Three engaging speakers share stories of innovation, technology and engineering, each with a unique connection to the Netherlands.
Join the Dutch Business Club for an evening of ideas, innovation and connections at NED 2026.
Inspired by the format of TED-style talks, NED brings together speakers from different industries to share their knowledge, experiences and ideas, with one common thread: a connection to the Netherlands, the Dutch, Dutch innovation or doing business with the Dutch.
This year’s event features three speakers exploring fascinating connections between Canada and the Netherlands across technology, agriculture, robotics and marine engineering.
Meet Our Speakers
Jen Mielguj | Senior Director of IP and Partnerships, DIGITAL
Jen will explore how Canadian technology and Dutch agricultural expertise can come together to accelerate innovation. Through a real-world collaboration between Canadian startup Vivid Machines and Dutch partner Hol Spraying Systems, she’ll share how AI-powered computer vision is being used to optimize fruit yields and agricultural inputs while demonstrating the potential of Canada-Netherlands partnerships in sustainable agriculture.
Jen leads initiatives at DIGITAL focused on innovation, commercialization, responsible AI adoption, intellectual property strategy and collaborative partnerships.
Steven DeBoer, CPA | VP of Finance and Business Operations, 4AG Robotics
Steven will share the story of Salmon Arm-based 4AG Robotics and its autonomous mushroom harvester, which uses AI vision and precision suction to pick, trim and pack mushrooms around the clock.
Designed to integrate directly with Dutch mushroom-growing shelving systems, 4AG’s robots are now operating on farms across three continents, including the Netherlands. A third-generation Dutch Canadian, Steven will share how a BC robotics company is taking on one of agriculture’s most labour-intensive challenges and why its road to international growth runs through the Netherlands.
Joost Remmers | TWD
Joost will bring a marine construction perspective to NED, exploring innovative engineering approaches that can improve construction efficiency while reducing environmental impacts.
With a background in civil, offshore and geotechnical engineering, Joost works with TWD, an international engineering firm developing practical solutions for complex marine construction. His work provides another fascinating connection between Dutch engineering expertise and the modernization of Canadian infrastructure.
Event Details
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Brock House, Vancouver
The evening will feature three guest presentations, each followed by a short Q&A, along with time to network and connect with Vancouver’s Dutch business community.
Light refreshments and drinks will be provided.
General Admission: $25