The LIFE Cooperative proudly presents the finalists for the LIFE Science Innovation Award 2025: MemoryLab Health, QT Sense, Sabiad, and CC Diagnostics. Each of them has been nominated for the progress they are making with groundbreaking innovations that have a significant (potential) impact on Life Sciences & Health in and from the Northern Netherlands. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, during the fourth edition of the LIFE Science Conference at Forum Groningen.
“We are extremely proud of this year’s outstanding list of finalists. Many companies were nominated by their peers, which shows that the level of quality and innovation in the Northern Netherlands is consistently high and widely recognized,” says Linda Dijkshoorn, board member of the LIFE Cooperative and chair of the Award jury. This year’s jury consists of five members, including Marco de Jong (Investment Manager, NV NOM), Laura Gähler (Valorisation Manager, Health~Holland), and Niek Huizenga (Fund Manager, Future Tech Ventures) and Manny Wiersma (Head of Economic Affairs, Municipality of Groningen).
Recognition for Innovation
The LIFE Science Innovation Award recognizes the innovation with the greatest (potential) impact in Life Sciences & Health, originating from the Northern Netherlands. Companies, (research) institutes, and projects can all apply for this award. The finalists are assessed on their innovative strength, societal relevance, and growth potential. The Award will be presented during the LIFE Science Conference, which this year focuses on “Sustainability in Healthcare” an urgent theme. More information: https://lifescienceconference.nl/
The Nominees
The 2025 finalists demonstrate that the Northern Netherlands not only innovates but also develops solutions that can make a difference worldwide. From early disease detection to smart treatment methods, meet the four contenders:
Early Detection of Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases: MemoryLab Health
The urgency is clear: neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise. MemoryLab Health develops technology for diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive functions. Their innovation enables the early detection of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. This creates enormous opportunities to improve patients’ quality of life, better plan treatment pathways, and accelerate scientific research.
Making the Invisible Visible with Quantum Technology: QT Sense
With its Quantum Nova innovation, QT Sense brings pioneering quantum technology to the heart of biology. Their sensors can detect free radicals in living cells with subcellular precision. This breakthrough allows researchers to study subtle biological processes that were previously invisible. As a result, QT Sense contributes to faster discoveries, earlier diagnoses, and improved treatments.
Sabiad develops theranostic tracer against implant-associated infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus
Implant-associated infections are among the most severe complications in orthopedics and traumatology, with major consequences for both patients and healthcare systems. They lead to prolonged hospital stays, revision surgeries, and in severe cases even amputations or death. Staphylococcus aureus is the leading and most devastating cause, while current diagnostic and therapeutic options are often too slow and inaccurate. Sabiad is developing the 1D9 tracer, a unique antibody that binds 100% specifically to S. aureus and, as a theranostic solution, enables both precise detection and targeted treatment. This approach improves patient outcomes, reduces unnecessary antibiotic use, and prevents complications such as biofilm formation. In doing so, Sabiad addresses one of the major medical challenges in infection care and advances toward patient-specific, sustainable solutions with global impact.
Early Detection Saves Lives: Innovation in Cancer Screening: CC Diagnostics
CC Diagnostics develops superior diagnostic methods for the early detection of cervical cancer. Their PCR-based kit delivers reliable results six times faster, enabling timely intervention. By identifying abnormalities at a very early stage, they significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. With this innovation, CC Diagnostics contributes to better care and higher survival rates for women worldwide.
Linda Dijkshoorn: “Sustainability in healthcare is primarily about the viability and future of the system. The finalists show how innovation can contribute to better and more efficient, and therefore more sustainable, care. We are looking forward to an undoubtedly exciting finale of the Innovation Award and the pitches of these nominees.”
About the LIFE Cooperative
The LIFE Cooperative stimulates innovation in life sciences by facilitating collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. Through various programs 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: from ambitious startups and innovative SMEs to international players. Together, they account for around 5,000 FTE and a turnover of €500 million.
The LIFE Science Conference is an initiative of the LIFE Cooperative and is made possible by the Municipality of Groningen, Health~Holland, NV NOM, Municipality of Assen, and several other partners and sponsors.
In the North, and in Groningen in particular, there are dozens of companies working on innovations in the fields of life sciences and health. There are many hidden gems among them, says Ronald Hesse, director of the LIFE Cooperative partnership. “Millions of patients worldwide have already benefited from innovations developed here in Groningen,” he says.
Researchers at the UMCG and their spin-off CC Diagnostics, located on Campus Groningen, have developed a new test that could make cervical cancer screening more efficient and user-friendly.
A full house, sharp discussions, and an afternoon in which science and industry visibly strengthened one another. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon demonstrated that Groningen is not only a strong geographical spot, but also a substantive force within the Dutch life sciences landscape. The event, organized by FIGON (Federation for Innovative Drug Research Netherlands) in collaboration with LIFE Cooperative, brought professionals from across the Netherlands to the north. Researchers, entrepreneurs, developers, and clinical experts gathered around one shared ambition: to bring innovative medicines to patients faster, smarter, and better.Klaas Poelstra, Chair of FIGON, looks back positively on the event: “It was great to see local businesses in the health sector and leading academic scientists engaging in conversation with one another. They have so much to gain from each other.“From what to how What became particularly clear during the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon was how rapidly the field of drug development is evolving, and how essential collaboration has become. At a time when therapies are increasingly targeted, complex, and costly, the focus is shifting from only what we develop to how we do so: more intelligently, more sustainably, and better aligned with patient needs. This broader context was already reflected in the opening remarks by Klaas Poelstra, who emphasized the importance of continued innovation for the Netherlands’ competitive position and patient care. On behalf of the LIFE Cooperative, Robert Hof highlighted that regional collaboration is a decisive factor: by bringing science, entrepreneurship, and clinical practice closer together, real acceleration can be achieved. The first substantive contributions made it clear that innovation today is not only about new molecules, but also about new delivery methods. Rob Steendam demonstrated how long-acting microspheres can improve treatment adherence and reduce patient burden. Jaap Wieling showed how inhalation technology is evolving into a platform for both local and systemic therapies. Through her research on polyelectrolyte coacervates, Marleen Kamperman placed these innovations within a fundamental scientific framework. After the break, the discussion shifted to clinical translation and advanced nanomedicines. Flávia Sousa illustrated how polymer-based nanomedicines contribute to targeted brain delivery. Ad Roffel underscored the importance of robust pharmacokinetic studies in an era where the demands for evidence continue to increase. Erik Frijlink reflected on innovation within both existing and new delivery systems, while Helder Santos outlined the potential of RNA delivery via nanotechnology for cardiac tissue repair.More than a program During the closing networking reception, it became clear what participants had gained from the afternoon. As Robert Hof, Board Member of the LIFE Cooperative, put it: “The FIGON Winter Afternoon was an excellent event with distinguished speakers and strong engagement. We look forward to the next edition and extend our sincere thanks to Klaas Poelstra and FIGON for hosting the event in the Northern Netherlands.” The common thread throughout the afternoon was therefore unmistakable: the future of medicines does not lie within a single discipline, but in the connections between them. In a time of increasing healthcare pressure, rapid technological advancement, and international competition, such collaboration is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon showed that this collaboration is firmly rooted in the Northern Netherlands and that Groningen is positioning itself emphatically as a breeding ground and accelerator for innovative drug development.
