Netherlands Biotech Ecosystem: Inside Europe’s Fast-Growing Innovation Powerhouse

The Netherlands has emerged as one of Europe’s most vibrant and interconnected biotech ecosystems, home to over 1,797 life science companies, world-class pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the European Medicines Agency.

With its strategic location, exceptional infrastructure, and collaborative spirit, the country has become known as ‘Europe’s connected life sciences & health metropolis’.

Ahead of CDMO Live 2025, which takes place in Rotterdam’s historic World Trade Center this May, we gathered insights from three leaders at the heart of the Netherlands’ biotechnology sector.

Wieteke Wouters, Program Director at hollandbio, which represents over 260 biotech companies; Esther Peters, Director of Leiden Bio Science Park, the country’s largest life sciences hub; and Ellen Smit, Managing Director of Rotterdam Square, the organisation behind the emerging health tech campus in Rotterdam, shared their perspectives on what makes the Dutch biotech ecosystem uniquely successful.

A Uniquely Connected Ecosystem

The Netherlands’ most distinctive characteristic is its exceptional connectivity – both physical and collaborative.

“The Netherlands is like one city, especially when you compare it internationally,” observes Esther Peters, Director of Leiden Bio Science Park. This compact nature, combined with world-class infrastructure, creates an environment where collaboration flourishes naturally.

The country consistently ranks first on DHL’s Global Connectedness Index, supported by an impressive transportation network. Schiphol Airport serves over 300 direct international destinations, while the Port of Rotterdam provides global shipping connections. An extensive high-speed rail network connects major European cities, making travel between innovation hubs seamless and efficient.

“It’s a really small country, but highly dense in innovation and biotech activities,” explains Wieteke Wouters, Program Director at hollandbio. “Most science parks are connected to knowledge institutes, whether universities or academic medical hospitals, with strong connections to schools for Applied Sciences.”

Innovation Hubs: The Power of Specialisation

The Dutch biotech landscape is anchored by several key innovation hubs, each with its own specialties and strengths. Leiden Bio Science Park, celebrating its 40th anniversary, stands as the Netherlands’ largest and first bioscience park. The park hosts multinational companies including Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb, alongside promising scale-ups such as Leyden Labs – which recently raised $70M funding for its intranasal antibody programs. Its comprehensive education facilities span from vocational to university level, while research institutes including Naturalis Biodiversity Center, TNO, SRON and LUMC having also a strong focus on research, contribute to its vibrant ecosystem.

Rotterdam Square represents a newer addition to the ecosystem, focusing on health tech and medical devices in close collaboration with Erasmus Medical Center. Ellen Smit, Managing Director, describes their mission: “We try to bring together experts in healthcare, science and technology, from academia and industry to accelerate health and tech innovations.” The hub has developed particular expertise in medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health solutions.

Beyond these major centres, the Netherlands features several other specialised innovation hubs. Utrecht Science Park excels in life sciences and health, while Groningen has developed expertise in healthy aging and sustainable chemistry. Maastricht has established itself as a centre of excellence for cardiovascular research and regenerative medicine.

Manufacturing Excellence: The Dutch Advantage

The Netherlands has established itself as a crucial hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, with recent events highlighting its strategic importance to European healthcare security. The country hosts an impressive array of manufacturing capabilities, from global leaders to specialised contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs).

This interactive map highlights CDMOs operating facilities in the Netherlands:

Thermo Fisher’s recent facility opening exemplifies the continued growth of manufacturing capacity, while companies like HALIX have demonstrated their crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. While manufacturers such as Batavia Biosciences, Ardena and DelPharm contribute to a diverse manufacturing ecosystem.

“Dutch CDMOs are really good because they have the Dutch spirit and entrepreneurship, which is really no-nonsense,” explains Wouters. “We deliver, we do what we promise – Dutch directness.” These cultural characteristics have become a significant competitive advantage in the global market, where clarity and reliability are highly valued.

The pandemic has elevated the profile of these manufacturing capabilities, as Wouters notes: “Those companies were a bit invisible before, but now everyone knows the importance.” This recognition has strengthened government support for maintaining and expanding manufacturing capacity as part of European strategic autonomy.

CDMO Live will be taking place at the World Trade Center, Rotterdam 7-8th May 2025. Find out more

“What’s quite unique is that we are a very comprehensive life science & health hub, from R&D to manufacturing. We have the whole value chain on-site from cell and gene to vaccines and from technological innovations such as ‘as organ on a chip’ to medtech.” Peters emphasises.

