Warm welcome for IT Hub students

The IT Hub is ready for the future! From an idea to train and retain IT talent in the region, to the realization of the independent IT Hub foundation that will start working on the operational implementation: to match the demand from the business world with the supply from the knowledge institutions of innovation, knowledge, and digitization issues. The IT Hub was conceived, designed, and completed in collaboration with partners, regional businesses, and educational institutions. On Wednesday 14 September, the doors of the modern building were opened and the first students started their studies. During a festive moment, this milestone was celebrated and robot Pepper handed over a ‘key’.

From the IT Hub as a central meeting place, students will work on various practical assignments within the programme lines of digital transition and innovation labs. For example, the Road Safety Innovation Lab was launched on Wednesday 14 September. Within this theme, students and businesses work together on innovative issues from industry under the guidance of professors, lectors, or practors. In addition, several projects where students support SMEs with the digital transition have been launched.

Deputy Henk Brink: ‘We started out with an idea and I am very proud that today the first students have entered the premises and the IT Hub is about to get started. We have worked hard together and now it is up to the people of the IT Hub to put the plans into practice and make it a success. I am glad we were able to accomplish this for Drenthe.’ Mayor Karel Loohuis adds: ‘It is great that we now have a continuous learning line in Hoogeveen up to academic education (WO). This way, we encourage innovation in our business community and we are happy to make a piece of land available for this at a prime location.'

'With the IT Hub, we are making a major contribution to the digital transition in Drenthe. I am very curious to see how students and businesses will shape these collaborations and I am already looking forward to the initiatives and solutions students will come up with.’ Are you curious about the IT Hub? In the words of IT Hub Director Edwin Gels: ‘You are warmly invited to visit our premises near the station of Hoogeveen or take a look at www.it-hub.nl!’

Partners

Initiators TVM Insurance, Unigarant, University of Groningen, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Alfa College, Municipality of Hoogeveen, and Province of Drenthe have all worked hard to develop the IT Hub. With the completion of the building and the establishment of the IT Hub Foundation, the IT Hub moves to the next phase as an independent partner where business, knowledge, innovation, talent, and technology come together. Within the IT Hub, work is underway to accelerate innovative developments ensuring that businesses and governmental and educational institutions are ready for the future.