"Techport is a unique example in the region"
Merel van Luijk-Jonkman and Willem Jonkman, owners of technology company BTAC Solutions, want to be the pioneers in the transition to a more sustainable future. For their own generation, but especially for future generations: generation Y, Z and even Alpha. Six years ago, they therefore joined the Techport network. Merel: "We are quite active within Techport. For instance, we participated in the Hannover Messe and also recently visited Brainport in Eindhoven. We also work closely with schools in the region, offer internships and participate in the Techport Technology Week."
"It's time for the next generation"
BTAC Solutions actively pursues innovation alongside their regular work. Willem says enthusiastically: "Time, or rather the lack of it, is a challenge. I find many things interesting, but my focus right now is on developing a green battery, which can replace the lithium battery. This battery is completely toxic-free, lasts much longer, is non-flammable and is made from recyclable materials from the region."
The battery is ready for production. The next step is to set up a factory, preferably in the IJmond region. "If that succeeds, we can make a major contribution to Techport's mission to become the Netherlands' first green industrial zone. Imagine if companies start using this battery en masse; then we will make huge strides in the energy transition. I would like to realise the factory and then I will slow down. I am now 65 years old. My sons are already in the business, but then they can take over completely! Although I doubt if I can do that: take it easy," says Willem, laughing.
the greenhouse of the future
Besides developing the green battery, Merel and Willem are also working on other projects, such as their own tomato cultivation in the 'Greenhouse of the Future'. This greenhouse is completely self-sufficient by using solar energy and is equipped with advanced technology that measures the right amount of water, nutrition and light for the tomatoes down to the millimetre. Thanks to a UV system, the air is purified, so fungi and bacteria have no chance. This increases yields, prevents bad harvests and the grower has significantly lower personnel costs.
For this project, they worked closely with Inholland Alkmaar University of Applied Sciences and Techport. "This is a great example of how different courses within the college work together," says Willem. "We had a group of students from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and technical computer science who jointly developed an automatic tomato picking machine with smart sensors."
We really have to start enthusing young people about electronics, otherwise we will miss the future."
Willem Jonkman - Owner BTAC Solutions
"engineering education needs a boost"
Willem is deeply concerned about the influx of new engineering students, especially in electronics. "There is a glaring shortage, while electronics are all around us. From your phone to medical devices: it all contains circuit boards. It is essential that we enthuse young people about engineering, especially electronics, but the supply of courses is scarce. I hope there will be a campus in the future where engineering education gets a real boost."
Merel added: "In Eindhoven, they have the Tech Campus. Something like that would be great here too, but aimed at mbo students, because they are the ones we need most. We give a lot of information to schools, but it often feels like a drop in the ocean." In the future, Merel and Willem hope to set up a second production line at the Techport Innovation Centre where they can give workshops on circuit board design and manufacturing. "This way, we hope to get young people excited about engineering."
techport as a connector with a passion for transition
For the next 10 years, Merel and Willem want to see more action from engineering education. "You feel there is a lot of potential in the region: the greening, the development of the third energy port and the off-shore industry. Through construction and maintenance of wind farms. But still too often initiatives remain plans and ideas. We also need to take real action. You can slowly see the number of students increasing, but it is still not enough. Green thinking and conversion requires passion, and that involves risks. Techport is pre-eminently the party that can stimulate that and they can connect everyone in the region."
