ExpoBieb Zoetermeer: Social Impact Takes Center Stage at the 2026 Impactmaker Award

From ExpoBike to a place where everyone can explore

What began with the ExpoBike—a cargo bike loaded with assistive devices that traveled through the neighborhood—evolved into the ExpoBieb: an accessible space where residents, informal caregivers, and professionals can discover, try out, and borrow assistive devices and care technology. The goal? To help people live safely and independently in their own homes for longer and to let them experience for themselves which solutions work best for their situation.

The strength of the ExpoBieb lies in the collaboration between residents, volunteers, students, health and social services professionals, and organizations. By sharing knowledge and experiences, new insights and practical solutions emerge that meet the needs of residents.

Innovation that helps people move forward

The nomination for the 2026 Impact Maker Award, in the category “Connecting Informal and Formal Care,” demonstrates just how valuable this collaboration is. The ExpoBieb brings together care, well-being, education, and technology, and makes innovation accessible to everyone.

Among other things, the responses to the nomination emphasize that the ExpoBieb helps people live independently at home for longer. The initiative also gives professionals the opportunity to discover new tools and start using them. Especially now that the healthcare system is under pressure, it is important to work together to find ways to keep care accessible, personalized, and future-proof.

One of the comments puts it perfectly:

"It's great to see how easily people can access healthcare technology! This has a ripple effect throughout the entire system and promotes self-reliance and appropriate care!"

The real reward lies in the impact

Although the ExpoBieb did not take home the award, its ambition remains unchanged: to work together to build a future in which people can live independently for as long as possible and in which technology contributes to a more enjoyable daily life.

The nomination is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the ExpoBieb among even more residents and professionals. Because only when people know what options are available—and can experience them for themselves—will the step toward using these resources become easier.

The ExpoBieb is a joint initiative of mboRijnland, inZet, Samen Zoetermeer Gezond, the municipality of Zoetermeer, CIV Welzijn & Zorg, Thuisleef Groep, Jong Senioren, Palet Welzijn, EerstelijnsZorg Zoetermeer, and ZonMw.

Curious about what the ExpoBieb can do for you? Feel free to stop by!

During the walk-in consultation hours, residents and informal caregivers can discover, try out, and borrow assistive devices. Professionals are also welcome to gain inspiration and explore new possibilities together.

Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: inZet Oosterheem, 5 Zanzibarplein .

Source: inZet in the Neighborhood