On March 13th we had the privilege of hosting the second Annual Event of Biotech Booster at the AFAS Theater in Leusden. We gathered with all stakeholders to share our progress, and celebrate the incredible achievements within our community.
There is a thriving biotechnology community in the Netherlands, full of enthusiastic, hard-working individuals dedicated to creating a positive societal impact through innovation. At Biotech Booster, we have the privilege of supporting some of these projects on their journey to the market.
In 2024, 54 incredible projects joined our program—each at the heart of our community. The event served as a testament to the progress we have made in the last year. Together with entrepreneurs, biotech experts, impact and business developers, and many other members of our community, we are creating a positive impact on both society and the environment.
The first half of the event was dedicated to sharing our plans and achievements, while the second half allowed attendees to explore a physical innovation market. Here, they had the opportunity to engage directly with researchers and learn firsthand about the groundbreaking innovations they are working on.
As the Biotech Booster team, we are deeply grateful to everyone who is part of our journey in making biotechnology work.
Biotech Booster’s Annual Event 2025
Our event kicked off in true Biotech Booster tradition—with our signature Biotech Booster cake. As guests arrived, they were warmly welcomed by Stantepé, setting a hospitable tone for the day. From the very start, the focus was clear: our projects are at the heart of what we do. Through our work in valorization, we aim to drive meaningful change and create lasting benefits for society.
Nettie Buitelaar, CEO of Biotech Booster, opened the event with an optimistic and forward-looking message. She emphasized our trust in the future of biotechnology and reaffirmed our mission: to be the central hub for biotech valorization in the Netherlands and to continue building a strong, interconnected community. Nettie also highlighted how our community is at the core of every decision, from how we use our resources to success-sharing in our Level 2 projects.
Following Nettie’s remarks, Caroline Tempel, Strategic Policy Coordinator at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), took the stage. She built upon Nettie’s message, expressing appreciation for Biotech Booster and its value to the Dutch biotech ecosystem. OCW is proud of the program’s achievements and eager to support its continued growth in the coming years.
One of the event’s highlights was the presentation by Vanessa LaPointe, project leader of one of Biotech Booster’s Level 2 projects. Her team is researching an organoid-based cell therapy for conjunctival repair. She delivered a compelling presentation alongside Pieter Gaillard, a seasoned entrepreneur connected to our program and involved in the project of Vanessa. Pieter provided insight into the role of the Biotech Booster project steering committee, illustrating how expert feedback helps shape and accelerate these level 2 initiatives. Vanessa shared how even during her initial pitch, the committee’s feedback significantly strengthened her proof-of-concept project. The presentation demonstrated the added value of connecting researchers and entrepreneurs, which is a key objective of Biotech Booster.
Another inspiring moment came from Loop Biotech, a company founded by Bob Hendrikx and Lonneke Westhoff. Loop Biotech is an innovative Dutch company specializing in sustainable funeral products made from mycelium: the root network of mushrooms. Their journey demonstrated the power of innovation in niche markets and during his presentation, Bob highlighted how biotechnology can contribute to environmental sustainability.
The afternoon concluded with an engaging innovation market in the Atrium, where 37 of Biotech Booster’s projects were represented. Attendees had the opportunity to network and learn more from the researchers behind the projects on the exciting developments within the biotech community. For the projects it was an excellent chance to showcase their work, expand their network and explore potential partnerships. All in all, the innovation market demonstrated the tangible results of the work we do at Biotech Booster.
It was a pleasure to organize this gathering for the Dutch biotech ecosystem. We are incredibly grateful to all our speakers, partners, and attendees who made the Annual Biotech Booster event a success. With great enthusiasm, we look forward to the future—continuing our mission of making biotechnology work.
