On Saturday, Automotive Campus welcomed more than 2,400 visitors during the High Tech Discovery Route 2026. The event brought together companies, educational institutions, student teams and innovation partners from across the Brainport region, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience technology and innovation up close.
Throughout the day, more than 40 participating organisations opened their doors and shared their expertise, projects and technologies with visitors of all ages. Spread across the campus, attendees could explore a wide range of innovations, from autonomous vehicles, hydrogen solutions and battery technology to robotics, artificial intelligence, precision manufacturing and sustainable mobility. Participating organisations and demonstrations were hosted across Automotive Campus, as well as at locations operated by VDL, TNO, Fontys and Summa Automotive & Smart Mobility.
Innovation in action
What made the event particularly valuable was the opportunity to experience innovation in a hands-on way. Students demonstrated projects they have developed as part of their education, researchers shared insights from ongoing work, and companies offered a behind-the-scenes look at the technologies and expertise that drive innovation within the region.
Across the campus, visitors could engage directly with engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs and young talent. These interactions helped make complex technologies more accessible while showcasing the wide variety of career opportunities within the mobility, energy and high-tech sectors.
Connecting education, industry and society
As a Living Lab for smart, safe and sustainable mobility and energy systems, Automotive Campus plays an active role in connecting education, research, industry and government. The High Tech Discovery Route is a strong example of how these connections can be brought to life.
By opening doors and creating opportunities for people to experience technology firsthand, the event helps inspire future talent, strengthen public awareness of innovation and showcase the collaborative ecosystem that makes the Brainport region internationally recognised.
A collaborative effort
The success of the event was made possible by the commitment and enthusiasm of a large network of partners, participants and volunteers. Automotive Campus would like to thank all participating organisations, student teams and visitors for their contribution. Special thanks go to Hightech Helmond – de Peel, VDL Groep, TNO, Fontys Automotive, Summa Automotive & Smart Mobility, Tesla, ANWB, Team Rembrandts, InMotion, Solar Team Eindhoven, ROVC Technische Opleidingen, Vakcollege Helmond, Varendonck College, Praktijkcollege Helmond, Bibliotheek Helmond-Peel and the many other organisations that helped make this edition a success.
Together, they demonstrated the strength of collaboration within the Brainport ecosystem and the role innovation plays in shaping the mobility and energy systems of the future.
We look back on a successful edition and look forward to welcoming visitors again next year.
