Our mission At Aquilo, it is our mission to provide contract research services within the respiratory field. We perform efficacy analyses of existing and novel therapies for lung diseases. Being a spin-off company from the University of Groningen, Aquilo benefits from close interaction with the University, as well as the University Medical Center Groningen and other contract research organizations (CRO’s). Please have a look at our portfolio on our own website or contact us (info@aquilo.nl) to see how our expertise can help you with the development of your therapy. Website: www.aquilo.nl
Ardena Assen offers its services to the pharmaceutical industry and veterinary industry. It is active in all phases of pharmaceutical development and is a Good Laboratory Pratices (GLP) compliant laboratory, inspected by the Dutch authorities on a regular bases. Ardena Assen possesses the most advanced analysis techniques for both chromatographic assays and immunochemistry assays. Website: www.ardena.com
Encapsulation inside microbubbles. This means encapsulating the active within a shell of gas. This shell of gas is a perfect barrier against leakage of the active as long as the active is non-volatile (which is the case for most relevant actives). However, just like soap bubbles our microbubbles can also be made to ‘pop’ and this instantaneously and completely releases the drug. This popping can be made to happen in response to triggers such as pH, osmotic pressure, shear or ultrasound making microbubble-encapsulation a very versatile and widely applicable technology. Other advantages of the technology include the use of a very small amount of excipients (since our main excipient is gas) and the fact that the barrier and release properties of the microbubbles do not depend on physicochemical properties of the active to be encapsulated. This ensures a short time-to-market. Website: www.bether-encapsulates.nl
BiomACS (Biomaterial Advanced Cell Screening) specializes in improving the interaction between the human body and implants. With our unique screening technology, we can quickly and accurately test how human cells respond to different materials, a process that traditionally takes years, but with us only takes a few days. Our expertise lies at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, cell biology, and clinical practice. Thanks to this multidisciplinary approach, we support the medical industry in developing safer, higher-performing, and more personalized medical devices. BiomACS provides screening services for manufacturers of implants such as prostheses, stents, catheters, and intraocular lenses. Our technology helps them achieve better designs faster and reduce complications such as rejection or infection. In this way, we contribute to a higher quality of life for patients worldwide. (www.biomacs.nl)
Our proprietary coating technology efficiently kills bacteria upon contact, without being at risk to elicit bacterial resistance. We can apply our coating on PDMS and on titanium substrates, but our technology has potential for a variety of other materials. Our initial focus is on titanium orthopedic trauma materials (e.g., pins and plates) and urinary catheters (PDMS). Future applications include most indwelling medical devices. Website: https://bioprexmedical.com/
Biotrack/NL-Lab are specialized in microbioligical research. We develop tools for gutmicrobiome analyses, antibiotics susceptibility testing using our patented C-FISH technology. Our technology focuses on function and activity of micro-organisms. We work from our own, fully equipped microbiological laboratory in Leeuwarden with a BSL 2 and 3 level.
The products and services they provide are categorized into four key pillars: Colocation (optimally conditioned computer rooms with redundant (emergency) power supplies), Connectivity (connections between locations, data centers, the internet, and public cloud services), Cloud (private cloud, partner clouds, and hybrid cloud solutions integrating public cloud providers), and HPC (modular and scalable high-performance data processing, storage, and distribution). Our HPC platform and its related HPC ecosystem enable businesses and public organizations to utilize these functionalities without requiring large investments or over-dimensioning their own IT infrastructure. 100% Dutch in terms of ownership, structure, locations, and compliance with national laws and regulations.Bytesnet Groningen Bytesnet is also rooted in Groningen, located on the Campus Groningen. In 2018, we opened our advanced data center with an innovative Data Lab on Campus Groningen. Here, in addition to colocation and high-performance computing, we provide collaborative spaces for students and businesses. The data center is fully redundant in terms of power supply, cooling, and security. Because d’ROOT functions as the next-generation data center, it is designed for sustainability and high-performance computing for big data. It offers more computing capacity with responsible energy consumption and maximized reuse of waste heat. We are already operating on 100% green energy. Website: Bytesnet
In a recent clinical validation study using samples from the Dutch National Screening Program, the Methica CC Kit achieved 97% sensitivity in cancer detection without compromising specificity. This study, conducted across multiple centers, reflects real-world performance and marks a significant advancement in cervical cancer diagnostics. CC Diagnostics is headquartered in Groningen, Netherlands, and collaborates with various partners, including the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) and IQ Products. Their mission is to empower women by providing optimal cervical cancer screening that is accurate, accessible, and comfortable.
