17 June 2022 The Royal Institute of Engineers (KIVI) and Mikrocentrum have entered into a partnership, combining their knowledge and network to connect engineers and the (high-tech) business community and permanently drive technological developments.

Joint objectives

Mikrocentrum is an independent knowledge and network organisation for the business community, supporting the high-tech and manufacturing industry with training, meeting and business for over 50 years. As a self-appointed 'knowledge broker', this ties in nicely with the goal that KIVI also pursues as an association, among others. KIVI is the largest engineering association in the Netherlands and is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. The association is committed to supporting (future) engineers in their professional practice, their visibility and making connections with each other and society.

Cooperation is logical step

General Director of Mikrocentrum Bert-Jan Woertman and Director of KIVI Miguel Delcour made this cooperation official on Thursday 16 June and signed their signatures. That both parties are entering into a cooperation is a logical step, given that they have knowledge sharing, cooperation and connecting (of engineers with industry) in common.

Activities and strengthening each other's network

By working together and, among other things, strengthening each other's technical activities and network, engineers from different disciplines can meet each other more broadly. Woertman: "Together, we stand for a strong innovative ecosystem and for lifelong development, from science to global market. Together we achieve more than alone."

The first Mikrocentrum events, started with contribution from KIVI, are Materials and the Precision Fair. Here, they will jointly take care of, among other things, filling in the (lecture) programme, supplying suitable companies and contacts and nominating judges, startups and teams. In addition, KIVI's popular event called 2nd Friday, for KIVI engineers in Eindhoven and the surrounding area, will be organised at Mikrocentrum.

Delcour added: "This collaboration symbolises and underlines the importance of engineers working together, sharing knowledge and making a concerted effort to come up with solutions for societal themes such as sustainability, technological innovation and energy transition.