In September, NoordZ magazine published a wonderful article about the 10th anniversary of the LIFE Cooperative, in which we share our growth, collaborations, and future plans. The article highlights how LIFE brings companies together and fosters innovation in the Life Sciences & Health sector. Read the full article below (in Dutch)!
It has already been ten years since LIFE Cooperative was established. The goal then, as now, was to unite Northern companies active in the Life Science & Health (LSH) sector and leverage the benefits of collaboration. These include attracting and building funds, education, investments, facilities, and projects that would be out of reach for individual parties, while fostering cross-pollination where possible. LIFE Cooperative serves as a central hub, aiming to drive growth in the sector.
As of 2024, 65 companies are affiliated with LIFE Cooperative, providing employment to more than 4,500 FTEs. “And we’re far from done growing; on the contrary,” says director Peter Ketelaar. The sector is experiencing significant growth. “We aim to grow at an above-average rate compared to the economy. So far, we’ve succeeded, achieving an average growth of 7 percent over the past ten years.” He anticipates that the number of affiliated companies will grow to 90 within the next five years, with 7,500 people working in these companies. “The sector generates around 350 vacancies annually, meaning that continuous education and training are essential. This must be done in coordination with educational institutions to ensure that the right programs are offered, aligning well with the needs of the business community.”
“It would not be feasible for each company to handle that individually,” adds Head of Business Development Ronald Hesse. “LIFE Cooperative can play a crucial role here, just as we do in supporting start-ups. Many ideas originate from UMCG and the University of Groningen, which companies then develop further. There is a lot of risk involved, particularly in terms of financing. LIFE Cooperative focuses on securing solid funding and providing guidance by setting up or attracting these funds, allowing these companies to move forward.”
“In addition, we connect start-ups with experts,” Peter Ketelaar continues. “For example, they help with drafting a solid business plan. We facilitate, provide financial resources, and offer expertise. Furthermore, we aim to exchange and connect knowledge wherever possible.”
The ultimate goal is to make the right expertise available to every company affiliated with LIFE Cooperative. It is essential to navigate regulations, financing, and subsidies. We can deliver this because of our strong network on and around Campus Groningen. Not all investments yield immediate returns, but they are necessary to remain competitive. In the Northern Netherlands, we excel in competition, particularly in drug research and development, where we are a leading player in Europe.”
One recurring theme in life sciences is the need to anticipate. “Call it innovative cutting-edge technologies,” says Ronald Hesse. “The first project we started three years ago is now coming to fruition. This means we have also tailored educational programs to align with it. It is a deep investment that allows you to stay ahead of future developments. Thanks to the solid foundation we have built in the Northern Netherlands, we are now receiving tens of millions of euros in subsidies to support various advancements.”
Ronald Hesse refers to these as untapped diamonds, which will take shape in the coming years. “Take, for example, drug delivery, where medicines are delivered precisely where they are needed. The same applies to the new genetic lab we are setting up. LIFE Cooperative is constantly in discussion with companies and knowledge centers to establish consortia, develop business plans for potentially unprofitable peaks, and secure subsidies. This helps mitigate the risks associated with often substantial investments. Moreover, it allows us to maintain the competitive edge of the Northern Netherlands' life sciences and health sector. This regional sector is uniquely positioned to make a significant leap toward a new economy.”
LIFE Cooperative is also keenly observing the Nij Begun initiatives and the positive impact they are expected to have on the development of the Northern Netherlands, particularly in the areas of economy, healthcare, culture, and education. Peter Ketelaar explains, “In this context, societal ambitions can align with the entrepreneurial goals of the Life Science sector. Nij Begun can create the conditions that allow us to realize our ambitions.”
Meanwhile, preparations for celebrating the 10th anniversary are in full swing. This will include a conference and a farewell to two pioneers who have been part of the LIFE Cooperative board since its inception: Ton Vries and Johannes Wolters. “They have a strong commitment to the North,” says Peter Ketelaar. “Over the past ten years, they have achieved a great deal for the sector. This is a sector full of opportunities, where one can work from cradle to retirement. Look around you; the Northern Netherlands offers plenty of possibilities for a rewarding career in Life Science & Health, and LIFE Cooperative is happy to contribute to that.”
