PharmaNL Community Event brings the Dutch pharmaceutical sector together in Utrecht

News May 21, 2026

With more than 80 participants from across the Dutch pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem, the PharmaNL Community Event on Wednesday, 20 May focused on connection, knowledge sharing, and shared ambition. Held at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, the event brought together researchers, educational institutions, companies, startups, and policymakers to reflect on the first results of PharmaNL and to look ahead to the future of pharmaceutical innovation in the Netherlands.

Brigitte Drees, board member and lead representative of PharmaNL and CEO of Pivot Park, looks back on the event with pride and satisfaction: “During the afternoon, it became clear how strongly the PharmaNL community has developed in a relatively short period of time and what can be achieved when people truly work together. I am proud of the project leaders who passionately shared the progress of their funded projects. I was also pleased with the discussions with the Ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK), as well as the informal meetings throughout the day. Together, we are ensuring that the pharmaceutical sector becomes future-proof.”

An energetic host: Dolf Jansen

Under the energetic guidance of host Dolf Jansen, visitors were given insight into several ongoing PharmaNL projects. Representatives from the projects Nanoworx, Groningen Human Capital for Life Sciences, Early Drug Discovery Education Track and iPsomics demonstrated how public-private collaboration is leading to tangible impact within both the Human Capital Growth (HCG) and Shared Development Infrastructure (SDI) programme lines of PharmaNL.

A strong community

In addition to sharing project results, the event primarily revolved around strengthening the community. During networking sessions, new connections emerged between researchers, entrepreneurs, education professionals and representatives from regional ecosystems. In doing so, the event once again highlighted PharmaNL’s role as a connecting force within the Dutch pharmaceutical landscape.

A new investment agenda

Looking ahead was also a key focus of the event. During the programme, Jon de Vlieger (Lygature) presented PharmaNL’s new investment agenda. This agenda will serve as the guiding framework for the upcoming 2026 funding calls within the Human Capital Growth (HCG) and Shared Development Infrastructure (SDI) programme lines.

In a symbolic moment, the investment agenda was handed over to Karla van Rooijen (Director of Medicines and Medical Technology, Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport) and Jeroen Heijs (Deputy Director for Innovation & Knowledge, Ministry of Economic Affairs). “From both ministries, we are extremely pleased with this new PharmaNL investment agenda. It is inspiring to see what has already been achieved and how the new agenda has been structured. That truly deserves a compliment,” said Karla van Rooijen.

Soon, expected by the end of June, funding partner ZonMw will open the funding call for Human Capital Growth. After the summer, the call for Shared Development Infrastructure will follow. You can already view PharmaNL’s Investment Agenda here: downloads.