To mark the 10th anniversary of Pivot Park (Oss), the 13th edition of the Dutch Life Sciences Conference (DLSC) took place at this science park on 22 November. At this annual event approximately 200 professionals working in the life sciences industry gathered together to hear more about topics such as medical food, drug delivery, and electronic and mobile healthcare. In the afternoon, participants could visit the Screening Centre in the heart of Pivot Park.
Inspiring biotech programme
After a warm welcome by director of Pivot Park and member of the Advisory Board of Top Sector Life Sciences & Health (LSH), Mirjam Mol, the day provided a varied programme for the participants. Just like every year the information market was the place to network and learn more about the exhibiting companies working in the Dutch biotech field. During plenary and parallel sessions there was plenty of opportunity to focus on specific R&D and business topics.
Highlights of Dutch regions
Main partner of the DLSC, Health~Holland wanted to provide a way to highlight the different life sciences regions: the Netherlands harbours. Together a short movie has been developed with stories from throughout the country: from the Chemelot-InScite ecosystem in Limburg to the Healthy Aging Network in the Northern Netherlands. Life sciences regions and science parks are extremely important for the Dutch innovative character, but have to work together to be of interest internationally. Or as Edward van der Meer, Managing Director of the HANNN, puts it: “Through national collaboration this regional initiative will create worldwide impact”.
Watch the video and get inspired: Join the Dutch regions and discover more!
Start-up challenges
Biotech innovation is facilitated by new start-up initiatives. At the DLSC, start-ups can showcase their innovations. All six teams of the Venture Challenge Fall 2017 pitched their ventures to the public after which Chrétien Herben, director of the LifeSciences@Work Accelerator, announced Cyclomics as the winner. Cyclomics was awarded with 25,000 euros to develop their company further. Additionally, ten start-ups attended the investors' forum, where they discussed their business strategy, technology direction and capital-raising plan. Annemiek Verkamman, director of HollandBIO, announced Hemics as winner of the investors' forum. Hemics has developed a non-invasive, fast and objective method that supports rheumatologists in the quantification of inflammation, which is a key parameter in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In total, it was great to see the innovative power of the Dutch Life Sciences organisations.
Next year the Dutch Life Sciences conference will be held in Leiden on November 29. Keep an eye on the website.