Download the full article here.
Source of image and text: NoordZ. Image from left to right: Johannes Wolters, Ronald Hesse, Peter Ketelaar, and Ton Vries.
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Recently, the LIFE Cooperative, together with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), has been working hard on submitting projects to PharmaNL.
From 2026 onwards, SpringBoard, the industry association for medical technology, will continue as part of LIFE Cooperative. This is a logical step, as both organizations pursue the same goals for their members. With this integration, the knowledge, experience, and network of SpringBoard will become part of LIFE Cooperative — the cooperative of more than 60 Northern Dutch Life Science companies. This marks an important step toward strengthening and further growing the Life Science & Health sector in the Northern Netherlands. “We complement each other perfectly and are even stronger together. By joining forces in this way, we increase the effectiveness of the solutions developed to contribute to sustainable healthcare. In doing so, we create economic opportunities for our members!” — Ronald Hesse, Director of LIFE Cooperative Joint ambition Since its founding in 2014, LIFE Cooperative has worked closely and enthusiastically with SpringBoard. On behalf of SpringBoard, Jan Thalens has played an important role in this collaboration by contributing to the further development of the cooperative as a member of LIFE Cooperative’s board. In 2025, SpringBoard decided it was time for the next step. LIFE Cooperative shares this ambition and will further expand its activities in the field of Enabling Technologies & Medical Devices starting in 2026. “Together, we are creating new opportunities for our members and strengthening the ecosystem around medical technology,” says Jan Thalens, board member of SpringBoard . About LIFE Cooperative LIFE Cooperative promotes innovation in the life sciences by facilitating collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. Through various programs and events, LIFE fosters 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 approximately 5,000 FTEs and a turnover of €500 million. About SpringBoard SpringBoard is an independent industry association for medical technology, founded in 2008 as an initiative by former employees of Cordis Roden. The network has grown to about 65 members and promotes innovation and knowledge sharing, supports entrepreneurs, and assists in setting up new companies. SpringBoard has contributed to the creation of seven new companies and around 100 jobs. Through workshops, networking events, and an open innovation platform, SpringBoard strengthens the MedTech sector and the development of human capital in the Northern Netherlands.
Peter Ketelaar, Chair of the LIFE Cooperative Board: “We are incredibly proud of Johannes and Ton. Their dedication has truly shaped the Life Sciences, Health & MedTech sector, not only in the Northern Netherlands. Their commitment, expertise, and entrepreneurship have strengthened our cooperative and had a major societal and economic impact—both nationally and internationally!” Johannes Wolters: connector and inspirer For most of his career, Johannes Wolters has been committed to advancing the Life Sciences, Health & MedTech sector in the Northern Netherlands, with a strong focus on societal and economic impact. From 2000 until his retirement earlier this year, he was the sole owner of Lode Holding—a more than 75-year-old company that flourished under his leadership. With subsidiaries Lode, ProCare, aXtion, Umaco, and Omnium, the group annually produces hundreds of medical devices and software solutions that contribute to health and rehabilitation worldwide. Almost every Olympic athlete improves their performance with equipment from Lode Holding. Johannes initiated the Wenckebach project and other large-scale collaborative initiatives, invested millions in innovative medical ideas for diverse target groups, and helped establish numerous spin-offs. His work has directly supported thousands of patients every day. Until recently, he was active in regional initiatives such as SSIG (Sport Science & Innovation Groningen), the LIFE Cooperative (as co-founder), and the Campus Trail, while also mentoring young entrepreneurs and startups. The next generation has since taken over the family business. Annelies Wolters, CEO of Lode Holding and daughter of Johannes: “My father has always