Founded by Hilde de Vocht and Ingelou Stol, Fe+male Tech Heroes is a High Tech Campus Eindhoven initiative created to raise awareness about gender equality and diversity in the tech industry.
What was initially conceived as a platform for women in tech has since grown into a broad and inclusive community that welcomes individuals of every gender. We are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, and equitable tech world where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered.
The idea began in 2019 with a single event. Hilde and Ingelou saw that tech companies were struggling to attract female talent, while many women working in tech felt isolated. They wanted to create a space for connection, visibility, and inspiration. Within days of announcing the event, 300 people had signed up. That overwhelming response confirmed that the need was real.
Since then, the community has grown to include more than 5,000 members. In 2023, Fe+male Tech Heroes expanded beyond High Tech Campus Eindhoven and is now proudly supported by 26 company partners, including ASML, Philips, TNO, and many others who share our vision.
We remain steadfast in our mission to promote gender equality and diversity in tech organizations. We do this by highlighting role models, organizing events such as conferences, workshops, and dinners, and encouraging companies to embrace diversity as a foundation for innovation and long-term success.
At Fe+male Tech Heroes, we believe that meaningful change begins with connection and shared experiences. Our events foster a positive atmosphere where people can network, learn from one another, and celebrate progress together. In 2023, we hosted our first Fe+male Tech Heroes Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions with awards like Female Tech Hero of the Year and Male Ally of the Year.
The plus sign in our name reflects our commitment to inclusion. We stand for equality for women, men, and everyone who identifies differently.
Join us in shaping a tech industry that truly reflects the diverse world we live in. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.
On a perfect autumn evening in 2024, the Fe+male Tech Heroes community came together for an unforgettable Thanksgiving feast: “Let’s Give Thanks.” The night was filled with inspiration and gratitude, which blended perfectly with thought-provoking discussions, comfort food and connections with old friends and new. Read the article here.
“From FemTech Lows … to Glows” was multiple events in one, with three keynotes, six career workshops, a Tech Safari with Tech Talks and demos at five innovation hubs around High Tech Campus Eindhoven, ending with networking, snacks and drinks in the perfect setting – a giant summer tent on the edge of the Campus lake.
The events were varied, but the theme running through the conference was encouraging the courageous … “We’re here for you. I believe in you.” Read the article here.
We held our first Partner BBQ in late August 2024, welcoming 24 new Fe+male Tech Heroes Partners who joined our mission to amplify the call for gender equality and diversity within the tech industry.
At the BBQ, we shared valuable lessons, had meaningful conversations and enjoyed an amazing all-vegetarian BBQ, and all Partners received a FTH tile. See the recap here.
For a first-time event, the Fe+male Tech Heroes Awards Show set a new standard for glitz and glamour in a tech ecosystem that can be rather sedate. More than anything, the awards show had authentic emotion, with the raucous audience of 300-plus momentarily hushed by the winners’ candid retellings of their journeys, then breaking into prolonged standing ovations.
