About life sciences and health in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's innovative approach to life sciences and health
Driven by a commitment to innovation, ground-breaking developments from the Amsterdam’s Area’s life sciences and health sector have helped grow an ecosystem across nine innovation districts and countless organisations, with flourishing partnerships between research, private and public organisations.
The city's dynamic research community includes 2 internationally renowned universities, the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, as well as Amsterdam University Medical Centre (AUMC) and the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI). Besides specialised hub Amsterdam Science Park, an equally thriving healthtech community can be found at Amsterdam Health & Technology Institute. Across these knowledge institutions, Amsterdam has shown particular expertise in cancer research, accounting for 40% of all Dutch publications – with the Zuidas Innovation District a known hub for its advanced oncological research.
The Health and Innovation District (HID) and the Amsterdam Life Sciences District offer countless opportunities for growth and collaboration, while the European Medicines Agency’s presence in the city ensures high-quality innovation.
Welcome to Europe's connected Life Sciences & Health metropolis
Amsterdam’s world-leading life sciences and health figures
As a leader nationally, Amsterdam’s life sciences and health contributions contribute to the entire country’s high ranking globally. The Netherlands as a whole ranked 4th on the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation, 6th globally on KPMG’s 2025 life sciences ranking, 8th globally in the Nature Index for health sciences, and also 4th globally in medical patent applications. It is the 2nd country in Europe for export and import of medical devices.
To keep innovation thriving, the country invests about 10% of its GNP annually in the health sector to maintain first-rate care as well as a healthy investment scene in MedTech and medical advancements. It was also considered the EU leader in digital health investment in the 2025 OECD report. With the Amsterdam region accounting for 25% of all life sciences and health activity nationwide, the city is more than pulling its weight in leading global innovation – which is why so many global conferences take place here.
Collaborating locally, connecting internationally
The Netherlands is the top European importer and exporter of medical devices and Amsterdam’s optimal location provides rapid access to 95% of Europe’s biggest consumer markets. Logistics are made easy – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has a specialised pharma zone and the Port of Amsterdam has biomass transhipment facilities.
Named 2nd in fDi’s top tech cities of the future, Amsterdam hosts the perfect testing environment for AI and MedTech solutions. Amsterdam-based Philips, Lapsi Health and Skinvision are major players in the €4.7 billion Dutch MedTech market, while medical AI labs are among Amsterdam’s abundant public-private partnerships trialling new discoveries – over 300 such partnerships in biopharmaceuticals, oncology, cell therapy, digital health, and beyond. Besides being a beautiful place to live, Amsterdam is home to 179 nationalities and a multilingual workforce.
Set up in Amsterdam
Are you searching for a location for your European office or do you want to know more about your potential market in the Amsterdam Area? As the region’s official foreign investment agency, Amsterdam Trade & Invest can help international businesses enjoy a soft landing in the Amsterdam Area, including arranging fact-finding visits and providing market intelligence.