Unbelief, but especially joy at Marissa van der Vijgh from Gieterveen. She won the Henk Pijlman Innovation Prize. A prize that is awarded every two years to the student of Hanze University of Applied Sciences, who has found an innovative solution for a problem in the professional field with the graduation project.
This ‘problem in the professional field’ can be anything. For example, the previous winner of the prize, Claudio Cavalieri, focused on finding a way to convert ammonium into clean nitrogen and hydrogen.
Vijgh developed a linear engine for her graduation project. This can, for example, be used in chip machines. “Normally these engines are used only once, while it contains expensive magnets that can last more often,” she explains.
That is why Van der Vijgh developed a linear engine, in which the magnets are not thrown away. In addition, the users of the engine can set it more easily.
At the graduation presentation of Van der Vijgh it became clear that it was a special project, says her graduation supervisor Jan Hoekstra. “At the end of the presentation the teachers actually had nothing to ask and that is quite frustrating if you have to ask questions for half an hour,” he laughs. “She has received a 10 and that almost never happens.”
Hoekstra also emphasizes that the Henk Pijlman Innovation Prize is not just a prize. “The prize is only awarded once every two years. Around 10,000 students are graduating at the Hanze per year. So there were around 20,000 other competitors.”
In addition to the EEA, Van der Vijgh also wins 2,000 euros, she invests in a 3D printer. “I will use that for my company in sustainable washing -up brushes that I have with a fellow student.”
“The handle is reusable and the brush is a attachment made of degradable material. After about three weeks you can replace the brush. The old one is biodegradable and can simply be done in the green waste.”