Rotterdam's leading Life Sciences & Health cluster
The greater Rotterdam region plays a pivotal role in the Netherlands' thriving Life Sciences & Health (LS&H) sector, one of the country's most innovative and rapidly expanding industries. The city’s LS&H cluster is distinguished by its strong network of academic institutions, research centres, hospitals, and a diverse array of companies, from agile startups to global corporations.
Situated within the Randstad, a densely populated and economically significant area that also encompasses Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, Rotterdam benefits from its strategic location and robust infrastructure.
Hub of national collaboration
Rotterdam’s LS&H cluster is bolstered by national initiatives like Health~Holland, which fosters public-private partnerships to drive health and life sciences innovation across the Netherlands. Key institutions such as the Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC)—a global leader in medical research and education—are at the heart of this cluster, significantly advancing the sector through groundbreaking research and clinical excellence.
Knowledge cluster powering innovation
Rotterdam’s life sciences and health knowledge cluster thrives on collaboration between leading academic institutions, research centres, and medical facilities. At its core is Erasmus MC, one of Europe’s top medical centres, renowned for its expertise in oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and neuroscience. In partnership with Erasmus University Rotterdam’s School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM), it integrates medical research with health economics and policy, creating a comprehensive approach to addressing healthcare challenges.
Key collaborative initiatives include
- Medical Delta: A partnership uniting universities, medical centres, and industry leaders from Rotterdam, Delft, and Leiden to translate research into practical healthcare solutions, with a focus on medical technology, biotechnology, and health informatics.
- Convergence Collaboration: A strategic alliance between Erasmus MC, Erasmus University and TU Delft, merging life sciences, engineering, and technology to tackle complex health challenges. Projects like the Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness Center (PDPC) exemplify the power of interdisciplinary teamwork. But also the TU Delft Reactor Institute also plays a critical role in advancing medical imaging, isotope production, and nuclear medicine, collaborating closely with Erasmus MC to push the boundaries of healthcare innovation.
Regional LS&H ecosystem overview
- Innovation campuses: Erasmus MC Incubator (Rotterdam), RotterdamSquare (Rotterdam), Bio Tech campus Delft (Delft), Planet B.io (Delft), Dutch Tech Campus / Dutch Innovation Park (Zoetermeer), Dutch Optics Centre (Delft)
- Expertise centres: Erasmus MC Technology Transfer Office (Rotterdam), Erasmus MC Smart Health Tech Center (Rotterdam), Medical Delta (Delft)
- Networking organisations & Innovation Advocacy: EIT Health (Rotterdam), RotterdamSquare (Rotterdam), Medical Delta (Delft)
- Coworking hub with innovative community: LabHotel (Rotterdam)
Dynamic LS&H industry
Rotterdam’s LS&H industry is a driving force for regional and national growth, powered by a diverse ecosystem of institutions and businesses. The city’s strategic location, excellent infrastructure, and collaborative spirit make it an ideal hub for global innovation.
Key sub sectors
Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
Rotterdam hosts a strong network of pharmaceutical companies involved in drug discovery, development, and distribution. Proximity to world-class research institutions and a globally connected logistics infrastructure, such as that seen at Fagron, ensures seamless innovation and delivery.
MedTech & Devices
The city is home to a growing MedTech sector, developing innovative diagnostic tools, imaging systems, and eHealth solutions. Rotterdam’s decades of expertise in population imaging have led to groundbreaking studies, including the highly influential Rotterdam Study.
Clinical Trials and Research Services
Rotterdam is a major centre for clinical trials, supported by the Clinical Trial Center at Erasmus MC and numerous contract research organisations (CROs). The city’s diverse population and advanced healthcare infrastructure make it an ideal environment for conducting high-quality clinical research.
The greater Rotterdam region houses many successful international LS&H companies, ranging from start-ups and scale-ups to established corporates. To give you an indication, here's some of the better known companies per subsector.
eHealth & Digital Health: Tunstall, Enovation, Sensara, Daksha AI, MedAssist.online, Dune Innovation, LeQuest
Diagnostics: SkylineDX, Quantib, Viroclinics, Cerba Research
MedTech and Devices: Alphatron Medical, Sensius
Imaging Technology: Deep Breath, River D International, Quantib
Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals: Pfizer, Fagron, Omega Pharma
Clinical Research and Contract Research Organizations (CROs): Medwave, LabVantage Solutions, Medpace, Cardialysis, Openhealth
Rotterdam: at the heart of global health innovation
With its strategic location, collaborative ecosystem, and pioneering spirit, Rotterdam is shaping the future of Life Sciences & Health. Whether you are a business, researcher, or congress organiser, the city offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, innovate, and succeed on the global stage.
Recent LS&H news from Rotterdam
Giving birth while wearing VR Glasses
Giving birth in a bath or with laughing gas has been possible for a while, but recently women at the Sophia Birth Center have also been able to give birth wearing virtual reality (VR) glasses. Under water among the fish or walking in the mountains, the expectant mothers are more relaxed during labor and experience less fear and pain.New discovery immunotherapy for Breast Cancer
Researchers at Erasmus MC have found a target for immunotherapy for an aggressive form of breast cancer. They isolated a receptor from white blood cells that recognizes the target and took the first steps toward clinical treatment. 'It was like looking for a needle in a haystack.'Erasmus MC coordinates genetic research in Europe
The EC has awarded a €20 million grant to 'Genome of Europe', a research project that will be coordinated by André Uitterlinden, professor of Complex Genetics at Erasmus MC. The aim is to set up a database of DNA variations from so-called reference genomes of citizens of all European countries and a number of important countries of origin.Scientists discover how harmful protein stain is removed from DNA
Researchers at Erasmus MC have discovered a new mechanism that repairs an important form of DNA damage. This is damage that sits on the DNA like a protein pimple and probably plays a role in aging. 'Not much research had been done on this subject.'
Special focus : Erasmus MC
As one of Europe’s foremost medical centres, Erasmus MC leads in cutting-edge research, clinical care, and health innovation. Its specialised institutes and departments span a broad range of expertise, driving advancements in key health disciplines:
More information
If you want more information on Rotterdam's LS&H cluster, or if you want to explore opportunities for hosting your medical conference or business event in Rotterdam, please reach out to us:
