Who will be named Engineer of the Year 2027? From 7 September, candidates can be nominated for the Prince Friso Engineering Award. KIVI is looking for an engineer who excels in their field, develops innovative solutions and makes a visible contribution to society.

From complex energy issues and digitalisation to safety, mobility and sustainability: the challenges facing engineers are becoming ever greater. With the Prince Friso Engineering Award, KIVI annually puts the spotlight on an engineer who makes a difference through technical expertise, entrepreneurship and social commitment.

Do you know an engineer who stands out? Or are you someone who makes a difference yourself? From 7 September, anyone can nominate a candidate for the title of Engineer of the Year 2027. The jury will be looking for qualities such as professional expertise, innovative thinking, entrepreneurship, social impact and acting as an ambassador.

More than just a title
The winner will serve as an ambassador for the Dutch engineering profession for a year. As such, the award not only recognises an individual engineer but also provides a platform to showcase the contribution that technology and engineers make to society.

The current Engineer of the Year is Martijn Otten, who won the Prins Friso Engineers Award in 2026. With his technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to societal challenges, he demonstrated how engineering knowledge can be translated into tangible solutions. He received the award from Her Royal Highness Princess Mabel, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix and Countess Zaria.

Who will win the title in 2027?
The jury is looking for an engineer who:

  • Expertise – has a command of the engineering profession, understands complex issues and translates knowledge into smart, practical solutions.
  • Innovative thinking – thinks differently, develops new solutions or applies existing technology in innovative ways.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit – takes the initiative, puts ideas into practice and knows how to mobilise people and resources.
  • Social impact – makes a tangible contribution through their work to solutions for societal challenges, such as sustainability, health, safety, energy, mobility and digitalisation.
  • Ambassadorship – represents the engineering profession convincingly and demonstrates to young people, professionals and the general public the importance of engineers to society.


The presentation of the 2027 Prince Friso Engineering Award will take place during Engineers’ Day on Wednesday 10 March 2027 at Eindhoven University of Technology. The event brings together engineers from various disciplines and from across the Netherlands. The 2027 edition will also be a special occasion: KIVI will be celebrating its 180th anniversary that year.

Nominations are open from 7 September until 13 November 2026. Who do you think deserves the title of Engineer of the Year 2027?

Nominate now!