Break to Innovate: connecting people as the driving force behind innovation

During the monthly Break to Innovate lunch session at the ONS building on the Mechatronics Innovation Campus Schiedam (MICS), one conclusion stood out: connection is the driving force behind innovation. This idea was immediately put into practice. The room was full and lively discussions took place between entrepreneurs, representatives from ministries, the Rotterdam–The Hague Metropolitan Area (MRDH) and knowledge institutions. Over the past year, attendance at the lunch sessions has doubled.

Growing Interest in Break to Innovate

Project leader Marije Wilkes from SchieDistrict welcomed the participants, including Alderman Jarle Lourens (Work and Income), and introduced the theme of the session. The growing interest shows that more and more organisations are finding each other at MICS and are keen to collaborate on innovation and talent development.

Students Contributing to the Future of MICS

This edition focused on the future development of MICS. Lecturer Marcel Seijner, together with students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, presented the outcomes of their minor research project. The central question was how a campus can evolve from a physical location into a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

Concrete Ideas for Connection and Innovation

Students Wessel and Noortje presented several ideas, including a shuttle bus from Schiedam Centrum station to the campus, a monthly open house at companies, a test garden for prototyping, and Mecha Match—an initiative designed to connect interns and entrepreneurs. These proposals sparked a lively discussion with the audience about internships, collaboration and retaining talent.

What’s Next at MICS

Alderman Lourens expressed his enthusiasm for the assignment and the learning experience it offered the students. The collaboration will continue: Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences is currently preparing a new minor programme at MICS, in partnership with Metrohm Applikon.