Leiden Bio Science Park

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of hosting Leiden's new Mayor, Peter Heijkoop at Leiden Bio Science Park. The visit was an outstanding opportunity to showcase our work and discuss how to strengthen the business and investment climate for our organizations. From morning coffee to lively discussions, here's how the day unfolded👇 We began with a warm welcome at Kadans Science Partner’s Plus Ultra where Leiden Bio Science Park's director, Esther Peters introduced the Leiden Bio Science Park ecosystem and its significant role in shaping the future of health. This was followed by a tour of the building, which included a visit to Leyden Labs. There, CEO Koenraad Wiedhaup shared insights into their health technology focused on developing accessible antiviral solutions designed to prevent respiratory infections, aiming to empower people globally with proactive health measures. A short bike ride brought us to the Science of Faculty at Universiteit Leiden where prof. Thomas Hankemeier and vice-dean Bart de Smit led a tour of the (new) building and of the ExposomeScan research facility. This facility pioneers research on how environmental exposures affect health outcomes, providing essential insights into the environmental factors that influence disease risk. We continued through NeCEN and the Gorlaeus labs, which feature advanced imaging facilities that support a wide range of research projects. At BioPartner Leiden, Rebekah Bikker and Thijs De Kleer introduced us to the lively startup community, where we heard pitches from three companies: Willemijn Vader from VitroScan which specializes in cell-based drug screening. Their platform helps researchers test how drugs interact with human cells, providing critical data that inform drug development and efficacy. Ester Weijers from NTrans Technologies BV focusing on DNA-based therapeutics. NTrans is developing innovative delivery systems that facilitate the targeted insertion of genetic material into cells. These systems have the potential to treat genetic disorders and other complex diseases. Rob Heetebrij from ZoBio combining biophysics and molecular insights to identify new compounds, focusing on developing precise therapeutic solutions for hard-to-treat diseases. Our day concluded at Naturalis Biodiversity Center Nederland in the LiveScience hall with "Stier Herman." Under the bull's watchful eye, exhibited right above us, Nick Veringmeier presented a five-minute overview of biomedical sciences—a fitting end to an inspiring day. The Mayor departed with a good sense of the park's vision and potential. Our shared enthusiasm for supporting the research, businesses, and investment opportunities that are shaping the future of Leiden Bio Science Park has sparked a dialogue on potential collaborations. A big thank you to Rijk van Walsem from Gemeente Leiden, who helped make this visit a success! Victor van der Horst Bart van Zijll Langhout #lifesciences #leiden

Yesterday was the launch of the Tech Champions Manifest at Nieuwspoort in The Hague. A packed hall included representatives of pension funds and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, MPs, journalists, VCs, and scale-up CEOs. Our director Esther Peters also attended this launch. It was an important occasion where Royal Highness Constantijn Van Oranje-Nassau highlighted the urgent need for action to support Dutch deep-tech scale-ups. How can we ensure the Netherlands stays competitive on the global stage? Compared to the US, Dutch deep-tech scale-ups are growing four times slower and have a ten times lower success rate to become a long-term stable player, indicating a pressing need for improved support and infrastructure to regain a path to competitiveness; the Netherlands needs to develop an integrated tech and business climate vision. Key leaders in biotech, based at Leiden Bio Science Park, including Onno van der Stolpe, founder of Galapagos and board member at Leyden Labs; Koenraad Wiedhaup, CEO and Marieke van der Lans, CFO of Leyden Labs; and Eline van Beest, CEO of Hybridize Therapeutics, were part of this critical conversation. Christian Rood, CEO of LeydenJar and one of the Tech Champions couldn't attend.  Ingrid Thijssen, Chair of VNO-NCW, also addressed the importance of investment in deep tech scale-ups and an integrated tech and business climate vision necessary for our economic growth and the future development of the Netherlands and Europe. The Tech Champions Manifest was presented by Tech Champions, representing scale-ups based on the National Technology Strategy (NTS) and its crucial technologies. A great initiative, laying out clear and urgent steps for the Netherlands to regain its competitive edge. It emphasized the importance of creating a stable environment through consistent long-term policy to foster innovation, the need to move faster in supporting scale-ups, ensuring they can thrive and expand in an increasingly competitive global market. Finally, the manifesto calls for a united approach to risk, where public and private sectors work together to accelerate growth and innovation. Leiden Bio Science Park, as The Netherlands No 1. hub for Life Sciences and Health, supports this manifesto and will be at the forefront of these developments, driving advancements in biotech that will shape the future of health. Let's strengthen forces to support deep tech developments that improve our economy and our lives! #lifesciences #innovation #tech

Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of our lives. But how exactly can it contribute to bioscience innovation? Join us for the AI & Biosciences Tech Talk, where experts at Leiden Bio Science Park will try to give answers by diving into the latest AI advancements and their impact on the biosciences field. When: November 12, 15:00-18:00 Event Highlights: • Learn about the latest research and breakthroughs in AI. • Discover new ways AI is being used in bioscience. • Hear from professionals driving advancements in AI technology. This Tech Talk is about connecting and discussing new solutions in AI. Whether you are a researcher, professional, or student, this event offers a chance to learn, network, and contribute to advancements in AI technology. Additional information and speakers will be announced shortly in the coming weeks. Would you like to contribute to the program? Let us know at events@lbsp.nl! Don’t miss out— register here or through the link below! https://lnkd.in/eTaP-w_K

