Nucleate Netherlands Ecosystem Showcase
The Nucleate Netherlands Ecosystem Showcase is our annual event, bringing together trainees, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry stakeholders across the Dutch life sciences ecosystem.
This year we will be focusing on how biotech ventures can translate cutting edge research into resilient, scalable companies that create durable real world impact. Get ready for inspiring keynotes, panels on the bio-innovation landscape, pitches from startups - including Gateway Bio, the finalist of the Global Virtual Activator, and, of course, ample time for networking. 🥂
📅 Sign up now to lock the date in your calendar and be updated about speakers and the full program as they become announced. See you in June!
## Event Agenda* ##
13:30 Reception and registration
14:00 Welcome addresses by Nucleate Netherlands and KADANS
14:20 Keynote by Jan van de Winkel, CEO of Genmab
14:40 Panel 1 - From Lab to Market: Execution, Regulation, and Scaling in the Dutch Ecosystem
15:10 Coffee break
15:40 Introduction by Hans Hofstraat, BD Director of Utrecht Science Park
15:50 Startups pitches
16:20 Panel 2 - Funding Reality Check 2026: What Actually Gets Funded Now
16:50 Closing remarks
17:00 Tour of the Plus Ultra lab facilities and networking drinks
18:30 Ending
* Program is subject to change
🚀 The first panel will discuss the realities of transforming discovery into viable products with:
Roland Zahn (Senior Scientific Director, J&J, and Co-Founder, Vidamune)
Stefan Ellenbroek (Director, unlock_)
Timen van Haaster (Public Affairs & Communications Director, hollandbio)
Vincent Blomen (VP of Research, Scenic Biotech)
The startup showcase will feature:
⭐ Carlos de Lannoy (CEO, Constellate Proteomics)
🩸 Katarina Madunic (Co-Founder, GlycoDiagnostics)
🌉 Mark ter Heide (Co-Founder, Gateway Bio)
🧬 Nazma Ilahibaks (Co-Founder & CEO, JAMA Tx)
💸 The second panel will explore how early stage biotech ventures can position themselves in the current investment climate with:
Edward van Wezel (Founder and Managing Partner, BioGeneration Ventures)
Lucía Moreno Lama (Managing Consultant, Catalyze Group)
Lydia Kalafateli (Investment Manager, Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM))
Nettie Buitelaar (CEO, Biotech Booster)
## Note on Capacity ##
We’d love to welcome as many of you as possible, but space at the venue is limited and registration is subject to approval. This event is primarily for academic trainees (undergrads, master’s, PhDs, postdocs), investors and friends of Nucleate Netherlands. Companies and organisations interested in attending or partnering can contact us at [email protected].
## Sponsors ##
Silver: KADANS Science Partner, Biotech Booster, EP&C
Gold: Foundation Utrecht Science Park
## Global Sponsors ##
Platinum: Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, MilliporeSigma
Philanthropic Support: Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Preferred Partners: Pillar VC, Amino Collective, Excedr, Mercury, Brex, Fedsprout
In-Kind Support: AcademicLabs, Lens.org, SynBioBeta
We want to thank our HQ and regional supporters for championing our open-access mission and empowering the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs!
## Venue Provider ##
Venue: KADANS Science Partner
✨ Would you like to be listed here or featured during the event? We would like to hear from you. We welcome contributions from companies and organisations in exchange for (logo) exposure and other impactful benefits. Contact us at [email protected]
## About the Event Host ##
Nucleate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of biotech leaders. With chapters spanning 41 geographic regions and participation from over 280 academic institutions, Nucleate sparks new intellectual communities and embeds emerging talent within a global biotech community. Through open-access educational programming, Nucleate helps democratize biotech innovation — removing barriers and helping founders concentrate on building transformational technologies. Visit www.nucleate.xyz for more information, and visit https://nucleate.xyz/privacy-policy/ to read our privacy policy.