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Key sectors

Healthy People

Life Sciences & Health

Over the past 100 years, average health conditions – and, consequently, people’s life expectancy – have improved significantly. On the whole, this has been a very positive development. Nevertheless, an ageing population increasingly living in urban environments poses a range of new health challenges. Some of these are tackled with world-class solutions pioneered in Utrecht Region.

Healthy People

The Netherlands is an internationally renowned contributor to healthcare technology, digitalization, pharmaceutical innovation, and health solutions. Located in the centre of the country, Utrecht Region offers both the infrastructure and the human resources to develop much needed life science and healthcare innovations.

Utrecht, Heart of Health

Utrecht Region is particularly famous for its strength in future health – developing life sciences ‘technology of the future’ in the field of cell and tissue therapies. Think of organoids, regenerative medicine, biomanufacturing and oncology, image-guided treatment, and robotic surgery. Furthermore, we concentrate on a healthy environment – developing knowledge of environmental factors (the exposome) and strengthening the link between veterinary and human medicine in the One Health domain. And finally, we develop all kinds of innovations for healthier living. Think of research into the impact of (novel) food ingredients on human cells and organs.

In Utrecht Region, entrepreneurs, scientists, and researchers work closely with university medical centres and top clinical hospitals to create a healthy and sustainable living environment. Its collaborative ecosystem and highly educated workforce make Utrecht Region an ideal base for research and development operations. That is why we have the largest concentration of life sciences and health companies in the country, like Applied Medical, Johnson & Johnson, Genmab and Intravacc. With ten knowledge institutions and more than 120 research and development centres, Utrecht Region is one of Europe’s healthcare hotspots.

Investment opportunities

Personalised medicine and healthcare (cancer, brain, cardiovascular)

One Health (human health, veterinary health and healthy environment)

3D bioprinting

Future food and specialised nutrition

Pandemic preparedness

Stem cell and regenerative medicine (organoids, bio-fabrication)

Healthcare innovation (e-health, MedTech)

Image-guided interventions

Gen-technology

Investment opportunities

Personalised medicine and healthcare (cancer, brain, cardiovascular)

Gen-technology

One Health (human health, veterinary health and healthy environment)

3D bioprinting

Future food and specialised nutrition

Pandemic preparedness

Stem cell and regenerative medicine (organoids, bio-fabrication)

Healthcare innovation (e-health, MedTech)

Image-guided interventions

Gen-technology

Examples:

Example 1/3

Make your mark at Utrecht Science Park

The Utrecht Science Park (USP) campus is a miniature city of sorts, where people work, study, live, recreate, or receive care. Its number of ‘residents’, 51.000 students and 33.000 employees, makes USP the largest science park in The Netherlands. With institutions and companies such as Utrecht University Medical Centre, Princess Maxima Pediatric Oncology Center, Genmab, TNO and Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht Science Park is a true hotspot for knowledge, cutting-edge technology and talent. Located at Utrecht Science Park, Utrecht University, the Netherlands’ largest university is ranked #14 among Europe’s best universities. USP is the only science park in the Netherlands with its own festival and marathon. It is a truly fascinating environment with a wealth of features and activities.

Example 2/3

Towards Healthy Planet Diets: Future Food Utrecht

By 2050, the food system needs to offer food security to 10 billion people worldwide. Tasty, affordable, healthy, and sustainable food, produced with respect for animals and our planet. It is a major challenge, but one that is achievable if we join forces to shape the future of food together. Pioneering work is being done in the Future Food Utrecht hub. The hub offers a platform for scientists and external stakeholders who contribute to the transition of the food chain towards a sustainable world, by means of unique transdisciplinary research and education. The search is for catalysts of change; small interventions with big effects. Future Food Utrecht strives for diets that are as good for the planet as for its inhabitants.

Example 3/3

Plug into our Open Health Lab

European market entry for international Life Sciences & Health entrepreneurs involves four main barriers: product development, market authorization, market access, and market attractiveness. European health systems demand real-world evidence of safety, effectiveness, and healthcare impact. In the domain of Life Sciences and Health, the Utrecht Region offers six innovation ecosystems, comprising top knowledge institutes, medical centers, tech-savvy companies, and active test communities across various therapeutic areas. Focus areas include regenerative medicine, sports, exercise & vitality, digitalization in healthcare, oncology, the defense innovation cluster human & technology, and OneHealth. To accelerate Life Sciences & Health R&D, validation, and business, join the Utrecht Region Open Health Lab and tap into collaborative networks for European market entry.

That’s why Utrecht Region!

Looking to research and develop health in the heart of the Netherlands? Contact us to learn more about what Utrecht Region can offer your business.

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