23 April 2026
Made@MICS | MakerMinds: "teaching pupils to think like makers"
At the Mechatronics Innovation Campus Schiedam (MICS), Joël van Wijngaarden and Niels de Jong from MakerMinds are working on something that goes beyond traditional technology lessons. Their mission is to introduce a new way of thinking in education: the maker mindset. Through workshops, educational programmes and guidance, they help schools embed technology, creativity and digital literacy into the classroom. What started as a student project has grown into an organisation that prepares pupils for a world where technology is everywhere.
Joël and Niels met during their Healthcare Technology studies at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. There, they developed a therapy robot for children in special education. “It was during the implementation that we really saw the state of technology education in classrooms,” says Niels. “While technology is evolving rapidly and playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives, education was lagging behind. That was a real eye-opener for us.” Joël adds: “It motivated us to start a business and explore how we could strengthen technology and digital education in schools.”
A new perspective on technology education
This idea led to MakerMinds: an organisation that supports schools in giving technology, digital skills and creative thinking a solid place in education. Not just through teaching materials, but through an approach that helps schools develop future-focused learning.
At home on MICS
Since 2022, MakerMinds has been based at MICS in the ONS building. The location quickly proved to be more than just an office. “To be honest, at first we didn’t fully understand what MICS was,” Joël says with a laugh. “But once we were here, we realised it aligns perfectly with where we want to go.”
They are particularly inspired by the combination of manufacturing companies, educational institutions and innovation. “You can really feel an ecosystem emerging here,” says Niels. “Businesses, education and government are closely connected, which makes it possible to bring ideas into practice quickly.”
Thinking like a maker
At the core of everything MakerMinds does is the maker mindset. According to Joël, it goes far beyond programming or robotics. “Technology is changing rapidly. It’s not just about what you learn, but how you learn to think.”
The maker mindset is built on three pillars: making, critical thinking and social skills. “We want pupils to explore problems, come up with solutions together and use technology critically,” says Niels. This is increasingly important, they believe, as the digital world is evolving faster than education can keep up. “Take AI,” Joël explains. “The end result is becoming easier to generate. That’s exactly why the process behind it becomes more important. Can you think critically about technology? Do you understand how it works and what its impact is? That’s essential in this new mindset.”
According to MakerMinds, schools should not only teach technical skills, but also the social and creative skills that go with them. “Technology isn’t just about machines or code. In the real world, you collaborate, think creatively and solve problems together.”
One of MakerMinds’ best-known programmes is Build Your BEP. In this learning pathway, pupils build their own robot, give it a personality and bring it to life by programming it themselves. In a playful way, children are introduced to technology, creativity and digital skills.
Connecting education and industry
Joël and Niels see the campus as a place where education and industry meet and strengthen each other. “We’re exploring whether we can host classes in the Synergy Hall,” says Joël. “We’re also already working with students from TU Delft to support technology lessons and workshops.”
“These future engineers bring a great sense of curiosity,” Niels adds. “That enthusiasm is contagious for pupils.”
According to the duo, the MICS environment amplifies this effect. “There’s so much potential here. You only really see how vast and diverse the manufacturing industry is once you’re here. So many companies doing incredible things.”
The next generation of makers
Their ambitions are big. MakerMinds aims to collaborate with all primary schools in Schiedam and the surrounding region, actively connecting pupils with the companies based at MICS. “It would be fantastic if children walk around here, get inspired, and come back later to work here,” says Joël.
It all starts with curiosity. “Showing children what’s possible. Helping them discover how fun technology can be. If we can do that, the makers will follow naturally.”