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
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.
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.
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.
Vandaag is bekend gemaakt dat ZonMw verwacht in september een nieuwe subsidieoproep binnen de PharmaNL Shared Development Infrastructure (SDI)-programmalijn te openen.
What if a surgeon could tell within five minutes whether a tumour has been completely removed? That is exactly what LIFE Cooperative member SPCTR is working on. In the Groninger Ondernemers Courant, the SPCTR team talks about their groundbreaking technology, which will allow surgeons to see within five minutes whether a tumour has been completely removed.
Following the keynote by Peter Wennink, the conversation continues with a panel discussion in which we will explore the themes from the keynote in further depth and look at the issues from different perspectives.
