On (the) T at… Elstar

This time the T-pot brought Cecile and Boudie to Elstar, located in the characteristic TQ building on Strijp-T. There they spoke with Ghadeer Alkhansa and Jos Hofs, and got an exclusive look inside the laboratory.

What does Elstar actually do?

“We are engaged in research & development in the field of innovative glass solutions,” Ghadeer says enthusiastically. Jos adds: “Elstar develops technology that allows glass in buildings and cars to temporarily change color. By using a special black ink between two panes of glass and electricity we can create shades of gray within a few seconds. That means: darkening options, better insulation, energy generation and even glass that functions as a 5G antenna. Glass thus becomes much more than just transparent material.”

"Strijp-T makes our location here extra special because many of us have a Philips background, so it feels like coming home that we are continuing to build on glass innovation right here at Strijp-T, at this historic site," Jos said.

For Ghadeer, Strijp-T is personally special: “I moved 4.5 years ago from Lebanon to Eindhoven to study at TU/e. During my studies I worked out down here in the basement of TQ at Eindhoven Gym. Even then I thought: how wonderful it would be to work here someday. And look now! The roof terrace in the snow, the rooftop concert, the Tournament… it’s all so inspiring here.”

What is your role within Elstar?

Ghadeer laughs: “I am also sometimes called ‘inkie’ here. As an R&D chemical engineer I work in the lab on improving the ink formula.” Jos, co-founder and financial director, ensures that the team can continue to innovate and the organization can grow: “For example, I arrange housing, HR and all other matters that are not directly related to the engineers' technical work.”

Elstar is growing fast. “Last month five new colleagues joined and we have doubled in the past four years,” says Jos. “More and more women and increasingly younger and all international (Greece, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines). That brings a lot of energy, fitting in this energetic environment. That reinforces one another. That is what makes Strijp-T so unique and makes the community so important. With a doubling of the number of employees in two years it is important to keep working on the team. Community activities help with that,” says Jos. “But also within our company,” adds Ghadeer. “We organize an international lunch once a month for all colleagues. Someone then cooks a specific dish from his or her home country. That enormously strengthens the mutual bond.”

And where is the T-pot going next time and why?

Ghadeer doesn't have to think long about this question: "And of course! They're our neighbors, we played against them during the Tournament (and won!), and I know them from the gym and their orange logo. But honestly I still don't know exactly what they do. High time to find out!"