Fontys students are creating interactive light art for GLOW 2026

Three projects from Fontys University of Applied Sciences will be on display during GLOW 2026, which takes place in Eindhoven from 7 to 14 November. Students from Fontys ICT and Fontys Technology have developed light installations for the festival. In doing so, they are contributing to the theme Connect, which centres on connections between people, technology and their environment.

This year’s theme is an invitation to explore connections between people, technology and their environment. Light serves as a means for encounter, interaction and the sharing of new perspectives. This idea is reflected in various ways across the three student projects, which invite visitors not only to look, but also to actively participate and experience new connections.

Quantum Waves by Fontys ICT
Students from Fontys ICT’s DELTA programme of excellence have developed an interactive light installation (see photo) for GLOW that allows visitors to experience how connections are formed. Upon entering, each visitor receives a unique digital atom which appears as a projection and moves along with the visitor as they progress through the exhibition. When two atoms are connected, these digital atoms take on the same colour and a line of light appears between the two projections.

The concept is inspired by quantum entanglement, whereby two separate entities become connected. At the end of the experience, the connected atoms merge into a single new form, combining characteristics of both original atoms. In this way, the installation brings the theme Connect to life in a playful and visual manner.

Quantum Waves can be experienced during GLOW on Julianastraat in Eindhoven.

The Rings of Resonance by Fontys Technology, BeCreative minor
In The Rings of Resonance, technology, light art and interaction come together in an installation that responds to visitors. The artwork consists of a central sphere, surrounded by three rotating rings. Visitors can bring the installation to life using eight luminous hand sensors. As soon as someone places a hand on a sensor, light and movement are triggered. The more visitors participate at the same time, the more intense the reaction: colours become more vivid, light patterns more dynamic and the rings spin faster.

The light art installation by the BeCreative minor demonstrates how collaboration and interaction create a shared experience. Every visitor contributes to the artwork, which is constantly changing due to the presence and participation of the audience.

The Rings of Resonance can be seen during GLOW on the square in front of the Heuvel shopping centre, near Catharinaplein in Eindhoven.

Like Insects by Fontys Technology and Summa Fashion
Like Insects allows visitors to experience what happens when fashion, technology and creativity come together. Students from Summa Fashion and Fontys Technology, in collaboration with fashion and technology designer Anouk Wipprecht, have developed a unique installation centred on futuristic fashion designs. Inspired by the hidden beauty and intelligence of insects, visitors move through a subtly lit landscape of water lilies and discover interactive creations incorporating electronics, sensors and lighting. Through this project, the students explored how fashion and technology can inspire wonder, foster encounters and create connections.

Like Insects can be admired during GLOW in the shop window of De Bijenkorf in Eindhoven.

GLOW Talent Award 2026
The two Fontys projects form part of the GLOW Talent Award 2026, through which GLOW puts young creative talent from the region in the spotlight. Students from institutions including Fontys, SintLucas, Summa College, HKU and Eindhoven University of Technology will present their light artworks to thousands of visitors during the festival.

From 7 November, GLOW visitors can vote for their favourite student project for the People’s Choice Award. In addition, a panel of experts will assess the entries on criteria including innovation, connection, accessibility and impact. Quantum Waves, The Rings of Resonance and Like Insects are in the running for the GLOW Talent Award. More information about the competition and the voting procedure can be found on GLOW’s website.

Author: Zoë Verwers
Image: Fontys Technology, illustration of Quantum Waves

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