dedicated himself to society and the well-being of others. Whether it’s medical innovation, supporting vulnerable groups, or inspiring young people in technology and science, his efforts have always been driven by responsibility, vision, and a deep sense of community.” Ton Vries: international innovation from Groningen For more than 35 years, Ton Vries has been a driving force in the Life Sciences & Health sector. From 2000 to 2020, he served as CEO of Syncom BV, which under his leadership grew into a successful spin-off of the University of Groningen. In 2017, he co-initiated the merger of Syncom and Mercachem, creating Symeres, a leading European contract research organization with over 600 employees worldwide. Ton is the inventor of the Dutch Resolution, a method for efficiently separating chiral compounds. This breakthrough resulted in patents, publications, licensing agreements with DSM, and four PhD theses—solidifying the Netherlands’ international leadership in pharmaceutical crystallization technology and green chemistry. He is also co-founder and CEO of BioBTX, a Groningen-based company with global impact that gives plastic waste a second life. Using its proprietary technology, residual waste streams are converted into valuable, circular building blocks for the chemical industry. The company is now preparing to build the world’s first circular aromatics plant in Delfzijl. Ton co-founded the LIFE Cooperative, guided young entrepreneurs, and realized numerous groundbreaking projects. Personally, he is known for his no-nonsense attitude, boundless energy, and popularity among colleagues. Robert Hof, former colleague at Symeres and LIFE Cooperative board member: “Ton is a true go-getter. When Syncom ran into trouble in 2008, he brought in new investors and rebuilt the company into the great success that Symeres is today. Ton is no-nonsense, not one for status or pretense. He doesn’t wear a suit—not even when Prime Minister Rutte or Queen Máxima visits. His company car? For years it was a 15-year-old Opel Astra, shared with the neighbor. With Ton, it’s always what you see is what you get . That directness and authenticity make him so beloved.” Short CV’s Career and Impact – Johannes Wolters Roles & Organizations 1985: Joined Lode as Controller 1992: Conducted a management buyout with a partner from the then-American owners of Lode 2000: Became 100% owner and CEO of Lode; shortly after, founded additional companies and Lode Holding as the parent company. Between 2000–2025, led multiple acquisitions and participated in various ventures 2023: Next generation joins the company, solidifying Lode Holding as a family business 2025: Retired on May 1, passing leadership to daughter Annelies (CEO) and son Freek (CFO) 2014–2024: Co-founder & board member of LIFE Cooperative Impact & Innovation Produced over 1,000 medical devices , benefiting millions of patients worldwide Projects spanning rehabilitation, sports, ADL equipment, prehabilitation & perioperative care Co-initiated the Campus Trail running event with Campus Groningen (since 2017) Sponsored scientific research and involved in initiatives such as Girls’ Day and student excursions Societal Engagement Mentored young entrepreneurs ( >40 start-ups/year ) Volunteer at SSIG (Sport Science & Innovation Groningen) , ~12 hours/week Advisor and board member for RVO , Smitfonds , and juror in entrepreneurship competitions Career and Impact – Ton Vries Roles & Organizations 2000–2020: CEO of Syncom BV , growing the company from 30 to over 100 employees 2017: Merged Syncom and Mercachem to create Symeres , now with over 600 employees worldwide Co-initiator of InnoLab Chemie , Cliq Swiss Tech , and BioBTX 2014–2024: Co-founder & Chair of LIFE Cooperative 2014–present: Board member of Campus Groningen Current: Board member of PharmaNL Innovation & Science PhD in Organic Chemistry, 1996, University of Groningen under Professor Hans Wijnberg Inventor of the Dutch Resolution method for separating chiral compounds Patents, publications (e.g., Angewandte Chemie ), DSM licensing, 4 PhDs supervised Impact: more efficient and sustainable pharmaceutical production, strengthening Dutch expertise in pharmaceutical crystallization technology Societal Engagement Mentor and coach to young entrepreneurs and colleagues Delivered notable projects within LIFE Cooperative Personal reputation: no-nonsense, energetic, determined, highly respected by peers Athletic: maintains daily long-distance running