With the launch of LIFE Capital, the Northern Netherlands gains a powerful collaboration platform that brings together companies, talent, and knowledge institutions in the fast-growing Life Sciences & Health sector. During a special launch dinner on Tuesday, November 25 at LIFE Cooperative member Polyvation on the Groningen Campus, not only was the new brand unveiled, but an ambitious vision for the future was also presented. LIFE Capital, formerly LIFE Academy, marks the next phase of the LIFE Cooperative: shifting from a focus on training alone to a broadly supported collaboration platform for human capital. “With LIFE Capital we are taking the next step in strengthening our sector,” says Melloney Dröge, board member of the LIFE Cooperative. “We are bringing companies, talent, and knowledge together into one ecosystem where growth, learning, and innovation go hand in hand. We are aiming for a joint approach to the human capital challenges of our sector. In this way, we are building a region where you can truly move forward for a lifetime, literally and figuratively.”From LIFE Academy to LIFE Capital The transition from LIFE Academy to LIFE Capital is more than a name change. The new brand reflects the organization’s growth and its ambition to look beyond training alone. LIFE Capital will become the linchpin of human capital in the Life Sciences & Health sector: it connects talent, companies, and knowledge, accelerates collaboration, and strengthens the position of the Northern Netherlands as a breeding ground for innovation and talent. A long and healthy life: that is ultimately what Life Sciences & Health is all about. Thanks to innovations from companies in this sector, diseases are detected sooner, treated more effectively, and sometimes even prevented. From breakthrough therapies to keeping healthcare affordable and accessible, the business community acts as the engine behind life-changing progress. LIFE Capital aims to strengthen that foundation by investing in people, knowledge, and collaboration. “LIFE Capital helps companies move forward, but also strengthens the image and visibility of our sector,” says Sven Stielstra, Manager of LIFE Capital. “In this way, we show what Life Sciences & Health truly stands for and make the sector attractive to new talent and innovative companies. Over the next ten years, we will attract €50 million for human capital. In this first year alone, we have already realized €6.6 million through regional and national funds.”Looking ahead: recruitment campaign and pilots in 2026 Today, the day after the launch dinner, LIFE Capital’s recruitment campaign begins. This campaign focuses on attracting participants for the first pilot modules, which will start in spring 2026. These modules were developed thanks to an intensive and unique collaboration between Hanze, UMCG, and various companies within the sector. By combining knowledge and practical experience, top-notch programmes have been created that will be tested in the coming period. After the pilot phase, the modules will be further developed and made more widely available later in 2026 to everyone in the Northern Netherlands who wishes to contribute to a strong Life Sciences & Health ecosystem.About LIFE Capital LIFE Capital is the collaboration platform of the LIFE Cooperative, a network of more than 60 companies in the Life Sciences & Health sector. The platform connects organisations around shared human capital challenges and develops solutions that attract, develop, and retain talent. What started ten years ago as separate initiatives within the cooperative has grown into a strategic programme in which companies, knowledge institutions, and governments work together on a structural basis. With activities ranging from joint training and HR networks to new educational programmes and labour market research, LIFE Capital works towards one goal: a strong, agile region in which talent in life sciences & health can continue to grow with the right skills. Move people forward.About LIFE Cooperative The LIFE Cooperative stimulates innovation in the life sciences by facilitating collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. Through various programmes and events, LIFE promotes the development of technologies that improve health and well-being. The cooperative represents more than 60 companies in the Northern Netherlands, ranging from ambitious startups and innovative SMEs to international players. Together, they represent approximately 5,000 FTEs and a turnover of €500 million.
Accelerating Sustainability in Healthcare Paulina Snijders, member of the UMCG Executive Board, and Bart Volkers, director of the Circular Groningen Drenthe Association (VCGD), opened the executive network meeting. They emphasized the importance of cooperation between all partners. Artist Maria Koijck delivered an inspiring keynote on visualizing hospital waste. UMCG Chief Green Officer Schelto Kruijff outlined opportunities to accelerate sustainability in healthcare, sharing inspiring examples such as the use of a washable, reusable insulation gown. Project leaders Sven Jurgens and Femke van der Zant described how the consortium has significantly developed in recent times.Various Work Packages The executives exchanged extensive experience and knowledge, and the Care2Change work package leaders presented posters. The work packages focus on areas such as redesigning single-use healthcare products and mapping the CO₂ emissions of products. Sven Jurgens said: “Care2Change is the starting point for continued collaboration on making healthcare more sustainable. How valuable it would be if, through this collaboration, we could provide a blueprint for others to inspire them to go green as well.”Northern Netherlands as an Example Hanneke Bouwsema, secretary to the special government representative for the circular economy at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, emphasized the importance of starting small and recognizing the sustainable initiatives that are already working well. She described the Northern Netherlands as a “role model” for The Hague when it comes to making healthcare more sustainable.About the Care2Change Consortium Care2Change is a collaboration between UMCG, University of Groningen, Martini Hospital, Sterinoord, GS1/EAN Netherlands, Boikon, Ommelander Hospital, Treant, Frisius MC, NHL Stenden, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Circular Friesland Association, LIFE Cooperative, Circular Groningen Drenthe Association, Green Chemistry Drenthe Business Network (SUSPACC), Milieuplatform Zorg, Nij Smellinghe, Pezy Product Design, 8D Games, House of Design, Antonius Hospital, NOM, Menzis, De Friesland, Ecoras, BBENG, the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe, and the municipalities of Groningen, Assen, Leeuwarden and Emmen. The project is partly funded by SNN’s ERDF resources, with co-financing from the participating organizations.More Information Want to know more about Care2Change and the consortium? Read: UMCG trots op nieuwe samenwerking die uitstoot terugdringt: Care2change Source article: Care2Change
Recently, the LIFE Cooperative, together with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), has been working hard on submitting projects to PharmaNL.
The LIFE Cooperative strengthens the position of its members in the Life Sciences & Health sector by facilitating networking and collaboration, providing access to talent, knowledge, facilities and financing, stimulating innovation and sustainable employment, as well as representing the interests of its members with stakeholders such as policy makers, institutions, investors and suppliers.
The LIFE Cooperative was founded in 2014 by and for northern entrepreneurs in the Life Sciences and Health sector, with the aim of promoting innovation and sustainable employment.
Over the past 10 years, the LIFE Cooperative has grown into the regional example of the united power of entrepreneurs. More than €50 million in investments and more than 500 new, high-quality jobs were created through a number of iconic projects.
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