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Day of the Engineer

A world without engineers is unthinkable. Ever since ancient times, it has been engineers who lay the foundations for progress with their inventions and innovations. After all, engineers combine scientific knowledge with practical solutions to our society's challenges. In an increasingly fast-changing world, engineers continue to play a key role in a variety of fields.

During the Day of the Engineer, we put the engineer in the spotlight and it is all about the engineer. A day that focuses on innovation, collaboration and social impact - a true celebration of the power of engineers.

The Day of the Engineer consists of three parts:

1. The KIVI Annual Conference, which takes place in the morning and afternoon and highlights topical issues.
2. The presentation of the Prins Friso Ingenieur Prize, a tribute to the engineer who makes an exceptional contribution to society.
3. The KIVI Engineering Student Team Award, which highlights young engineers in training.

Retrospective

On Wednesday 12 March in The Hague, the doors of De Haagse Hogeschool opened for a special day full of inspiration, innovation and encounters. Engineers and visitors from all corners of the country were welcomed with open arms at the networking plaza, where the atmosphere was immediately vibrant and energetic.

Once everyone had gathered, Celina van den Bank led the crowd to the auditorium, where she opened the annual conference with an inspiring speech. The audience listened spellbound to the keynote sessions by Rob van Kampen and Sjouke Heimovaara. Storm van de Geer then provided a fresh dose of motivation with his energiser, allowing everyone to start the rest of the day sharp and enthusiastic.

After a short but cosy coffee break on the networking square, visitors spread out over the various sessions, which were thematically divided into food, care, living environment, circularity and mobility. What stood out was the high level of engagement among the engineers: questions flew back and forth, and the sessions grew into lively discussions full of new insights.

The workshop 'Visual thinking: Discover the power of drawing', given by Wouter Kets, was a success beforehand, so it was repeated in session 1 and 2. Among other things, the visitors to this workshop were asked to introduce themselves through their drawing.

Lunch offered a moment of relaxation and culinary delight with luxury sandwiches and delicious wraps. Networking moments blossomed between the exhibitors and participants. Experiences and ideas were exchanged in abundance.

The editorial team of technology magazine De Ingenieur conducted podcasts during the day. The first results were posted via the site and through the usual podcast streaming services.

In the afternoon, the second round of sessions kicked off and these sessions also went well. Nice sounds came from the rooms where visitors were asked to physically participate by always choosing for or against a proposition on either side of the room. Afterwards, keynote speaker Abeje Mersha from Saxion University of Applied Sciences took the floor and captivated the audience with his story. Celina van den Bank closed the conference part and invited everyone to chat with a drink at the networking plaza.

The presentations of all session leaders are at the bottom of this page. So you can also read back the sessions you missed.

(Below is a slide carousel with impression photos)

Retrospective sequel

The day of the Engineer was not over yet! Around 4 o'clock, new participants poured in for the presentation of the prestigious Prins Friso Ingenieur Prize. Celina van den Bank welcomed everyone, after which Jacolien Eijer-de Jong, president of KIVI, and Rudy van Belkom of Stichting Toekomstbeeld der Techniek gave inspiring presentations. Marijn van Rooij, winner of the 2022 prize, shared his experiences and offered an insight into the importance of engineers for the future.

During the dinner buffet, there was busy networking, and at half past six the princesses arrived at De Haagse Hogeschool, kicking off the official programme of the Prins Friso Ingenieursprijs. Celina van den Bank introduced the prize, after which the student teams proudly presented their innovative projects. The tension rose when Jacolien Eijer-de Jong presented the prizes to the student team that, according to the professional jury and the public, deserved the title of KIVI Engineering Student Team 2025.

The highlight of the evening broke when the three finalists of the Prins Friso Ingenieursprijs shared their stories, supported by short videos. The audience, including the princesses, eagerly awaited the announcement of the winner. Princess Mabel and Jacolien Eijer-de Jong spoke the redeeming word and handed the coveted prize to Meike Nauta, followed by the official jury report.

After the photo opportunity with the princesses in the press room, the evening ended festively with drinks. The princesses took another look at the showcases of the finalists, after which they left around 8 o'clock. The day came to an end and visitors returned home with new insights, valuable contacts and a good dose of inspiration.

The annual conference and the presentation of the Prins Friso Ingenieursprijs were once again a great success, and many are already looking forward to the next edition!

Scroll through the slides below for impression images

Presentation of Prince Friso Engineer Award

At the Prince Friso Engineer Award ceremony, there are two prizes to be awarded, the jury prize and the audience prize. The jury prize is the 'main prize': a professional jury considers the candidates' entries and votes for their favourite. The public prize is chosen by the public and determined by the number of votes collected between 10 February and 10 March.

Besides the Prins Friso Engineer Prize, there is also a prize for the best student team.

Photo from left to right: KIVI President Jacolien Eijer-de Jong, finalist Mark Ommert, H.R.H. Princess Mabel, winner Meike Nauta, H.R.H. Princess Beatrix, KIVI Director Pascal van der Molen, and finalist Johan Paulides.

Media/ Press

Also check out this video from RoyalTV with fun live footage of the princesses.

For press photos and enquiries, please contact communicatie@kivi.nl

Presentations Annual Conference

Were you unable to attend all the sessions or do you like to watch a presentation again? We have collected them for you below!

Keynotes

Session 1

Session 2

Thanks

We would also like to thank our network for their participation in the network plaza.

Usono, Milieu Service Nederland, Wheelchair HHS, Rise Team, Project MARCH, KIWA, Engineers Europe, Dreamteam Emergence Delft, Drone Team Twente, Geomil, Plastic Samples.

Nominate 2026

Do you already know who you want to nominate for the 2026 Prince Friso Engineer Award? Or for the Engineering Student Team Awards of 2026?

Then leave your e-mail address below. We will then send you a one-off message around September when the nomination lists open!