Technical talent Ostap Bachynskyy (24) 'From 'why not' to a top nomination'

Ostap Bachynskyy (24) was nominated for the Noordhof Prize in 2025 as Junior Craftsman in Mechatronics. Unlike many colleagues, he was not tinkering from a young age. His future in technology began with a simple thought: "Let's see how this works out." He is now a third-year BBL student at Summa Engineering and a valued employee at Philips Medical Systems in BestWe spoke with him about his remarkable journey, his work ethic, and the drive that even brought him to America.

Good question. I've never really been very handy or technical. I tried different directions, and at one point I thought: you know what? I've never really done anything with technology. Let's give that a try.

That choice has paid off. I'm really enjoying the BBL program. I work four days a week at Philips and spend one day at school for theory. What I like most is how broad the Mechatronics program is. You get a very broad understanding of electrical engineering and mechatronics, which helps you figure out exactly what you want to do next.

What's more, you'll immediately practice it in real work. I'll learn how to write a good email or how to explain complex, technical stories to people who aren't so technically trained. And of course, you'll get a salary, so you can start saving right away.

I was indeed nominated by the school; they can nominate people every year. I think they looked at how I behave at school and the grades I get.

The qualities they probably see are that I'm hardworking and quite calm. They also have confidence in me. For example, I had to go to America for work. Then I was gone for two weeks, back for a week, and then gone for two weeks again. So, in total, I missed four weeks of school. The teachers were like, "Looking at how Ostap is developing, we're not afraid he won't be able to catch up. He'll be fine." That confidence is worth a lot.

At school, we mainly study the theoretical subjects necessary to advance in the technical world. I do the real projects at work.

What I'm most proud of is being sent to America as a relatively new employee. My job there was to help colleagues and train them in the same work I do here in the Netherlands. I think I was chosen because I have a good combination: I'm still young, sociable, speak good English, and I know a lot about the work we do. They knew it would be good in terms of social interaction, but also that I could provide the technical support they needed.

I'm currently exploring my options. I don't have a definitive plan yet, but I'm currently most interested in electrical engineering.

My drive comes from the idea that standing still isn't an option. If you stand still, you're doing nothing. You have to get through life. You could stay stagnant, but that won't benefit you, or society. You kind of have to... you have to go to work. For me, there's a drive to ultimately help people.