Eric Thelen

About

Innovation and R&D executive with entrepreneurial mindset and with more than 20 years of international management experience in multiple fields within a multinational high-tech corporation and a European innovation and education organization, including research management, portfolio management, innovation strategy, product development, manufacturing and IP management. Energetic, result-driven manager with strengths in establishing structure and in leading activities to a successful conclusion. Demonstrated success in leading change management processes. Experience with start-up / incubation / venturing environments.

Experience

• VitalWear (Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands)
  • Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
    Oct 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 9 mos

  • Co-Founder
    Jan 2023 - Sep 2023 · 9 mos

    Optical fiber sensing for non-invasive medical applications

• Innovation Consultant at Eric Thelen B.V.
  Mar 2013 - Oct 2023 · 10 yrs 8 mos

  Simplifying your Innovation Challenges http://www.ericthelen.com

• Founder at Approiq B.V.
  Mar 2013 - Oct 2023 · 10 yrs 8 mos

  Development of Mobile Apps https://www.approiq.com Development of the Approiq Cube 3D Electronic Puzzle Game

• Venture Manager Senior Safety at T.net SpA
  Jun 2021 - Dec 2022 · 1 yr 7 mos

  Supporting the creation of the Senior Safety venture and managing the corresponding EIT Digital Innovation Activity

• EIT Digital (Contract · 6 yrs 8 mos)
  • Director EIT Digital Silicon Valley Hub
    Apr 2017 - Dec 2019 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    The EIT Digital Silicon Valley Hub establishes a two-way bridge between the European EIT Digital ecosystem and the San Francisco Bay Area supporting the exchange are of talents, technology and investments. The Silicon Valley Hub is tightly integrated into EIT Digital activities and connected to national trade and scientific missions, accelerator programs of different member states in the area, and actively promotes Europe in the Bay Area. The activities of the EIT Digital Silicon Valley Hub are focused on accelerating the business growth of European scaleups, increasing the mobility of innovators and the two-way flow of talent between Europe and the Bay Area, facilitating EU-US education and innovation collaboration driven by the EIT Digital Action Lines, amplifying European, national and regional efforts and uniting the European presence in the Bay Area.

  • Secretary to the Management Committee
    Feb 2014 - Dec 2019 · 5 yrs 11 mos

    Secretary services for the EIT Digital Management Committee

  • Head of Innovation and Education Operations
    Jan 2016 - Mar 2017 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Management of the EIT Digital Innovation and Education Operations Team and the EIT Digital Headquarters Office in Brussels, Belgium