internationalisation 

BIO International Convention 2015

Spotlight on Dutch Biotech at BIO International Convention

This year’s BIO International Convention, where the global biotech community meets, connecting the people, companies and innovations that help to fulfill the promise of biotechnology through healing, fueling, and feeding the world drew 15,858 biotech professionals from 69 countries and 47 states. This year’s Convention hosted 29,279 partnering meetings, a new record for the event.

For the Dutch delegation, the 2015 edition of the world’s largest biotechnology event started Monday afternoon with an informal welcome reception hosted by Health~Holland.

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Bernard Muller, founder of Treeway, was elected “Everyday Superhero Biotech 2015”. Bernard is a true multi-talent. He is an entrepreneur, patient, advocate, fundraiser, researcher and drug developer all in one. He uses his skills, expertise, experience and network to connect and build global bridges between people living with ALS and to help develop a cure for ALS. Bernard is a true inspiration and we feel he more than earned the Superhero recognition.

At the immense exhibition (150,000 square feet and 1,800 exhibitors!), the Health~Holland Pavilion convincingly presented our country as the world’s most concentrated life science cluster by showcasing the Dutch strengths. In addition, the pavilion was frequented by the 120 members of the Dutch delegation, who were able to catch their breaths at the pavilion between partnering appointments. Just as previous years, the Dutch bike was one of the exhibition’s most desirable give-aways: the Health~Holland Pavilion nearly bursted with visitors during the raffle at the Wednesday Evening Hospitality Drinks.


The Netherlands actively contributed to BIO’s educational program. On behalf of Health~Holland, Hans Schikan convinced the audience during the ‘Global Innovation Hub’ session to invest in the Dutch life sciences sector. In addition, several Dutch entrepreneurs were to be seen on the BIO stage: André Hoekema from Galapagos, Crucell’s Hanneke Schuitemaker (J&J), Amphera’s Rob Meijer and Joost van Bree from Immunovo.

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In conclusion, BIO International Convention was a great success. New contacts were initiated, contracts were signed and investors and companies were seduced to do business in the Netherlands. BIO boosted the cohesion within the Dutch network, too. And last but not least, BIO gave insight and inspiration. BIO celebrates the progress made through biology in healing, fueling and feeding the world. And that’s something we should be proud of.

Building value through partnerships.

The 21st annual BIO-Europe is Europe's largest partnering conference serving the global biotechnology industry.

Delegates from all parts of the biotechnology value chain come to BIO-Europe to quickly identify, engage and enter into strategic relationships that drive their businesses successfully forward. Investment and collaboration opportunities developed in prior BIO-Europe conferences have produced many highly successful business partnerships. This year´s BIO-Europe partnering event will again draw over 3,000 industry attendees from nearly 60 countries, representing more than 1,800 companies for three days of high level networking.

In addition to productive partnering, BIO-Europe offers high level workshops, panels, company presentations, and a lively exhibition. The program offers executive level panelists who openly share their insight and opinion on many important industry issues. The company presentation tracks provide a forum for innovative start-ups, established biotech companies, and large and midsize pharma to present information on products, partnering opportunities and corporate strategy. Combined, these elements create an insightful and productive event that will have you coming back year after year.

More information: http://www.ebdgroup.com/bioeurope/index.php