Senior civil servants from the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) and Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) visit Utrecht Science Park to exchange knowledge on improving prevention, healthcare and economic earning capacity.

Biotech, Medtech and AI

Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht, in collaboration with the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology and Genmab, welcomed senior civil servants from the ministries to the largest science park in the Netherlands. The visit focused on successful collaboration and how we can unlock even greater value from our unique ecosystem, with particular attention to biotechnology, medtech and AI. Biotechnology primarily focuses on the development of new therapies and medicines, while medtech encompasses innovative applications that help keep healthcare accessible and affordable. AI and technological advances play an important role in both fields.

Cross-disciplinary Collaboration within Utrecht Life Sciences

The close proximity of organisations at Utrecht Science Park encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration between researchers, knowledge institutions, healthcare organisations and businesses. Within Utrecht Life Sciences, this cross-pollination drives innovation in biotech and medtech. Some examples highlighted during the visit included:

• Organoids (miniature organs artificially grown from stem cells) for cancer research, and antibodies for new, more effective therapies;

• Applications of fungi in the development of new medicines and antibiotics;

• Innovations in helium-free MRI diagnostics and MRI-guided therapy;

• Sturgeon, an AI model that can provide faster, real-time information during surgery to support the treatment of brain tumours in children;

• The promising treatment method developed by startup Lumox, which uses light to destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue as much as possible.

Knowledge Valorisation

Utrecht Science Park is making significant progress in translating fundamental research into practical applications and real-world impact. In addition, knowledge institutions such as Utrecht University, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and UMC Utrecht are educating the next generation of researchers and professionals, whose knowledge and ideas contribute to new developments in biotech and medtech.

However, scientific discoveries do not automatically lead to new treatments. This requires investment, opportunities for startups to emerge and support for businesses to grow. Through the development of a dedicated valorisation pathway, Utrecht Science Park aims to accelerate the transition from scientific research to practical applications by encouraging spin-offs and helping startups grow into scale-ups.

Together, we are working towards a healthy, sustainable society, creating tangible benefits for both society and the Netherlands’ future earning capacity.

On behalf of Utrecht Science Park and its partners, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the executive boards for this highly valuable visit and the constructive discussions.

Would you like to learn more about the unique research taking place at Utrecht Science Park within Utrecht Life Sciences? Click here.