Drumroll! The finalists for the third edition of the LIFE Science Innovation Award have been announced. With pride, the LIFE Cooperative presents the three finalists: Enatom, Neolook Solutions, and Ivy Medical. On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, these three startups will pitch their innovations at the LIFE Science Conference, with this year's theme being "Data Science for Life Science." This conference is organized annually by the LIFE Cooperative and its partners, with the Innovation Award being a key component. The award is presented to the innovation with the greatest impact in the field of life sciences & health, originating from the Northern Netherlands. The jury will decide on September 24 at the Forum Groningen who among the three finalists will receive the prize.
Up until July 8, companies had the opportunity to be nominated for the Innovation Award 2024. From the nominations received, the five-member board of the LIFE Cooperative selected the three finalists. Peter Ketelaar, Director of the LIFE Cooperative, is enthusiastic about the finalists: “Visible impact and regional innovations were the magic words this year. As a board, we carefully evaluated the origin of the innovations, their potential impact, and their relevance to society. All three selected finalists scored highly in these areas. Their innovations are also at a stage where they can truly make a real impact—not just on a regional or national level, but even internationally. I suspect the jury will face a tough decision on September 24.”.
During the final on September 24, the jury will be represented by NV NOM, the Municipality of Groningen, and Health Holland. The winner will receive, in addition to the specially designed trophy, a cheque worth €5,000.
Out of a dozen applications, the innovations from Ivy Medical, Enatom, and Neolook were selected.
Ivy Medical is revolutionizing infusion therapy with its cutting-edge technology. Addressing the challenges of limited mobility for patients and the high workload for nurses, the Ivy Duo+ has been developed, a next-generation infusion system. This portable infusion pump allows for clinical infusion therapy from a backpack or shoulder bag, reduces the number of alarms through features like automatic air removal, and automates time-consuming workflows.
Ivy’s mission is clear: more steps for patients, fewer sprints for nurses. Ivy is dedicated to providing its users with the best technology, thereby enhancing freedom and efficiency for both patients and healthcare providers
Caring for premature and vulnerable children in hospitals is intensive. An extra pair of eyes and ears from a distance helps parents, nurses, and doctors provide optimal care. Neolook is developing the ‘Neolook One,’ an advanced camera system with sensors for movement, sound, and light. This system enables live remote consultation and sends livestreams to monitors and medical phones when alarm signals are triggered. This way, doctors and nurses can always keep an eye on their vulnerable patients, no matter where they are. 
Enatom specializes in high-quality 3D visualization techniques in the field of human anatomy. The startup aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice and enhance learning outcomes. Enatom’s intuitive web app provides a highly realistic view of digital anatomy, offering an exceptional learning experience that is accessible anytime, anywhere, on computers, tablets, and VR/AR headsets.
De LIFE Science Conference en Innovation Award are made possible in part by NV NOM, Health Holland, Bedrijvenvereniging WEST, gemeente Groningen, and the LIFE Cooperative.
Registrate now for the conference via https://8raz4ur.momice.events/
Photo by: Jan Buwalda
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.
