– scroll down for the event pictures –
On March 10, Biotech Booster welcomed 450+ people from the Dutch biotech community to the Biotech Booster Annual Event in Amersfoort. Under the theme Beyond the Lab: Science into Solutions, the event focused on one central goal: translating promising biotechnology research into real-world applications with societal and economic impact.
“Biotech Booster’s Annual Event is where our community including entrepreneurs, VC’s et cetera meet with projects that are in the Biotech Booster program to see how biotechnology in the Netherlands is being developed towards impact” – Jessie van Buggenum, Thematic Cluster Manager.
Biotech Booster CEO Nettie Buitelaar opened the plenary program with a warm welcome and update on the program’s progress and a look ahead. This year, the portfolio will grow to over 100 projects and the message was clear: the Dutch biotech ecosystem is expanding and becoming more interconnected. Turning research into impact requires strong teams and partnerships. Not only within Biotech Booster itself, but across the entire ecosystem – bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and partners to collaborate closely and move innovations forward.
Learning from Experience Across the Ecosystem
The plenary program featured keynote speakers from across the biotech landscape, sharing practical insights and lessons learned.
Jo Bury, former Managing Director of VIB, shared insights from building one of Europe’s leading biotech ecosystems. A key takeaway: close collaboration between academia and industry is essential to successfully translate research into applications.
Willemijn Vader, CEO of VitroScan, reflected on the journey of the ChemoPredict project, together with Joris Schuurmans, Chair of the project’s Steering Committee, highlighting achieved milestones, lessons learned and the realities of moving innovation forward in practice.
Adnan Oner, CEO of Farmless, presented his vision for sustainable food production and what it takes to build solutions for a future worth getting excited about.
From Inspiration to Interaction
After the plenary program, the event continued with the Biotech Booster Immersive Experience and project showcases. Project teams presented their work and engaged directly with attendees.
The atmosphere was interactive and energetic: ideas were not just presented, but discussed, challenged, and refined. New connections were made, and opportunities for collaboration emerged – an essential step in bringing biotech innovations closer to market.
When interviewed, Sebas Pronk from project LUMOX, said: “The past 1.5 hrs I’ve been talking to all kinds of various experts: directors of institutes, consultants, but also potential investors and other startups!”
Moving Forward, Together
The event reinforced a simple point: innovation does not happen in isolation. It requires a strong, connected ecosystem.
“Our main goal is helping projects and not only by financial support but also with guidance from our our whole ecosystem to bring their ideas even further towards the market. It’s really important to have this real interaction, meeting face-to-face, drinking a beer and talking about your projects, and this way getting further towards impact.” – Rachel van Beem, Program Director
With continued support from its growing community, Biotech Booster is helping ensure that promising research moves beyond the lab and into real-world use. The focus remains clear: turning biotech breakthroughs into impact – for society and for the planet.
Together we make biotechnology work.
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Photography: Jagoda Lasota
Videography: Michiel Bernabela
