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.
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.
Innovation in medicines takes center stage on Thursday, 26 February during the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon, an inspiring event organized by FIGON (Federation for Innovative Drug Research Netherlands) in collaboration with the LIFE Cooperative.
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.
