At MEMSYS, we talk about innovation, collaboration and pushing the limits. None of that happens without the incredible minds and energy driving it all forward. So, we are doing a series of interviews and handing the mic to our team.
These interviews are a window into the people behind the projects – their passions, perspectives and what fuels them everyday at MEMSYS.
Get ready to meet the talent and see why teamwork makes the dreamwork !
Today the floor is to Camilo Valencia , Lead Mechatronics Engineer.
Hello Camilo, tell us a bit about your background!
Sure! I was born in Colombia, in a small town called La Plata, in the southern region of Huila—which literally means “the money,” so clearly, I was destined for success!
But honestly, I never liked the heat there. Even though Colombia is tropical, I’ve always preferred cooler climates. So we moved to Bogotá, the capital, which is nicknamed “the fridge”—and I loved it. Eventually, I moved to the Netherlands, which might be even colder, so I guess it was a natural progression! After the Netherlands, I lived in Barcelona, Spain, for about seven years. It’s an amazing city—once you’re there, it’s hard to think about leaving. But in 2013, we moved back to Colombia. My parents had a job opportunity there, and Spain was going through an economic crisis at the time. I was just finishing middle school, so it felt like the right moment to return. I completed high school and then studied Mechatronics Engineering at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. It’s the top university in the country and one of the best in Latin America.
Mechatronics is a very multidisciplinary field, right?
Definitely. Since I was a kid, I’ve loved taking things apart to understand how they work—and putting them back together, hopefully! I considered aerospace engineering too, but mechatronics was the perfect mix: programming, robotics, electronics, mechanics, automation… everything I was interested in. It’s a true jack-of-all-trades degree. People often say, “master of none,” but I disagree—given enough time and experience, you do master a lot.
How did you find out about MEMSYS?
I always knew I wanted to go abroad after graduating. I have European nationality, speak several languages, and had built a diverse skill set—it just made sense. My university encourages international internships, so I decided to do that for my graduation project. My dad had already been living in the Netherlands for a few years, and last year my mom and I joined him. I took a short break—a sabbatical semester—and then began applying for internships. That’s when I found MEMSYS.
It was a great fit from the beginning. I initially joined to support scaling up the production of training units, which aligned really well with my background in automation and manufacturing. Later, we had to pivot a bit, but I stayed focused on technical work—building tools, testing systems—which still matched the requirements of my degree. Both MEMSYS and my university gave the green light.
So what’s your current role at MEMSYS?
My official title is Lead Mechatronics Engineer—though some like to call me the Flexibility Engineer because I handle a bit of everything. I lead prototype development for internal projects, especially around manufacturing and testing. I also manage the lab, so if interns need tools, advice, or testing help, I’m their go-to person.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
The flexibility and trust. Unlike large corporations, startups like MEMSYS give you room to take ownership and be creative. I’m not boxed in—I get to explore ideas, design solutions, and bring them to life without having to navigate endless bureaucracy. That’s something really rare and refreshing.
Final question— what are your thoughts on the future of energy harvesting?
I think it’s a super promising field. Energy is everywhere—motion, heat, the environment. If we can harness even small amounts efficiently, it could have a huge impact. As technology moves toward smart, wireless, and compact systems, energy harvesting can be the enabler for a whole new wave of innovation.
Well said! Thanks so much, Camilo.
Always a pleasure. Thanks for having me!
