Innovation thrives where technology, entrepreneurship, and community come together. During a national MasterPlus community event in Enschede, students explored the unique Silicon Nitride photonics ecosystem of Twente — gaining insight into how regional strength and collaboration drive global impact.
MasterPlus Optics & Photonics students from across the Netherlands came together in Enschede for a national community event focused on the Silicon Nitride (SiN) photonics ecosystem in the Twente region. Hosted at De Museumfabriek, the day combined technology, history, and networking in an inspiring setting.
The programme opened with a talk by Siebe Rossel, who explored how technology drives social change, using Twente as a powerful case study. This was followed by an in‑depth presentation from Hans van den Vlekkert, who shared first‑hand experiences in building a thriving integrated photonics ecosystem, drawing on his role in founding and shaping numerous photonics companies, including LioniX International, QuiX Quantum and Chilas Lasers.
A guided museum tour and informal drinks in the city completed the day, strengthening connections within the growing national MPOP community. The event offered both technical insight and broader reflection on how innovation ecosystems evolve and thrive.
