Led by alumna Sophia Eriola Shanko, ShanX MedTech is developing methods to determine the impact of antibiotics before they are administered. As I read about innovation, speed, the growing impact of TU/e research, acceleration, technological breakthroughs, scalability, and—how surprising—funding, funding, funding, I think: an impressive achievement, and it makes sense that this is what the story focuses on, but something essential is missing.

I believe that real impact has more to do with people than with money. Innovation is never a solo project. Shanko’s story shows what is often a decisive factor for success: multiple people finding each other at just the right moment.

Shanko was born in Albania, grew up in Greece, and eventually ended up in the Netherlands. Her mother developed a serious illness that could have been prevented. That became Shanko’s motivation to pursue her studies. She received a scholarship to a university in the United Kingdom that wanted to give her a chance.

After that, she came here. At TU/e, the relationships that made the difference began to take shape. She found a research group that embraced her curiosity. A professor who gave her room to grow. Colleagues who thought along with her. With her enthusiasm, she gathered a group of experts, physicians, and advisors around her who, in the early years, selflessly supported her with sound advice—and coffee.

She won the Marina van Damme Award for ambitious female alumni through the University Fund Eindhoven: 2,500 euros. Not enough for a laboratory, but enough to keep a dream in motion. More important than the money was the signal: we believe in you.

She now passes on that support and inspiration. As the leader of ShanX MedTech, she is a source of inspiration—for students, alumni, and for everyone who believes that innovation begins with curiosity, but truly works only when people are willing to help one another. And that is exactly what makes me proud as a member of the TU/e community.

Her success shows that relationships are not a bonus, but a prerequisite. Perhaps that is the most important lesson we can pass on as a university: technology truly changes the world only when people are able to find each other. Because 24 million euros can make impact possible, but people make it real. Success is priceless.

Edith Snelders is head of office for Alumni Relations and University Fund Eindhoven. The views expressed in this column are her own.

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.