Mayor Halsema signs memorandum for collaboration in life sciences sector

Investment in a strong life sciences & health business and knowledge ecosystem in the Amsterdam Area will not only boost economic activity and employment, but also contribute to improvements in healthcare.

Memorandum of understanding

On behalf of the City of Amsterdam, Mayor Femke Halsema signed a memorandum of understanding with the Amsterdam UMC, VU Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI)/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Sanquin, the University of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Economic Board on 25 September. The aim is to work together to expand on our excellent starting position in the fields of data and AI, strengthening the life sciences & health sector in the process.

European life sciences & health hub

The Amsterdam Area is in a strong position to become Europe’s premier life sciences & health hub. There are already 300 companies active in the life sciences & health sector in the Amsterdam region, and this number is increasing, partly due to the arrival of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Brexit. Amsterdam has leading institutes such as the Amsterdam UMC and the NKI/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital.  Even more, the city has a strong business climate for international companies due to its easy international accessibility with transport hubs such as Schiphol Airport, the availability of talent, the outstanding digital connectivity, a strong focus on startups and innovation, and a high quality of life.

However, international competition is intense, and it will not be easy to secure the position as Europe’s premier life sciences & health hub. Therefore, the city is working in partnership with universities and businesses to develop a distinctive sales proposition for Amsterdam within the Netherlands. To bolster the innovation and business climate for life sciences & health companies, and to attract, train and retain talent.

Data and AI are becoming increasingly important within the life sciences & health sector. A growing number of innovative companies are processing large quantities of data to improve healthcare, not only by developing new drugs, but also by focusing on lifestyle and prevention, or decision-making models.

Smart Health Amsterdam

Amsterdam has an excellent starting position in the fields of data sciences and AI. There is huge potential for growth in the combination of these two distinctive strengths – the life sciences & health sector and data sciences/AI. The main aim of the memorandum of understanding is to increase cooperation in the fields of data and AI.

The memorandum of understanding includes agreements to collaborate on:

• Developing an unambiguous and distinctive sales proposition
• Strengthening joint acquisitions
• Strengthening the interaction between the City of Amsterdam, universities and businesses
• Stimulating talent programmes related to life sciences & health and AI
• Developing and helping to facilitate new initiatives (for example, sufficient laboratory space with supporting office facilities)
• Raising awareness of funding opportunities
• Strengthening the ecosystem

If you would like to know how you can take part in or contribute to the LSH action programme, please contact Jeroen Maas or join SmartHealthAmsterdam to keep up to date.