Who can build the fastest car? Pinewood Derby at Nijmegen Technology Day
On Saturday 12 September, at ROC Nijmegen – Technovium, it’s not just about discovering and doing, but also about racing. During Nijmegen Technology Day, children aged 8 to 14 can take part in the exciting Pinewood Derby with their self-built wooden racing cars. Who will build the fastest car and be the first to cross the finish line?
The Pinewood Derby is a race featuring homemade wooden cars. Using a simple kit, you design and build your own racing car from scratch. You then take your car to Nijmegen Technology Day, where it will compete against other homemade creations on the race track.
Anyone who collects a Pinewood Derby kit in advance from Junior Technovium in Nijmegen or Wijchen can get started at home. On 12 September, the moment of truth arrives and the homemade racing cars can compete for the fastest time. More information about the Pinewood Derby can be found at www.juniortechnovium.nl/pinewoodderby/.
Photo credit: Nijmegen Technology Day 2025 (by: Junior Technovium)
Get hands-on with technology
The Pinewood Derby is one of the many activities taking place during Nijmegen Technology Day. On Saturday 12 September, ROC Nijmegen – Technovium will be transformed into one big discovery centre where young people aged 8 to 14 can explore the world of technology in an interactive way. Over 40 companies, organisations and educational institutions from the region will be demonstrating just how versatile, creative and surprising technology can be.
Technology is everywhere. From renewable energy and high-tech to construction, installation engineering and ICT: during Technology Day, young people are introduced to careers and innovations that are essential for the future. Whether you enjoy making things, are curious about robots, love a good puzzle or want to discover how smart technology works, there is something for every visitor to experience. Hands-on learning is at the heart of it all.
“Young people discover technology best by doing it themselves,” says Marloes van Haren, manager of Junior Technovium. “During Technology Day, girls and boys will build, programme, investigate and test. They’ll realise just how fun and versatile technology is, whether you enjoy coming up with ideas, making things, investigating or controlling systems. Who knows, this might well be the very first step towards a great course of study or a fantastic job right here on your doorstep.”
Schools from the region are also involved in the event. Pupils receive a Technology Day leaflet in advance, which gives them the chance to win a special prize during the event: their very own drone.
Free admission
Nijmegen Technology Day will take place on Saturday 12 September, from 10.00 to 16.00, at ROC Nijmegen – Technovium, Heyendaalseweg 98 in Nijmegen. Admission is free and no registration is required.
Nijmegen Technology Day is organised by VNO-NCW Midden and Junior Technovium, in collaboration with various educational institutions and companies, including ROC Nijmegen, Nijmegen City Council, Werk en Vakmanschap, Patron Metaal, Sterk Techniekonderwijs, Rabobank and the Industrial Association for Nijmegen and the surrounding area (IKN).
Further information can be found at www.techniekdag.nl/techniekdag-nijmegen and via the Technology Day social media channels.
Technology Days at Lifeport
Lifeport and the Human Capital Agreement embrace Nijmegen Technology Day as the ideal venue for inspiring young talent with a passion for technology and innovation. By introducing young people to technical companies and careers at an early stage, we are working together to build the talent that our region so desperately needs. At the same time, the Nijmegen Technology Day brings the education sector and the business community closer together and showcases the many exciting opportunities the Arnhem-Nijmegen region has to offer.
