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.
A unique collaboration for an urgent problem Pharmaceutical residues in groundwater and surface water pose a growing problem. Due to population ageing and the rise in chronic conditions, medication use is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. This creates an increasing threat to environmental and human health, particularly in Northern Netherlands as one of the most rapidly ageing regions. What makes this project unique is that parties from the water technology sector, the Life Science & Health sector, and the healthcare sector jointly work with SMEs to develop innovative solutions. Under the leadership of lead partner TCNN, these domains are brought together, resulting in a powerful acceleration of both knowledge development and the actual implementation of innovative solutions.Project objectives Under the guidance of work package leaders Water Alliance, LIFE Cooperative, CEW, and UMCG, the partners focus on elaborating existing problem areas. For each problem area, SMEs will be sought that can provide solutions across four interconnected pillars: • Advanced water treatment: development and application of new technologies to effectively remove pharmaceutical residues from water. • More sustainable medicines and administration: innovation in pharmaceutical products and delivery methods that reduce environmental impact. • Improved prescribing behaviour and medication adherence: awareness-raising and training to prevent unnecessary medication use. • Active knowledge sharing: intensive collaboration, communication, and dissemination of best practices within the region and beyond.Impact after three years During the kick-off, participants emphasised the shared ambitions they aim to achieve: • A structural connection between the water, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors• Measurable reduction in medication use through more conscious prescribing• Sustainability as an integral and self-evident part of medication use and policy In addition to these societal benefits, the project aims to create 75 new jobs and to provide targeted support to at least 30 companies. The developed solutions can also be applied nationally and internationally. This integrated approach positions Northern Netherlands as a national and international frontrunner in tackling pharmaceutical residues in water.Partners The project is a collaboration between: TCNN (lead partner), LIFE Cooperative, Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis Assen, Martini Ziekenhuis, Isala Ziekenhuis, University of Groningen, UMCG, Frisius MC, Water Alliance, Centre of Expertise Watertechnology (CEW), Wetterskip Fryslân, Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, Province of Groningen, Province of Drenthe, Province of Fryslân, SNN, and Medicijnresten uit Water Noord-Nederland. Together, we are building a healthy, sustainable, and economically strong Northern Netherlands.
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
