framework and supporting digital tools to strengthen ChipTech education at the University of Twente. FIRIS-P provides a shared competency profile for students and professionals, while ShapeUp supports curriculum design, flexible learning pathways and lifelong learning programmes. Together, they help programme directors and educators align educational offerings with industry needs and make learning opportunities more transparent, coherent and accessible.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry
Lifelong Learning (LLL)

Project Leader: Maarten Bonnema

Other Team Members: Dannis Brouwer, Lisa Gommer, Mark Rijkeboer, Adelien Heutink

Status: ☑ Running ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project identifies the most promising student groups for the Mechanical Engineering master's programme within the ChipTech Talent initiative. It analyses both traditional and non-traditional bachelor pathways to improve recruitment, increase progression into the master's programme and retain talented University of Twente students. The results will support targeted recruitment strategies and strengthen the long-term inflow of engineers with expertise relevant to the semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing sectors.

Output(s)
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector

Project Leader: Cora Salm

Other Team Members: Anne Johan Annema, Teaching Assistant(s) (to be appointed)

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project develops an intelligent exercise generation platform for electronics education that automatically creates practice problems together with worked solutions, derivations and circuit schematics. By providing students with “unlimited” personalised practice opportunities and step-by-step feedback, the platform strengthens self-directed learning and supports more flexible educational pathways. Initially developed for Electrical Engineering and Advanced Technology, the platform is designed to be expanded to other engineering programmes and future lifelong learning applications within ChipTech education.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Lifelong Learning (LLL)

Project Leader: Fulya Kula

Other Team Members: Heleen van der Zaag, Fulya Kula, Hil Meijer (Programme Director Applied Mathematics)

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project modernises and expands the University of Twente's mathematics bridging programme for pre-master students entering engineering and ChipTech-related master's programmes. The existing Calculus and Linear Algebra preparation programme will be migrated to an independent Moodle platform, allowing students to strengthen their mathematical knowledge before enrolment. By improving academic preparedness, increasing success rates and reducing dropout among pre-master students, the initiative contributes to a stronger and more sustainable inflow into ChipTech master's education.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering

Project Leader: Arie van Houselt

Other Team Members: Kai Sotthewes, Stefan Kooij,Ray Hueting, Ben Oude Alink (Students Lab Twente – practical development)

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
A solid understanding of semiconductor materials is essential for students entering ChipTech-related master's programmes. SOLID develops a flexible, modular bridging course that enables students from different educational backgrounds to acquire the fundamental knowledge of solid-state physics and semiconductor devices required for advanced study. Combining high-quality online learning with remotely accessible laboratory practicals, the project supports pre-master students, broadens access to ChipTech education and offers professionals a flexible pathway for lifelong learning in semiconductor materials and device physics.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Lifelong Learning (LLL)

Project Leader: Tracy Craig

Other Team Members: Lerna Pehlivan, Lavinia Lanting, Michel de Jong, Judith Timmer, Teaching Assistant, FERMAT Research Group

Status: ☑ Running ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project strengthens student retention and academic progression within the Bachelor Electrical Engineering programme by improving how fundamental mathematics supports engineering education. Through four interconnected work packages, the project analyses student misconceptions, enhances mathematics diagnostics, aligns calculus more closely with engineering applications, and redesigns instructional resources based on educational research. By increasing mathematical success in the first years of study, the project contributes directly to higher retention of future ChipTech engineers and improves the quality of the educational pipeline into the semiconductor sector.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression

Project Leader: Lerna Pehlivan

Other Team Members: FERMAT (Fundamental Educational Research in Mathematics at Twente), Student Assistant

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
A strong understanding of multivariable calculus is essential for Electrical Engineering students and for students entering ChipTech master's programmes through premaster trajectories. This project develops a series of interactive animations using GeoGebra and Manim to visualise challenging mathematical concepts such as partial derivatives, multiple integrals and coordinate transformations. By making abstract concepts more intuitive and engaging, the project aims to improve conceptual understanding, increase progression in mathematics education and strengthen the mathematical foundation required for semiconductor and ChipTech education. The animations will also be evaluated through classroom experiments and student learning analyses.

Output(s)
Development and Renewal of the Initial Educational Offering
Guidance Activities to Support Progression

Project Leader: Rita de Wilde-Brink

Other Team Members: Karan Raju (International Student Advisor Beethoven), Herbert Wormeester, Programme Directors of the Beethoven Master's programmes

Status: ☐Running     ☑ Completed

Objective:
International students play a vital role in the future ChipTech workforce but often require additional support beyond their academic programme. This project establishes a dedicated International Student Advisor for the Beethoven Master's programmes, providing guidance before arrival, during onboarding and throughout the student journey. By supporting recruitment, student wellbeing, internships, career orientation and integration into Dutch society, the initiative improves student success, strengthens retention and contributes to a higher stay rate of highly qualified ChipTech graduates in the Netherlands.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector

Project Leader: Stephanie Ankonie

Other Team Members:

Status: ☑ Running    ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project establishes a flexible scholarship programme for outstanding international students enrolling in degree programmes that contribute directly to the ChipTech Talent and Beethoven objectives. Individual scholarships complement existing University of Twente funding schemes and are tailored to each student's financial situation. By reducing financial barriers for highly talented students, the initiative strengthens international recruitment, supports academic excellence and contributes to a sustainable inflow of highly qualified semiconductor talent.

Output(s)
Prospective Student Orientation and Recruitment

Project Leader: Antoinette Tool

Other Team Members: Student Affairs & Services (Admissions Office), senior Admission Officers, Process Coordinators, CES, Marketing & Communication, Strategic Programmes

Status: ☑ Running   ☐ Completed

Objective:
A smooth admissions process is essential to achieving the University's ambitious ChipTech growth targets. This project strengthens the capacity of the Admissions Office to support the expected increase in applications for Beethoven-related master's programmes. By expanding admission expertise, improving application processes and contributing to university-wide recruitment and conversion initiatives, the project enables timely admissions, enhances the student experience and increases the likelihood that talented applicants choose the University of Twente for their ChipTech education.

Output(s)
Guidance Activities to Support Progression

Project Leader: Cora Salm

Other Team Members: Jorien Berendsen, Mathieu Odijk

Status: ☑ Running     ☐ Completed

Objective:
Student creativity can play an important role in making semiconductor technology accessible to a wider audience. This project engages bachelor students in developing outreach concepts, demonstrations and communication materials for the Semiconductor Learning Centre and ChipTech-related recruitment activities. By integrating authentic graduation assignments with outreach objectives, students contribute directly to increasing public awareness of ChipTech while gaining valuable experience in multidisciplinary collaboration and science communication. The project also creates opportunities to expand similar assignments to other educational programmes in the future.

Output(s)
Guidance Activities to Support Progression
Demand Articulation and Cooperation between Education and Industry

Project Leader: Wendie Klieverik, Boukje van Rijn

Other Team Members: Marike Rupert, Stefan Kooij, Career Services, Language Centre, Alumni Office, Programme Directors, Student Support Officers

Status: ☑ Running   ☐ Completed

Objective:
This project develops a coherent study-to-work pathway for career orientation, employability, and regional engagement, building on existing expertise within Career Services, the Alumni Office, Language Centre and the ChipTech programs. By connecting academic programs, students, employers and regional partners, the project strengthens students' awareness of career opportunities, improves preparation for internships and employment, and supports a coherent study-to-work pathway into the Twente ChipTech ecosystem.Through connected interventions, the project aims to increase the retention of graduates—particularly international students while generating knowledge that can support future employability initiatives across the university.

Output(s)
Guidance toward Employment in the Sector