IvCB, Hollandbio, and the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), together with other international Chambers of Commerce and partners, invite you on the 29th of May 2026 for a sector event on the role of Biotech & Life Sciences innovation in strengthening the strategic and economic resilience of the Netherlands.
The geopolitical landscape has been in significant transition over the past couple of years. Where the COVID-19 crisis made it clear that the Netherlands is dependent on international supply chains during a time of a global crisis, current trends have implications with regards to our dependency on supply chains worldwide for the longer term.
In Europe, there are already successful examples of how to stimulate innovation so why should we reinvent the wheel when we can learn from our European allies? And how do we translate our findings into concrete action in the Netherlands? Join us as we explore European best practices and their implications for strengthening Biotech & Life Science innovation and future earning capacity in the Netherlands.
Programme:
08:45 – 09:15 Walk-in & registration
09:15 – 09:40 Opening by moderator Ida Haisma, Esther Peters and Rob van Overbeek
09:40 – 09:55 TBA
09:55 – 10:30; Panel 1: ‘Strategic autonomy’ in Biotech & Life Sciences – What does it mean?
- Tom van der Lee, Progressief Nederland
- Jurgen Kwik, CEO, Bilthoven Biologicals
- Antoine Mialhe, EMEA Head LSH, FTI Consulting
- Marcela Silvino, GM North Europe, Sanofi
10:30 – 10:55 Coffee break
10:55 – 11:10 Keynote by Hans Schikan, former Top Team Member, Top Sector LSH
11:10 – 11:45; Panel 2: Accelerating innovation through collaboration
- Marc Vervuurt, D66
- Nettie Buitelaar, Director, Biotech Booster
- Esther Peters, Director, Leiden Bio Science Park
- Björn Ursing, Project Manager LSH, Dutch Embassy in Stockholm
- Martijn Bax, Country President NL, AstraZeneca
11:45 – 12:00 Keynote by Annemiek Verkamman, Managing Director, hollandbio
12:00 – 12:35; Panel 3: Investment, market access and long-term prosperity
- Laurens Dassen, Volt
- Ishaan Tewarie, Vice President, EQT Life Sciences
- Annemiek Verkamman, Managing Director, hollandbio
- Xander Koolman, Chair Health & Professor, VU
- Sanne Groenemeijer, General Manager NL, Novo Nordisk
12:35 Lunch
The event will bring together Members of Parliament, senior policymakers, representatives of leading life sciences companies, academic institutions and healthcare innovation leaders.
Join us & Register yourself!
