Veldhoven Connects Edition 6

On Thursday, September 11, 2025 we organized for the sixth time the Veldhoven Connects Business Event at Theater De Schalm.

Attendees enjoyed a varied program led by speaker, presenter and comedian Leon van der Zanden. From a square stage in the center of the room, he provided an entertaining (yet serious) workshop titled "The speaker that's you! After some helpful tips and tricks picked up Buck Maas, Pascale Verstraete and Rob Kimpen the podium to tell their stories. Leon wouldn't be Leon if he didn't give some feedback to the speakers afterwards. Core message: speak from your heart, and the audience will hang on your every word.

During the event, the Veldhoven entrepreneur awards were presented. The price for Promising Entrepreneur of 2025 went to Mike Daas from DIGGRS Infra B.V. Once again this year, massive voting took place via the Veldhoven Verbindt. website. The professional jury and the voters were unanimous about the election as Promising Entrepreneur of 2025. Mike was presented with the trophy and the voucher by mayor Marcel Delhez. The other candidates for this year's Promising Entrepreneur award were Silvie Beun from Souper Catering and Rinske van Kasteren  from van Kasteren HR Services.

This year's award for Veldhoven Entrepreneur of 2025 went to Ruud Sweegers from Elektro Technisch Buro Sweegers B.V. Ruud is the third generation at the helm of the company. He received the award from the hands of jury chairman and mayor Marcel Delhez. The jury report revealed how Ruud, in addition to entrepreneurship, actively dedicates himself to business park de Run, the HOV4 connection, the board of VOC and field hockey club Basko in Veldhoven.

At the beginning of the evening, the Golden Ticket awarded to start-up entrepreneur Marieke van der Looij from Office Short Circuit. She received the prize after a draw by notary public Jacqueline Erdkamp.

After the official part there was plenty of time to catch up with each other over drinks, snacks and atmospheric music. We look back on a unique, highly successful sixth edition of Veldhoven Verbindt.

Mark your calendar: the second Thursday in September, September 10, 2026, for a brand new 7th edition of Veldhoven Verbindt.