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.
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 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.
The Utrecht Science Park (USP) campus is a miniature city of sorts, where people work, study, live, recreate, or receive care. It’s number of ‘residents’: 51.000 students and 33.000 employees, make 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. Situated in 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 event. It is a truly fascinating environment with a wealth of features and activities.
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 done in the Future Food Utrecht hub. The hub offers a platform for scientists and external stakeholders on which they contribute to the transition of the food chain for 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 both good for the planet as for its inhabitants.
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 live evidence of safety, effectiveness, and healthcare impact. In the domain of Life Sciences and Health, Utrecht Region offers six innovation ecosystems, comprising top knowledge institutes, medical centers, tech-savvy companies, and active test communities for various therapeutic areas. Focus areas include regenerative medicine, sports, exercise & vitality, digitalization in healthcare, oncology, 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 application.
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.
Do a quickscanGet in touch with our life sciences and health sector specialist for customised support on how to join Utrecht Region’s vibrant business community.
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