Program Overview

Introduction to the EngD Program

The EngD program is a two-year course that offers companies the opportunity to hire a technological designer who can design and develop complex new products and processes, providing innovative solutions to technological design issues.

Program Benefits

The EngD program provides several benefits to companies, including:

• A tailored program that addresses the company's specific technological design issues
• Access to a top 25% trainee who can switch quickly between different levels and has a wide range of skills in creativity and thinking out-of-the-box
• The possibility of intellectual property rights on all contract results generated or arrived at within the scope of the design project

Program Structure

The program is structured around the trainee, the set of courses, and expert coaching, all of which come together to provide the best possible solution for the design problem. The trainee, the composition of the curriculum, and the choice of supervisor/professor are all made in consultation with the placement organization.

EngD for Company Employees

It is also possible for employees within an organization to pursue an EngD program, provided they have the correct background. This allows companies to develop their existing staff and provide them with the opportunity to work on complex design projects.

Creating a Proposal

Companies interested in hiring an EngD trainee to help solve a technological design problem must first create a proposal. This proposal should outline the design problem, the desired outcomes, and the resources required to complete the project.

Agreements

All EngD programs are jointly financed by a company and the University of Twente. There are two possible employment arrangements for trainees:

• Employed by the company: The costs are 20,000 (excluding VAT) per year for education, supervision, and access to the university's knowledge infrastructure.
• Employed by the University: The costs are 55,000 (excluding VAT) per year for the trainee's salary, education, supervision, and access to the university's knowledge infrastructure.

Knowledge Ownership

Possible intellectual property rights on all contract results generated or arrived at within the scope of the design project are vested in the company.

Subsidies

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) established in the Netherlands may be eligible for government subsidies and schemes for investing in innovation, research, and development. These subsidies include:

• Loans
• Financial contributions
• Tax advantages
• Payroll tax allowance (WBSO)
• Innovation impact challenge

Research Areas

The EngD program covers a range of research areas, including:

• Business and IT
• Civil Engineering
• Energy and Process Technology
• Maintenance
• Robotics

Program Details

The EngD program is a two-year course that provides companies with the opportunity to hire a technological designer who can design and develop complex new products and processes. The program is tailored to the company's specific needs and provides access to a top 25% trainee with a wide range of skills in creativity and thinking out-of-the-box. The program is jointly financed by the company and the University of Twente, and possible intellectual property rights on all contract results are vested in the company.