| Life Science is
one of the fastest-growing industries in the Netherlands. Some
one hundred new enterprises have emerged in just the last few
years. Utrecht-based life science companies are largely dedicated
to research and development in the field of human health. There
is a healthy climate for partnerships between academia and
the industry, with an extensive infrastructure of experts in
business consultancy, funding, clinical trials, and patenting
and licensing providing all the support that life science entrepreneurs
need.
Center of knowledge
Utrecht is centrally located between eight major Dutch universities
with strong research and education programs in life sciences,
generating a pool of highly qualified talent for the industry.
Utrecht
University and the University Medical Center Utrecht alone
educate more than 7,500 students in life science disciplines,
with particular focus on biomolecular and biomedical sciences.
Utrecht University features the only veterinary faculty in
the Netherlands. The Hogeschool
Utrecht (university of applied sciences) even offers a
dedicated bachelor program for lab technicians.
Strong
scientific network
Utrecht is a nexus of internationally renowned research institutes,
such as RIVM
(National Institute of Public Health and the Environment),
NVI
(Netherlands Vaccine Institute), the Hubrecht
Laboratory (Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology),
TNO
Pharma, and TNO
Nutrition and Food. Key biotechnology companies already
operating in the Netherlands include Crucell, Pharming, Octoplus,
Galapagos Genomics, as well as subsidiaries of Centocor, Genzyme,
Genencor and Amgen. Some 20 life science companies are located
in the province of Utrecht alone, including Isotis and GenMab.
Great
partners, good business
The academic institutes in the province of Utrecht are open
to cooperation and partnerships with industry. The university
campus and science park ‘De
Uithof' also offers laboratory and office space for R&D-driven
companies with whom they cooperate. Life science enterprises
can count on access to expertise
and infrastructure
that meet the highest standards.
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