Netherlands and Cedars-Sinai forge strategic partnership for health innovations
Minister Beljaarts also signed a semiconductor technology agreement with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs in Phoenix.
Published on January 11, 2025
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Minister Dirk Beljaarts
Cedars-Sinai Intellectual Property Company and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency are teaming up to establish a new fund in the Netherlands. This initiative, confirmed during Minister Beljaarts' visit to the US, aims to boost technological innovation within the Dutch Life Sciences & Health sector.
Cedars-Sinai's involvement promises to connect Dutch startups with valuable resources and expertise, accelerating their global market presence. With over 3,000 innovative companies already contributing €7 billion to the economy, this partnership is set to enhance healthcare solutions and accessibility. Minister Beljaarts highlights the importance of this collaboration in positioning Dutch firms at the forefront of the global healthcare innovation landscape. The agreement underscores the shared ambition to improve patient care through cutting-edge technologies and transatlantic cooperation.
Strategic investment and innovation hub
James D. Laur, CEO of Cedars Sinai Intellectual Property Company, emphasizes that this partnership will strengthen relationships within the Dutch healthcare and biomedical sectors while providing crucial support to startups through Cedars-Sinai Tech Ventures. The timing is strategic, building upon the momentum created when the European Medicines Agency (EMA) relocated to Amsterdam in 2019. This move has already catalyzed growth in the Dutch Life Sciences and Healthcare sector, creating a robust ecosystem for innovation.
The partnership announcement comes amid broader technological initiatives. Minister Beljaarts is actively engaged in discussions with Nvidia and AMD to establish an AI facility in the Netherlands. This development highlights the government's commitment to expanding beyond traditional healthcare innovation into cutting-edge technological solutions. "Before a shovel can hit the ground, we must ensure that the required knowledge and hardware are available", states Minister Beljaarts, emphasizing the practical approach to implementation. The initiative demonstrates the Netherlands' strategy to integrate advanced computing capabilities with healthcare innovation.
International collaboration
The timing of this partnership coincides with significant developments in Dutch-American cooperation. During the same period, Minister Beljaarts signed a semiconductor technology agreement with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs in Phoenix. This broader context of international collaboration is reflected in the impressive 34 percent growth in trade between the Netherlands and Phoenix from 2020 to 2024. With Arizona now exporting over one billion USD to the Netherlands, these partnerships create a robust framework for technological and healthcare innovation exchange.
'Leveraging the opportunities that benefit both Arizona and the Netherlands'
High-level trade mission from Arizona is returning the visit that a Dutch team mad to Arizona last year. "So many similarities, so many reasons for collaboration."
Future impact
The partnership's implementation strategy focuses on accelerating innovations in the Life Sciences & Health sector through enhanced access to strategic networks, knowledge, and funding. With over 3,000 innovative Life Sciences & Health companies already operating in the Netherlands, generating approximately €7 billion in economic impact, this collaboration is positioned to amplify the sector's growth significantly. The initiative aligns with Minister Beljaarts' broader mission to position Dutch tech companies and startups internationally, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for healthcare innovation and technological advancement.