Get Inspired & Drinks, Pitches & Demo's
Get Inspired & Drinks, Pitches & Demo's
Monday 16th November
14.30h-19.15h
LocHal, Tilburg
Get inspired by well-known entrepreneurial speakers! This event is all about getting inspired by the stories of several entrepreneurs and asking them the questions you would like to know.
This year's edition features two inspiring entrepreneurs with roots right here at Tilburg University.
You probably know Scribbr. Milions of students have used it to improve their papers and theses. But did you know it all started in a student room while studying at Tilburg University? Join us for an inspiring talk about how a student idea grew into one of the world’s best-known academic writing platforms, and how Scribbr eventually became part of a major American tech company. A unique chance to hear the entrepreneurial story behind a brand almost every student knows and ask the founder what it’s like to start a startup during your study.
What if a simple question could spark a startup? While studying at Tilburg University, Martijn Ildiz looked down at passing trucks from a rooftop and wondered: why aren’t there solar panels on their trailers? That idea became IM Efficiency, developing solar technology to help trucks reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Join us for an inspiring talk about turning a student idea into a business, finding funding, and navigating the setbacks along the way. A unique chance to hear the entrepreneurial story behind IM Efficiency and ask Martijn what it takes to build a startup while studying.
Order your free ticket!
This event is open to everyone.
Time:
14.30h-19.15h
Location:
LocHal
Burgemeester Brokxlaan 1000
5041 SG Tilburg
Bas Swaen
Co-founder Scribbr
Bas Swaen, co-founder of Scribbr, will share the story behind the platform that most students have used at one point or the other. Scribbr was founded as a Proofreading & Editing company in 2012, by Tilburg University students Koen Driesen and Bas Swaen. They realized that guidance in academic writing can be hard to come by, so they made it their mission to guide students on their journey to become better academic writers. What began as a small Dutch startup grew into a global platform serving millions of students.
Martijn Ildiz
Co-founder IM Effiency
Martijn Ildiz, co-founder of IM Efficiency and Tilburg University alumnus, will share the story behind a startup turning truck roofs into a source of solar energy. The idea came to him in 2014 while studying International Business Administration: watching trucks from a rooftop, he wondered why their trailers weren’t covered in solar panels. Together with his co-founders, he developed SolarOnTop, a system that helps transport companies reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. What began as a moment of curiosity became an entrepreneurial journey filled with innovation, setbacks, and valuable lessons about turning an idea into real-world impact.
Drinks, Pitches & Demo's
After Bas' and Martijns' stories, you can connect with fellow student entrepreneurs during network drinks.
From 17:00, a brand-new edition of Drinks, Pitches and Demos starts. If you've been to this event before, you know what to expect: startup pitches, valuable connections, and an open, relaxed atmosphere to meet like-minded innovators. If this is your first time: welcome! You’re in for an evening of inspiration, networking, and fresh ideas.
