On June 5th, we were welcomed at the Huis van de Toekomst (House of the Future) in Amsterdam South-east for our 28th Knowledge and Demoday! Former Amsterdam Smart City director Leonie van den Beuken hosted the event. It was a day full of enthusiasm, positive energy, and fresh insights.
In this article, we’ll give you a quick overview of the Knowledge Session, Work Sessions, and Pitches. Want to dive deeper? Read the full reports by our team members Noor, Pelle and Jill (linked below).
About our Demo Days
Demo Days are one of the key tools we use to stimulate innovation and foster connections between our partners and the broader community. The purpose is to showcase the progress of various innovation projects, ask for support, share challenges, and engage more partners to help take these projects to the next level. More information about the Demo Days can be found here.
Knowledge Session: Behavioural Change
Behavioural scientist Reint Jan Renes (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences) delivered an inspiring session on behavioural change. Why do people, despite good intentions and awareness, continue unsustainable practices? And what does it really take to achieve lasting behavioural change, especially among more affluent groups? Read Jill’s full report here.
Work Sessions
Circular | Designing for Circularity in the Port of Amsterdam
This session addressed one of the key challenges of the circular transition: how can we make the Port of Amsterdam fully circular? The City of Amsterdam has set an ambitious goal to become fully circular by 2050. A transformation that includes the port. Achieving this will require deep collaboration and innovation. Read Noor’s full report here.
Mobility | From Policy to Practice: Inclusive Design Ambitions of the Amsterdam Transport Authority
Together with a diverse group of network partners, we explored inclusive design in mobility projects. Inclusive mobility is a key theme in regional policy, based on the idea that everyone — regardless of age, income, disability, gender, or background — should be able to travel safely and comfortably. This session aimed to co-create an initial action plan for implementing inclusive design principles in mobility. Read Pelle’s full report here.
Energy | How to Keep Our Mechanics on the Move?
This session focused on a major challenge in the energy transition: grid congestion, and specifically, how to ensure grid maintenance workers can continue operating effectively. Alliander’s Operation 2.0 team is exploring innovative ways to work smarter, faster, and more flexibly to keep up with the demands of the transition. Read Noor’s full report here.
Digital | Transformation Canvas
In the Digital work session, the spotlight was on the Transformation Canvas: a powerful tool to turn complex societal challenges into actionable strategies. Ocean Conijn from the Digital Society School guided participants through the framework, using the example of how data could support healthier eating habits among students. Read Jill’s full report here.
Pitches
We also featured a series of inspiring pitches from innovators within our network. Here's a quick look at the topics presented:
- Gocimo – Electric scooters with a smart battery-swapping system
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences – Design-based research into Civic Protocol Economies
- Interdisciplinary Graduation Group | Zero Emission Urban Logistics – Research outcomes
- VU Amsterdam Students – Living, Learning Networks in Motion
- Energy Lab Southeast | LIFE Project
