From Pitch to Partnership: PharmaNL Connection Days 2025

News April 16, 2025

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Three rooms filled with engaged professionals, exchange, and ideas shaping the future of the pharmaceutical sector—that was the outcome of the PharmaNL Connection Days in March and April 2025. The central theme was to stimulate project applications for the Shared Development Infrastructure (SDI) subsidy call, which opened on March 18. Floor van de Watering, program manager at PharmaNL, is pleased with the results of the Connection Days in Leiden, Groningen, and Oss: “With over 150 visitors in total, substantive sessions, concrete practical examples, and ample opportunities to share knowledge and experiences, we look back on a successful series of events.”

Looking back at three cities: knowledge, inspiration, and networking

Each meeting followed a structured format, including an explanation of the subsidy scheme by PharmaNL, practical tips from ZonMw, the subsidy administrator, and varying project pitches. The pitches were presented by partners of projects that successfully applied in previous subsidy rounds of PharmaNL. In Leiden, Kees van den Berg (CEO of GenomeScan) shared the story of the iPsomics project’s inception. Participants gained a concrete example of how the scheme supports innovation. “Today, I’ve been able to ask a lot of questions and get many answers. We are very excited and motivated to submit a project proposal,” said a participant in Leiden.

In Groningen, CEO Peter Ketelaar provided an honest insight into the successful iPsomics application. He emphasized the value of a compelling narrative to the review committee and the collaboration with ZonMw: “ZonMw supported us immensely throughout this process, and that support was invaluable.” In Oss, Prof. Dr. Willem Mulder (Radboud University / TU/e) pitched Nanoworx, an ambitious project establishing sustainable infrastructure for innovative nanomedicines. As one participant put it, “I not only gained insight into the subsidy process but also met people who are really helping me move forward.”

ZonMw’s role: invaluable support

Throughout all sessions, ZonMw was clearly present as a partner. Claudia Leusink, program manager at ZonMw, assisted participants, explained the evaluation process, and answered practical questions about the subsidy application. The collaboration between PharmaNL and ZonMw proves to be of significant value in practice for applicants eager to pursue their innovation projects.

How does the SDI subsidy call work? The subsidy call for the Shared Development Infrastructure program line is still open. Interested parties can submit their project ideas until Monday, May 19, 2025 (14:00 CET). Based on their idea, they will receive advice on developing their proposal further. The deadline for the fully developed proposal is Monday, October 6, 2025 (14:00 CET). More information is available on the ZonMw website, where a Q&A section is also provided.

Looking ahead: Connection Days 2026

The positive energy and valuable discussions during the 2025 Connection Days underline the need for such gatherings. PharmaNL continues its efforts to strengthen the pharmaceutical ecosystem in the Netherlands and anticipates another series of PharmaNL Connection Days in 2026. Stay tuned to our channels for more information and make sure to join us next time (again)!