Bas van Abel

Abel studied Interaction Design at the Utrecht School of the Arts and pursued a parallel degree in Electrical Engineering and Programming at Delft University of Technology. His multidisciplinary education provided him with the skills to merge technology, design, and social impact.

Abel began his career at the Waag Society in Amsterdam, a nonprofit organization focused on the intersection of art, technology, and electronic media. His work there emphasized sustainability and fair trade in consumer electronics, which eventually inspired the creation of Fairphone.

In 2013, Abel founded Fairphone, a company that produces modular smartphones designed for longevity, repairability, and ethical sourcing of materials. Fairphone addresses issues such as conflict minerals, labor conditions, and electronic waste. Under his leadership, the company gained recognition for its innovative approach to sustainable technology and became a certified B Corporation.

Abel stepped down as CEO of Fairphone in 2018 to focus on the company's strategic direction as a member of its supervisory board. His successor, Eva Gouwens, continued to build on his vision for ethical electronics.