Smart Making
What if you could grow materials, build with robots, design with mixed reality, or create wearables that interact with the body? At Smart Making, you don’t just study the future — you make it.
What if you could grow materials, build with robots, design with mixed reality, or create wearables that interact with the body? At Smart Making, you don’t just study the future — you make it.
This minor invites international students to study in the heart of Amsterdam, using the city as a living lab for experimentation, design, and innovation. You’ll work in advanced labs with robotics, digital fabrication, XR, and smart materials, collaborating with an international community of students and experts.
Beyond the lab, Amsterdam’s creative industries and urban challenges become part of your learning, giving real-world context to your projects. More than just studying abroad, this experience expands your perspective, builds your network, and equips you with future-focused skills.
Want to know more? check out this video!
Programme Outline
This minor is a hands-on, lab-based learning experience where you will:
- Learn the fundamentals of computational design and digital fabrication
- Work with real technologies (robots, XR, biomaterials, sensors, etc)
- Collaborate in multidisciplinary lab environments
- Develop prototypes → systems → final showcase projects
- Choose your own direction through 4 tracks and develop your expertise.
Important dates
Autumn semester
- Mandatory introduction & kick-off: first week of September
- Start programme: first week of September
- End programme: last week of January / first week of February
Spring semester
- Mandatory introduction & kick-off: first week of February
- Start programme: first week of February
- End programme: last week of June / first week of July
Notes
Learning Journey (20 weeks):
From inspiration → exploration → expert modules → prototyping → final showcase
Including excursions, makeathons, lab work, and real-world challenges
Why this Minor?
- Connects people, technology, design, and impact
- Strong focus on hands-on learning + collaboration
- Prepares students for emerging fields (AI, XR, Robotics, smart systems)
- Open to technical and creative profiles
- Have fun in Amsterdam while making!
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