Imagine an office that adapts to your needs, a place where technology and data enhance your well-being and productivity. This vision comes to life at the Workplace Vitality Hub (WPVH) in Eindhoven. Founded in 2021, this hub is a collaboration between imec, TNO, Fontys, and TU/e, where research, business and student creativity converge to shape the workplace of the future. We spoke with two key figures behind this initiative, Sywert Brongersma, director strategic partnerships at imec in the Netherlands, and Bernard Grundlehner, System Architect at imec at Holst Centre, to uncover how this hub is revolutionizing the modern office.
What makes WPVH unique?
"The WPVH is more than an office, it's a playground for innovation, we combine the strengths of imec, TNO, and our academic and business partners to create solutions for a healthier, more sustainable workplace,” says Sywert Brongersma, director of strategic partnerships at imec.
This multidisciplinary approach is key. Students from ICT, applied psychology, communication, and other fields tackle real-world challenges together. Bernard Grundlehner, System Architect at imec at Holst Centre, highlights the synergy: “Pairing diverse backgrounds sparks creativity and ensures we solve problems from every angle.”
From research to reality
At the hub, students play a central role in testing and refining innovations. A standout example is the adaptation of Fittar’s fitness mirror for office use. Students explored how to make it practical and acceptable for workplaces, addressing barriers like user comfort and engagement.
Imec’s expertise also shines through in projects like Ahrend’s Powernap chair. By integrating brainwave monitoring, imec helped to validate how short naps can boost productivity. “We ensure these innovations are backed by science and we position ourselves as a bridge between academia and industry,” explains Bernard.
The impact so far
Since its launch, the WPVH has grown from just 10 students in 2022 to over 35 each semester, etherlands (1031) it continues to attract talent from fields as law, engineering, and architecture. These students tackle projects ranging from privacy compliance for sensor systems to studies on how daylight impacts productivity. Sywert Brongersma adds, “What’s unique about the WPVH is how it brings students so close to the industry. They’re not just observers; they actively shape solutions alongside researchers and companies, creating a collaborative environment”.
A catalyst for change
“We’re not just solving problems—we’re preparing the next generation to think differently,” Sywert says. “This hub is about creating a future where work is not just productive, but also fulfilling and sustainable.”
For Bernard, the WPVH’s magic lies in its collaboration. “Bringing people together from diverse backgrounds—whether they’re students, researchers, or business leaders—creates something truly unique. This is the future of innovation.”
The Workplace Vitality Hub stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and innovation. As it continues to grow, it’s not just reshaping workplaces, it’s inspiring a generation to think bigger, work smarter, and live better.
Published on:
4 August 2025