“When it comes to manufacturing, it’s getting more and more important to have vocational education on board. Luckily we have this on-site as well and when we look at our human capital agenda, that’s also an important focus point for us for the future.”

Government Support and Regulatory Environment

The Dutch government’s commitment to biotechnology as a Key Enabling Technology has created a supportive environment for industry growth. This commitment manifests through a comprehensive national strategy that positions biotechnology as a top priority, supported by action plans and economic development initiatives.

The presence of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Amsterdam has strengthened the Netherlands’ position as a regulatory hub. The country takes a pragmatic approach to implementing EU directives, as Wouters explains: “As a member state, you have the autonomy to implement them the way that fits your country the best or fits the local ecosystem.”

Funding Landscape: Recovery and Evolution

The Netherlands biotech funding environment presents a complex picture of both opportunities and challenges. Recent developments show encouraging signs of recovery, with Dutch NASDAQ-listed companies outperforming the NASDAQ Biotech index.

The country benefits from a well-established venture capital landscape, with prominent firms such as LSP, Forbion, Bio Generation Ventures, and Gilde Healthcare actively investing in the sector. However, as Ellen Smit points out, “The biotech VCs that we have in the Netherlands also operate across Europe. That can make it more challenging for biotech companies started from within the Netherlands to find more money.”

A particular challenge lies in the gap between early-stage and commercial funding. While government schemes effectively support initial development, the transition to larger commercial investments often requires companies to look beyond Dutch borders, particularly to the United States. This has prompted discussions about developing more robust European-level funding solutions to keep promising companies within the region.

Education and Talent Development: Building the Future

The foundation of the Netherlands’ biotech success lies in its comprehensive approach to talent development. The ecosystem benefits from a dense network of educational institutions, from vocational schools to world-class universities, all working in close collaboration with industry partners.

The strength of this educational approach lies in its integration across all levels. Universities work closely with research institutes and industry partners to ensure curricula remain relevant to sector needs. Vocational education plays an increasingly crucial role, particularly in manufacturing, where skilled technicians are essential for maintaining the country’s competitive edge.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

The Netherlands biotech sector is actively embracing digital transformation, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and quantum computing applications in life sciences. Leiden Bio Science Park’s upcoming quantum incubator focused on life sciences and health exemplifies this forward-thinking approach.

“Data and AI really boosts our innovations on all topics and levels.” Peters notes. “Both on academic side and university for applied sciences, Leiden has outstanding knowledge and expertise in this field. This coming year, we are setting up our quantum incubator with a focus on Life Sciences and Health, to be ready for the next step.”

Rotterdam Square is similarly pushing boundaries in digital health innovation. Their pilot project with Erasmus Medical Center’s radiology department aims to create better connections between companies working on imaging and radiology and academic researchers. This initiative represents a broader trend of breaking down traditional barriers between academia and industry through digital innovation.

International Collaboration and European Integration

While the Netherlands maintains a strong national identity in biotech, its ecosystem is increasingly integrated with European networks. This integration presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in areas like funding and regulatory compliance.

The implementation of EU directives provides an interesting case study in balancing national and European interests. As Wouters explains, “Sometimes it’s a hassle if you’re a multinational and you have to find your way in each and every member state. But I think sometimes it’s a positive thing because you’re not stuck to the status quo, and member states are actively challenging the status quo and making sure that the procedures are fit for purpose.”

Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2025

As the Dutch biotech ecosystem enters 2025, leaders across the sector have identified several key priorities. For Rotterdam Square, the focus is on strengthening connections between industry and academia, particularly in emerging fields like radiology and imaging. Leiden Bio Science Park emphasises talent development and infrastructure expansion to support continued growth.

hollandbio maintains a broader policy focus, as Wouters explains: “The priority for this year is making sure that all the great ambitions when it comes to public biotechnology ambitions from the government, whether it’s on the national level or on the EU level, are translated into bold moves that really bolster and boost the biotech ecosystem.”

The country’s combination of strategic location, world-class infrastructure, supportive government policies, and distinctive business culture creates a unique environment for biotech innovation. As global healthcare challenges become increasingly complex, the Netherlands’ model of concentrated, connected innovation hubs working in close collaboration may prove increasingly valuable for developing and delivering the next generation of biotechnology breakthroughs.

Don’t miss the Dutch Biotech Ecosystem session at CDMO Live, 7-8th May 2025, Rotterdam. Register to attend here.

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