East Netherlands: Hotspot for health and life sciences innovation
East Netherlands is a vibrant hotspot for innovation in life sciences and health. Home to Health Valley, this dynamic region combines the expertise of companies, universities, and research institutes, backed by a supportive government. It’s the ideal location to grow and innovate in health and life sciences.
Why choose East Netherlands for your health business?
Collaborative Ecosystem
The region is powered by renowned players like Radboud University and Radboudumc in Nijmegen, leaders in drug development and molecular medicine. The University of Twente and its TechMed Centre are pioneers in medical technology, while Wageningen University & Research excels in life sciences and natural resources.
Key Focus Areas
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Molecular medicine, diagnostics, and imaging
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Nanotechnology and medical robotics
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Digital health and lab-on-a-chip technology
Global companies such as Abbott, AstraZeneca, and Demcon have already established themselves here, leveraging the region’s resources and expertise.
Anchored by renowned research universities
The region is home to key players like:
- Radboud University and Radboudumc (Nijmegen): Leaders in drug development, microbiology, infectious diseases, and immunology. Their institutes focus on translational health research and diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, and metabolic disorders.
- University of Twente: Known for its expertise in nanotechnology, robotics, and biomedical engineering. Over 1,000 companies have been spun off from this energetic university.
- Wageningen University & Research (WUR): Specializing in sustainable solutions in health, agriculture, and food sciences.
Anchored by renowned research universities
The region is home to key players like:
- Radboud University and Radboudumc (Nijmegen): Leaders in drug development, microbiology, infectious diseases, and immunology. Their institutes focus on translational health research and diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, and metabolic disorders.
- University of Twente: Known for its expertise in nanotechnology, robotics, and biomedical engineering. Over 1,000 companies have been spun off from this energetic university.
- Wageningen University & Research (WUR): Specializing in sustainable solutions in health, agriculture, and food sciences.
World-class research institutes
East Netherlands provides businesses with access to advanced research facilities and collaborative opportunities. Key institutes include:
- Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre: Driving healthcare advancements in bioengineering, diagnostics, and medical robotics.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour: Pioneering research into neuroscience and AI-driven diagnostics.
- OnePlanet Research Center: Innovating in nanotechnology, health, and agriculture.
- MESA+ Institute: A global leader in nanotechnology research.
Universities of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate and graduate students from universities of Applied Sciences, like HAN, Saxion, and Windesheim, are trained to become the next generation of healthcare professionals. These institutions provide skilled labor directly aligned with health sector needs.
World-class research institutes
East Netherlands provides businesses with access to advanced research facilities and collaborative opportunities. Key institutes include:
- Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre: Driving healthcare advancements in bioengineering, diagnostics, and medical robotics.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour: Pioneering research into neuroscience and AI-driven diagnostics.
- OnePlanet Research Center: Innovating in nanotechnology, health, and agriculture.
- MESA+ Institute: A global leader in nanotechnology research.
Universities of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate and graduate students from universities of Applied Sciences, like HAN, Saxion, and Windesheim, are trained to become the next generation of healthcare professionals. These institutions provide skilled labor directly aligned with health sector needs.
Health campuses
East Netherlands boasts three specialized health campuses offering unique expertise and resources:
- Noviotech Campus (Nijmegen): Specializing in health and high-tech innovations.
- Mercator Technology & Science Park (Nijmegen): Fostering startups and scale-ups in life sciences.
- Knowledge Park Twente (Enschede): A hub for medical technology and R&D.
These campuses provide modern infrastructure, international networks, and tailored support for businesses looking to innovate and grow.
Health campuses
East Netherlands boasts three specialized health campuses offering unique expertise and resources:
- Noviotech Campus (Nijmegen): Specializing in health and high-tech innovations.
- Mercator Technology & Science Park (Nijmegen): Fostering startups and scale-ups in life sciences.
- Knowledge Park Twente (Enschede): A hub for medical technology and R&D.
These campuses provide modern infrastructure, international networks, and tailored support for businesses looking to innovate and grow.
Strong government support for health entrepreneurs
Health and life sciences businesses benefit from extensive government backing:
- European-level funding through public-private collaborations in EU Framework Programmes.
- National support, with the Dutch government prioritizing life sciences and health as key innovation sectors, providing significant R&D incentives.
- Regional initiatives: Gelderland and Overijssel co-fund health innovation projects, provide venture capital, and facilitate collaborations like EFRO, Interreg, and Health Valley.
Strong government support for health entrepreneurs
Health and life sciences businesses benefit from extensive government backing:
- European-level funding through public-private collaborations in EU Framework Programmes.
- National support, with the Dutch government prioritizing life sciences and health as key innovation sectors, providing significant R&D incentives.
- Regional initiatives: Gelderland and Overijssel co-fund health innovation projects, provide venture capital, and facilitate collaborations like EFRO, Interreg, and Health Valley.
Contact us
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