Celebrating international innovators
With the Common Ground for Innovation Awards, we celebrate the successes of international innovators in Brainport, aiming to inspire the international community to contribute to our region’s growth.
About the awards
Why CGIA matters
The awards are part of our Practical Guidance pillar: we highlight examples of international success from within our Brainport ecosystem and beyond.
The 2026 edition took place on 30 March 2026 at the HTC Conference Centre, with three awards presented after a jury of seven leaders from industry, academia and policy chose the winners from fifteen finalists.
Winners 2026
Winners of the Common Ground for Innovation Award 2026
Promising Tech Innovation
Jeroen Hoet
CEO & co-founder, Eyeo
Eyeo, a spin-off from imec, is pioneering the next generation of image sensors. Its nano-photonic colour splitting captures more light than conventional filters, for sharper images in phones, cars, medical imaging and security.
Visionary Leader
Kathleen Philips
CEO, Tusk IC
Over a 31-year career in Eindhoven, including as General Manager of imec at Holst Centre, Kathleen has connected the Brainport region with a worldwide ecosystem of industry partners and academia.
Social Innovator
Simone Steeghs
Regional Manager, Junior IOT
Simone promotes technology in early-stage education and inspires younger generations, from different cultures and genders, to learn about technology and contribute to a better future.
Finalists
Nominees 2026
Fifteen finalists, five in each category, were shortlisted for the 2026 awards.
Promising Tech Innovation
Thiru Kanagasabapathi
Founder & CEO, AIKON Health
Wearable sensors for remote monitoring of heart failure patients.
Francesco Pessolano
Founder & CEO, Astrape Networks
Scalable, energy-efficient networking for AI-ready data centres.
Winner
Jeroen Hoet
CEO & co-founder, Eyeo
Next-generation image sensors built on colour-splitting technology.
Simone Cardarelli
CEO & co-founder, MicroAlign
High-accuracy optical fibre arrays for scalable photonic connections.
Iwan van Vijfeijken
CEO, Microsure
MUSA-3, a robot that brings more precision to open microsurgery.
Visionary Leader
Charlotte Kjellander
Co-founder & Managing Director, Touchwaves
Next-generation haptic wearables that bridge human performance and technology.
Erdinc Sacan
Lecturer and researcher, Fontys University
A leading voice in inclusive AI in the region.
Fabrizio Del Maffeo
CEO & co-founder, Axelera AI
Building an AI platform for a safer, greener and trusted world.
Hui Lee
President, E Ink Netherlands
Bringing E Ink technology and business model innovation back to Eindhoven.
Winner
Kathleen Philips
CEO, Tusk IC
Connecting Brainport with a worldwide ecosystem of industry and academia.
Social Innovator
Kim Raaijmakers
Mentor and founder, LeadHERship Edge Academy
Helping (female) leaders grow in Brainport’s deep tech sector.
Lorenzo Gerbi
Co-director, Baltan Laboratories
An interdisciplinary, cross-cultural approach to innovation and social inclusion.
Meron Mekonnen
Investment Associate, LUMO Labs
Supporting young tech founders to become impact entrepreneurs.
Philipa O.W. Biritwum
Managing Director, AMACON Lead
International insight and a cross-cultural approach to leadership and strategy.
Winner
Simone Steeghs
Regional Manager, Junior IOT
Inspiring young people of all backgrounds to choose technology.
The jury
Jury 2026
Seven jury members from industry, academia and policy
Industry
Helen Kardan
Director of Science and Technology, TNO
Industry
Núria Barceló Peiró
Head of Dutch Public Collaborative Programs, NXP
Industry
Evelien de Vries
Partnership Manager (Startups and VC), ASML
Academia
Ella Hueting
Executive Director Education Network, TU/e
Academia
Birgul (Rose) Arslan
Associate Professor of Innovation Strategy, RSM
Policy
Ruben Brave
Board Member and Advisor, Dutch New Narrative Lab
Policy
Matthijs van Miltenburg
Chair, Drone Council Netherlands
Winners 2025
Winners of the Common Ground for Innovation Award 2025
Promising Tech Innovation
Kevin Verpaalen
Kevin Verpaalen (CEO), Kameleon Solar
“Kameleon Solar was the jury’s choice due to the company’s strong potential for long-term impact, culturally diverse team & commitment to addressing societal challenges.”
Visionary Leader
Helen Kardan
Director of Science & Technology, Unit High Tech Industry, TNO
“Helen won thanks to her unique vision for inclusive innovation. She demonstrates the ability to operate effectively across multiple cultures and sectors and holds a role-model status for the international community.”
Social Innovator
René Paré
Program Director, Maker Days Eindhoven
“Rene’s strong commitment to accessible innovation and long-term positive change made him the obvious choice as the winner for this category.”
Highlights
The 2026 ceremony
Know an international innovator?
Nominations for the next edition will open soon.