Ready to take your first steps into the world of entrepreneurship? Gulliver is designed to help founders sharpen their skills and build connections with the right partners to bring their vision to life. Maybe this is your chance to put your business to the test, gain expert feedback from seasoned judges, and maybe even walk away with €10,000 to boost your venture! Deadline to apply: December 9th – don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Did you miss last week’s Show Me The Expert? Here’s a look back at the event and the experts behind it! Organized by unlock_ , PLNT Leiden, BioPartner Leiden, Libertatis Ergo Holding B.V., and LBSP, the event brought together attendees seeking tips to grow their startups and experts providing advice and sharing their knowledge. Here are the experts that attended: Lex Keukens (TeekensKarstens advocaten notarissen) Rob Verkaik (Simtra | verzekeringen - simpel en transparant) Jesse C. (GoedOpOrde.nl) Sanne Quint (HR Expert Bureau) Naomi Tielen (PharmD) (Canvas Healthcare Consulting BV) Gunar Gijsbrechts (Scribes Tax Lawyers) Nico Bunnik (Leiden Biotech Legal B.V.) Nick Veringmeier (JPP - Life Sciences Marketing) Joris Schillemans (NovoSere) Paula van Hennik (ProPharma) George Lellis (GL Brand Growth Consulting) Anton Mat (Pharmat Interim) Of course, the event didn’t stop there—it continued with drinks, where everyone kept the conversations going. We would like to thank everyone who joined! If you missed this edition, don’t worry! Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect with experts and get the support you need to see your startup grow!

That’s a wrap for this week! Yesterday, we closed out the week with the Masterclass Dutch KTO - The Entrepreneurial Scientist event at PLNT Leiden. It was a full day of learning and connecting, with sessions on deal terms, social entrepreneurship, and knowledge security. Esther Peters, our LBSP Director, led a plenary session on “The importance of collaborative networks in innovative industries,” followed by a panel discussion with Niels Ouwerkerk from Doser, Charlotte Poot from Stichting Hospital Hero, and Toon Stilma from XS Innovations, that offered insights on collaboration and innovation. Of course, we cannot forget the networking over lunch (and later, drinks!), which was a great chance to share ideas and connect with colleagues. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event a success. Have a great weekend!

Have you signed up for this month’s Life Sciences Café? This edition is extra special! Along with our regular gathering of professionals focused on Life Sciences & Health, we’re partnering with hollandbio to celebrate their 10-year anniversary! It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the community or a long-time regular. The Life Sciences Café is the perfect blend of familiar faces from the Leiden Bio Science Park and newcomers from the broader Life Sciences & Health ecosystem. This of course includes students and young startups who are always welcome, making it a great space for fresh ideas and collaboration. So, what to expect? Brief updates from the park, quick pitches from emerging startups, and plenty of opportunities to build new connections and strengthen existing ones. Join us on October 17th at Grand Café de Stal from 16:00 to 19:00 for an afternoon full of inspiration and opportunity. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information and to register follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/eiBj8KFZ

Mark your calendars for the 8th of October - it’s a day you don't want to miss! Are you an HR professional or Works Council member at LBSP? This is your chance to connect with a growing community of HR and Works Council representatives across companies in Leiden Bio Science Park! The session will begin at 15:00, led by Annemarth Hiebendaal from TeekensKarstens advocaten notarissen, who will dive into topics like AI & Ethics, Privacy, and Employee Misconduct. Then, stay with us for another session starting at 17:00, where we’ll tackle some of today’s most pressing issues! Struggling to navigate the tricky world of remote work laws? Confused about buying a home or the new pension law? You're not alone, and we are here to help. Experts like Rens van Oers from LIMES international will guide you through remote work regulations, while Agnes Glastra from Your Financials will give financial advice to homebuyers. Mario van Teijlingen MSc FFP CFP® will cover the 2023 pension law and its impact. Don’t miss this chance to gain insights and find solutions. Join us on October 8th! For more details and registration, follow the links below. Introduction Session: https://lnkd.in/e_JBrRej Wellbeing of employees: https://lnkd.in/eWYFFSkP

Happy 3rd of October, Leiden! 🎉 Today marks a special celebration in our city, where we honor our heritage and the community that makes Leiden unique. For those who might not know, the 3rd of October celebrates Leiden’s liberation from Spanish occupation back in 1574! But it is not just a day of celebration; it’s an opportunity to explore everything Leiden has to offer! From discovering the city’s history to enjoying herring and white bread, and connecting with friends and neighbors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! So, join us in honoring our past and embracing the future! Are you celebrating today? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Gemeente Leiden 3 October Vereeniging 3 Octobergilde

Last Tuesday, we took a look into the future without animal testing in drug development. So, what did we discover? Our speakers talked us through solutions that prioritize ethics and safety while moving beyond animal testing. Their insights helped us better understand the problems and envision the future of the field. Special thanks to Debby Weijers from Proefdiervrij and André Wolterbeek from Venn Life Sciences - part of hVIVO plc setting the tone with their introduction on societal and regulatory perspectives. And to our lineup of speakers—Elena Naumovska from StemX Bio, Paul Kouwer from Fybrix, Aisling Foley from ExCulture, Lukas Wijaya from Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Wouter Vaes from Peregrion, and Dustin Dopsa from chiron —thank you for sharing your research and practical applications. It was a great day of learning and pushing boundaries. Cheers to an ethical future without animal testing!