Solar Team Eindhoven
Project Overview
About
Remote communities may struggle to access emergency healthcare where roads, fuel supplies and electricity are unreliable. Solar Team Eindhoven is developing an ambulance powered entirely by integrated solar panels, which also supply its onboard medical equipment. Designed to be lightweight and robust, the vehicle aims to operate in harsh conditions without relying on external charging or fuel. Developed with medical and logistical guidance from Amref Health Africa, a leading Africa-based health organisation, the ambulance could extend care to hard-to-reach communities and demonstrate how solar mobility can support essential public services.
Team
Thomas Derks
In high school I joined a robotics student team. Here I was introduced to the world of technology and together with other students we built multiple world championship worthy robots. This experience made me study Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology. I've always been inspired by the things you can do with technology. That's why, in September of 2025, I joined Solar Team Eindhoven as a structural Engineer. Here we designed Stella Juva, world's first solar powered ambulance. With this vehicle we want to inspire the world what you can do with technology.
Sander de Jonge
Sander de Jonge is a Master’s student in Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology, specializing in thermal and fluids engineering. As an Aerodynamic Engineer and Head of Production for Solar Team Eindhoven, he contributed to developing Stella Juva, the world’s first solar-powered ambulance. Working alongside a team of 23 students, he was responsible for the aerodynamic design to maximize overall vehicle efficiency, designed and integrated extendable components, and guided overall production. At Prototypes for Humanity, he showcases energy-efficient engineering solutions designed to deliver sustainable healthcare in even the most remote environments.