Inclusive Communication
Those who design and develop technology might rarely experience the barriers of asking for help—yet for the 3 million adults (!) in the Netherlands with low literacy, it’s an overwhelming challenge. Letters from the government, housing corporations, or healthcare providers often go unread or misunderstood. Though over 120 organizations (!!) in the Eindhoven region offer support, 80% (!!!) of those seeking help fail on their first attempt, often due to confusing systems, stigma and shame.
What goes wrong? Help! When asking for help isn’t that simple – how do people’s needs meet the right support?
Join us next Thursday as Jéssica Goss (Mijke, Eindhoven Engine) and Jeroen van de Nieuwenhof (Tolkie) explore how their AI-driven tools tackle these challenges.
- Mijke engages in a conversation with those who seek help, identifying their unique needs and guiding them step by step via WhatsApp.
- Tolkie creates software that enables organizations to simplify complex texts and helps readers who may struggle with understanding.
Prepare to reflect, question, and engage. This is your invitation to learn how to think and act more inclusive.
Moderated by Charlotte Grün.
Special Guests
Jéssica Goss – From Social Design to AI for Good
Jéssica Goss is a digital designer and researcher with a passion for using technology to serve real human needs. With a background in human-centered design and social innovation, she has worked on projects that translate complex problems into accessible, user-friendly solutions. Now, at Eindhoven Engine, she leads the development of Mijke, an AI-driven matchbot that connects individuals with literacy challenges to the right local support services through WhatsApp.
Unlike traditional directories, Mijke engages in a natural conversation, identifying users’ unique needs and guiding them step by step. By leveraging a platform familiar to 96% of the target audience (ages 16-40), Mijke ensures accessibility without requiring new digital skills. For Jéssica, technology is not just about innovation—it’s about inclusivity, making sure that digital tools empower rather than exclude.
Mijke connects individuals with literacy challenges to the right help, making support more accessible and personalized via WhatsApp.
Jeroen van de Nieuwenhof – From Journalism to Inclusive Tech
With a background in journalism and journalism education, Jeroen van de Nieuwenhof has spent years exploring the best ways to communicate complex information. While he initially focused on storytelling, he discovered a deeper passion for technology and problem-solving. Combining these interests, he co-founded Tolkie, a startup based in Eindhoven that enhances communication by making text more accessible to a wider audience.
Tolkie helps organizations bridge literacy gaps by offering reading assistance through simplified summaries, translations, word explanations, and text-to-speech features. Additionally, its AI-driven writing tools support organizations in creating clearer, more inclusive texts. What started as a personal challenge to improve his own coding skills has now evolved into a mission to ensure that digital communication reaches everyone, regardless of their literacy level.
Tolkie transforms the way organizations communicate, making information clearer, more inclusive, and easier to understand for everyone
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how technology and design can break down barriers and create truly inclusive successes!
Our city is growing fast and the world is facing huge challenges. This is the moment to connect the superpowers of our regional ecosystems. What can we envision to ensure an attractive and enduring habitat for future generations? Which experiments and prototypes are needed to stay a step ahead? What can we learn from other cities?
Join the EHV Innovation Special Event
Do you want be a part of the Future of Eindhoven? Mark the event in your calendar and secure your ticket here. Walk in is also possible but the seats for the debat are limited. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
27 March 2025
17:30 Walk-in and networking, we’ll offer a free drink and a bite
18:00 Introduction to the Special Guests followed by a moderated debate
19:00 Networking
19:30 Meet-up dinner with the speakers
English spoken, of course