NOW:US kicks off

The Discovery Factory takes part in NOW:US

a project by the VSC and ASML to bring more young people into contact with science, nature and technology

In this project, four VSC members in North Brabant are working on new ways to lower barriers and engage young people.

Thanks to the collaboration with ASML, Natuurmuseum Brabant, Ontdekstation, Next Nature Museum and The Discovery Factory can get started on the NOW:US project in 2026. The aim is to experiment with reaching young people aged 12 to 18 who do not visit yet, with extra attention for girls and young people with a low socio-economic status and/or a culturally diverse background.

Within NOW:US, The Discovery Factory reaches out to young people through schools and neighbourhood partners to offer tailor-made maker programmes on location. The other museums also give the project their own twist: Next Nature Museum uses dance to explore how technology influences the way you see the world, Natuurmuseum Brabant organises adventurous evening activities and Ontdekstation guides young people in building a carnival float.

ASML is committed to making science and technology accessible and tangible for children and young people, both at school and beyond. This way, young people can discover the role science and technology play in society and for themselves. ASML focuses on the region around Veldhoven.

The project experiments in direct interaction with the young people. The insights it produces are meant to be shared. That way, other VSC members can learn from us how to approach and reach new target groups. The format can also be adopted in other regions, to set up similar public-private partnerships aimed at bringing young people into contact with science and technology education.

The participating museums will work on the projects for about a year. We will round off the programme in early 2027, with new knowledge about what works to really reach young people.

Questions about now:US?

Read the Frequently Asked Questions on the VSC website here.

Become a partner?

Does your organisation reach young people aged 12 to 18, and do you want to help them develop their talent for technology outside school? Then get in touch with us.