During a period of 2 years, the Master students took a deep dive into challenges Amsterdam faces – ranging from the topics of mobility, climate resilience, circularity, digitization, energy, and food systems.
Having successfully completed classes on metropolitan challenges, entrepreneurial skills and data analysis in the urban context, they have developed into true metropolitan innovators. And now, we're proud to announce that the second cohort from the MSc MADE (Metropolitan Analysis, Design and Engineering) program has graduated!
“Addressing the topic of sustainability in full fashion instead of using it as a buzz word. I immediately had the feeling the MADE master would suit me well. And it did!”
Ruben Buno Heslinga
“I wanted to be in an environment where the city would be made better for the citizens that live in it. My interests lie in the interaction between the built environment and the people.”
Jennifer Pels
Like many festivities this year, the graduation ceremony was a small yet festive event. With the ‘cherry on the cake’ being that they received their joint diploma’s from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).
“I felt like my interests in both sustainability (from WUR) and the design of the built environment (from TU Delft) came together in the MSc MADE program. And that in my favorite city!”
Anna Boogaard
“MSc MADE makes a link between science and practice via an interdisciplinary approach. Plus: the Master's at a great location and characterized by a small group of students.”
Florinde Vessies
A selection of highlights
From working on real-world Living Lab projects together with stakeholders in Amsterdam to participating in the City's Startup in Residence program and growing ideas into start-ups like BOOMBRIX, taking part in a events like the 24h-lasting Amsterdam City Challenge or ClimateLaunchpad organized with Climate-KIC and not to forget bonding over a study trip to Vienna...
During their 2 years as MSc MADE students, they have developed numerous ideas and solutions to better the urban environment of Amsterdam.
“During my time as a MADE student I co-founded BOOMBRIX, got accepted to the Start-up in Residence program at the City of Amsterdam, and signed a contract with the municipality as a result.”
Noelle Teh
“Among the highlights during my time as a MADE student: the Studytrip to Vienna – this taught us how to apply scenario building and research by design methods – participating in the Rethink Protein Challenge, using a green screen and developing a tasty plant-based eel alternative.”
Daniel van Duijn
From students to urban innovators and entrepreneurs
Before kicking off the MSc MADE program 3 years ago a market analysis was carried out that showed there was a need for graduates with an interdisciplinary MADE profile. So, what are the future plans of this group of urban innovators?
This ranges from taking on roles as a trainee at Urgenda, Public Space Designer at the City of Amsterdam, and continue running the Dakdorpen project. Also, many have indicated they aspire to share their knowledge and make an impact on the urban environment as sustainability consultants.
Next to that, we’re excited to see that these graduates are entrepreneurs by heart as more than a few have decided to develop their bold and ambitious ideas into startups. For example, by joining our recently launched AMS Startup Booster.
“In terms of work, I would like to contribute to the transition towards a circular economy. I am particularly interested in food systems but actually enjoy analyzing material flows in any system in order to come up with suggestions on how to make the system more sustainable, just and circular.”
Rianne Stelwagen
To our graduates, thank you for joining us at AMS Institute for 2 years of learning, researching and developing your ambitious ideas to make Amsterdam more resilient and just. We’re proud to have you as our MADE Alumni, and we wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors developing metropolitan solutions for this city and beyond!
To stay updated on all MSc MADE related activities, follow the LinkedIn page.
