One of the most important annual events in Eindhoven, The Dutch Technology Week, filled the area Strijp-S with people in May. The second event that I attended was [Night] <of> <the> nerds. It was organised by Future Bites. More than 55 different activities were prepared for anyone between 14 and 19 years old. Young people match their subject of passion and interest with the presentations prepared. The emphasis raised at this event is on the impact of enthusiasm and creativity over technology. The activities were organised in 5 sections: <challenge>, <clinics/workshops>, <tech talks>, <professions with a future> and <experiences>.
I kept reading about the awesome RoboCup competition but I didn't have the chance to see one of the teams with my own eyes until this event. It is a mid size league competition of autonomous football playing robots. I had the pleasure to see the Falcon robot football team and I enjoyed watching the game.
Video 1 . Robots playing football
An inspiring Tech Talk from Ineke Scheffers caught my attention. She outlined in Dutch most of her achievements that are described in further detail on her page. Girl power in coding can produce great results. I am not sure about the statement that women are better coders, but I know that women can be good coders. I think that one is either good or not good at the job done. If that one finishes the task at the deadline then the work is a success. I am a woman scientist who needs coding from time to time in order to complete the work needed. I liked listening to her presentation.
Video 2 . The presentation for the women coders
A challenging activity was the one about 3D printing. As most of the young people participating at the event may not have extended knowledge for creating the 3D structures of their dreams using CAD software, another software was presented step by step at the event.
Video 3 . The overall presentation for the elements of the event
It is very difficult to summarise the experience had at the event. Up to date technology was presented in a fun way. Although there were so many stands in such a small place the feeling was not that it might be crowded. Each activity presented challenged the mind to innovate. If one was interested in a particular subject then one can find out every single detail about it at this event. One can find out the science behind the technology, and also how "future proof" are the career opportunities in that direction. I wish I had more time to spend at this event.
