Life Sciences and Health

Utrecht Region is the centre of the Dutch healthcare industry with its excellent ecosystem for life sciences and health companies. The combination of top-ranked academic and applied sciences institutions, a wide range of locations including Utrecht Science Park and great support networks will help you put your company on the map both worldwide and in Europe.

The Dutch healthcare system has been ranking among the best in the world since 2008.

The Netherlands is a frontrunner in digitalisation of healthcare, with around 87% of patient-related data kept in digital records.

The country is a great testbed for valorisation of innovative concepts, where it’s easy to start clinical trials with a high degree of patient participation.

Advanced regulatory science and high levels of innovation foster new health solutions with a CE marking including Medical Device Regulation.

In the Netherlands, more than 2,900 life sciences and healthcare companies, world-class research centres and leading academic establishments are located cose to each other. This high concentration of biopharma businesses and institutes, combined with a strong tradition of strategic partnerships between science, industry and government, makes the country the unrivalled R&D innovation hub in the European Union.

Utrecht Region: the heart of Dutch life sciences and healthcare

In the heart of the Netherlands, entrepreneurs, scientists and researchers work closely with university medical centres and top-clinical hospitals to create a healthy and sustainable living environment. This collaborative research ecosystem and its highly educated workforce make Utrecht Region an ideal base for R&D operations. The region’s central position, along with its excellent infrastructure, also means that it is the location of choice for marketing and sales purposes.

Our website provides more information about the benefits of setting up your business in Utrecht Region:

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Utrecht Science Park

Utrecht Science Park brings together competencies in the fields of research, education, clinical care and entrepreneurship. This combined expertise is used to design and create healthier, safer and more sustainable cities for today and future generations. The park has two complementary locations, one in Utrecht and the other in Bilthoven. The focus at the main location in Utrecht is on research, education, clinical care and entrepreneurship. The satellite site in Bilthoven focuses on product development, product improvement and manufacturing, with an emphasis on vaccines. Learn more about the Utrecht Science Park.

“Our location at Utrecht Science Park, in close proximity to our partners, supports our R&D activities in various ways. It also makes it easier for us to involve bright students and inject fresh ideas into our research programmes.”

Johan Garssen
Professor at Utrecht University and platform director at Danone Nutricia Research

Incentives

The Netherlands and the European Union have various financial programmes in place to support research and development. These include fiscal incentives, co-financing instruments, public funds and private capital.

Our Team International is always happy to help identify R&D partners and incentives that will support accelerating the development of innovative businesses in the Netherlands.

Key investment opportunities

Personalised medicine and health care (cancer, brain, cardiovascular)
Regenerative Medicine
Stem cell and regenerative medicine (organoids, biofabrication)
One Health (human health, veterinary health and healthy environment)
Healthcare innovation (e-health, MedTech)
3D bioprinting
Image-guided interventions
Future food and specialised nutrition

Talented and scientific minds

The presence of leading companies, world-class research institutes and top-level academic establishments in Utrecht Region provides access to a pool of highly qualified talent. The Prinses Màxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, UMC Utrecht, Antonius hospital, Utrecht University, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, the Graduate School of Life Sciences and SOMT University of Physiotherapy all contribute to state-of-the-art training and education.

Easy access to clients

Utrecht Region’s central location makes it easy to reach a growing Dutch and European market. The proximity of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, as well as the excellent public transport and road infrastructure, make Utrecht Region a gateway to the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. Many medical companies have located their warehouses and distribution centres in the region for this reason.

Inspiring cross-sector collaboration

Utrecht Region’s innovative research is carried out through pioneering public-private partnerships. These partnerships provide opportunities to enhance innovation and commercialisation by connecting academics with key business players in order to translate scientific discoveries into valuable, market-ready patient care.

Utrecht railway station area

Binocular view of Utrecht Central station.
© Edwin van Wanrooij

The dynamic area around Utrecht’s main railway station – the most central meeting place in the Netherlands – is a popular office location.

Utrecht Science Park is the largest science park in the Netherlands. Here, academic institutions, research centres and the private sector collaborate to create new solutions that help people live longer and healthier lives

Amersfoort Central station in sunny weather.
© Edwin van Wanrooij

Amersfoort Central Business District is one of the most accessible commercial centres in the Netherlands. The area around the railway station is a first-class business destination and home to many high-profile office buildings.

Get in touch with our Life Sciences & Health sector specialist for customised support on how to join Utrecht Region’s LSH community.

Jan Zuidema
jan@romregioutrecht.nl
+31 (0)6 211 4552 3568

Key sectors

Find out more about the other key sectors of Utrecht Region.

Sustainability Digital

Life Sciences and Health

A few key facts about the Netherlands