Rotterdam perfect fit for biomedical animation scale-up Phospho

The move to Rotterdam’s iconic Van Nelle Fabriek complex marks a significant milestone in the company’s scale-up journey and reflects a strategic decision to embed itself in one of Europe’s most dynamic MedTech and BioTech ecosystems.

Founded in 2014 by Dr Jeroen Claus, a former cancer researcher, Phospho was born out of a desire to help scientists communicate their research more effectively through compelling visuals. Over the years, the company has grown into a trusted partner for academic institutions, biotech firms and pharmaceutical companies, translating complex scientific concepts into engaging animations and graphics.

Now in its scale-up phase, Phospho is looking to expand its impact, and Rotterdam, with its strong and rapidly growing HealthTech cluster, offers the ideal environment to do just that. “Rotterdam has a thriving Life Science & Health ecosystem that we’re keen to be a part of. There is so much wonderful research taking place in Rotterdam and the Zuid-Holland region in general, and we’re excited to provide a supporting role by helping visualise and communicate this important work. I’ve always known Rotterdam to be a city embracing design, technology, and innovation. It feels like a perfect fit for us.” says Jeroen.

Rotterdam’s vibrant ecosystem of university and industry research, combined with its excellent connectivity to the rest of the Netherlands and the UK, made it a compelling choice. The region’s strong track record in animation education, such as at Breda University of Applied Sciences, and its growing network of science communication agencies provide fertile ground for Phospho’s continued growth. “Visual communication of science is still an under-served niche in Europe,” explains Jeroen. “We see a real opportunity here to fill that gap and collaborate with local talent and institutions.”

Phospho’s relocation was made smoother thanks to the support of Rotterdam Partners, InnovationQuarter and Rotterdam Square. From organising a city tour to helping secure office space and facilitating introductions within the regional Life Sciences & Health community, these organisations played a key role in helping Phospho land on its feet. “An international move is an exciting time for a company, but it does come with a lot of practical challenges that are difficult to sort out from abroad. The team at Rotterdam Partners was a huge help with this. For instance, they created a shortlist of office space locations that suited our business, organised viewings, and were a knowledgeable sounding board when we were making our decision. They also gave advice on how to navigate the Rotterdam housing market as expats, and were genuinely invested in making sure we landed on our feet. Innovation Quarter and Rotterdam Square, meanwhile, have been excellent in introducing us into the LS&H sector in Rotterdam and Zuid-Holland in general.  They’ve really helped make the move to the Netherlands as pain-free as it can be, and we’re incredibly grateful.” says Jeroen.

Phospho’s ambitions for the coming three to five years are clear: to firmly establish itself in the Netherlands while continuing to nurture and grow its UK partnerships. With a strong foundation now in place in Rotterdam, the company is well-positioned to scale its impact and continue transforming how science is seen and understood. 

_{This article is a co-production with InnovationQuarter.}