Innovation, talent, and practical impact were central during the final of the ICD Student Award 2026. On Thursday, June 18, the finalists presented their internship or graduation project to an expert jury in the SKILL building in Drachten. Stijn Eikens from DEMCON took home the first prize and the coveted ICD Student Award 2026 among the HBO/WO students. The MBO ICD Student Award was won by Stef Sillekens!
ICD Student Award Stimulates Technical Talent
The ICD Student Award is an initiative by the ICD that highlights exceptional internship and graduation projects. Annually, the 23 affiliated ICD companies jointly offer opportunities to approximately 200 to 250 interns and graduating students from vocational, university of applied sciences, and university levels.
After a successful first edition in 2025, the award returned this year. New was the addition of a separate category for vocational education (MBO) students. With this, the ICD aims to make technical talent visible and valued at all educational levels.
From thirteen submitted video pitches, the ICD companies selected four finalists via a vote for the grand finale in Drachten.
Four finalists present innovative practical solutions
After an opening by Tom Kamphuis by Astron The finalists presented their projects to the jury and the audience in attendance.
The jury consisted of:
- Prof. Heinrich Woertche (Hanze University / TU Eindhoven)
- Florian van der Hoeven (Chairman ICD)
- Roelof Jansma (Province of Friesland)
Each finalist was given eight minutes to present their project, followed by a Q&A session with the jury.
MBO Award for Stef Sillekens from Batenburg Beenen
The first ICD Student Award for vocational students was won by Stef Sillekens by Batenburg Bones.
For an autonomous tomato-picking robot, Stef developed a new bumper construction. In doing so, he took into account design, integration of sensors and lighting, and practical applicability in the production environment.
His approach of actively involving users in the design process was noteworthy. Using 3D-printed scale models, employees could test and evaluate different designs. This generated valuable feedback that could be directly incorporated into the final design.
The jury especially appreciated his initiative, practical approach, and personal development during the project.
Stef received a check for €1,500 and will also act as an ambassador for the ICD Student Award 2027 for vocational students.
Grand Prize for DEMCON's Machine Vision Project
In the HBO/WO category, the first prize went to Stijn Eikens by DEMCON. For his graduation project, Stijn developed a machine vision algorithm that can automatically detect wear on diamond bits. These bits are used in the production of contact lenses and must function with extremely high precision.
Traditionally, chisel wear is assessed afterward and often subjectively. The algorithm developed by Stijn uses image analysis via a simple USB camera and can distinguish between contamination, noise, and actual wear. This leads to a more objective assessment, lower maintenance costs, and higher product quality.
The jury awarded him first prize of €1,500. Additionally, his internship supervisor received the ICD Student Award 2026.
A special detail: the award was designed by Eric Sloot van Philips, stage supervisor for last year's winner. Next year, DEMCON will have the honor of designing the award for the 2027 edition.
Second prize for AI support at Philips
The second prize of €750 went to Wessel Reuvers, who completed his graduation assignment at Philips.
Wessel developed an intelligent multi-agent AI system that supports operators in troubleshooting production environments.
Where knowledge is often scattered across manuals, flowcharts, and documentation, its system brings together all available information. Various specialized AI agents analyze procedures, interpret images, and generate immediately usable step-by-step instructions.
The result is faster troubleshooting, less downtime, and higher user satisfaction. Furthermore, the system represents a significant step towards context-aware and self-learning maintenance systems.
Third prize for innovative robot control
The third prize of €250 was awarded to Alwin Boonstra by Batenburg Bones.
Alwin developed a new algorithm for controlling a robot arm. He combined principles from flocking algorithms with obstacle avoidance techniques. By using a vector-based approach, a cobot is created that constantly takes its environment into account while moving from point A to point B.
The goal of the development is safe, active, and, as it were, “people-shy” robot control. With this, the project makes an interesting contribution to future human-robot collaboration within production environments.
Investing in the talents of tomorrow
With the ICD Student Award, Innovatiecluster Drachten underscores the importance of talent development within the northern high-tech sector. The finals once again demonstrated the innovative potential of students working on current challenges within companies.
The combination of technical depth, societal relevance, and practical applicability made this edition particularly strong.
The ICD is already looking ahead to the next edition. Registration for the ICD Student Award 2027 opens in September 2026. Students from vocational, university of applied sciences, and university education will once again have the opportunity to present their innovative projects to a broad audience of companies, educational institutions, and regional partners.
Because the technology of tomorrow starts with the talent of today.
