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About life sciences and health in Amsterdam

Updated 14 October 2024 at 09:20

The Amsterdam Area is at the heart of the European life sciences and health industry. The region thrives on collaborative efforts, led by the high concentration of research institutions, universities, medical centres, corporations, and startups growing purpose-driven solutions. These institutions form partnerships in specialised hubs and leverage cutting-edge technology and AI to meet the health challenges of the future.

Amsterdam's innovative approach to life sciences and health

Driven by a commitment to innovation, ground-breaking developments from Amsterdam’s Area’s life sciences and health sector have the 3rd highest impact in the world with over 4,000 innovative R&D Life Sciences & Health companies located within a 200 km radius.

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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). Specialised hubs such as Amsterdam Science Park, which includes Amsterdam Health & Technology Institute.

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. 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.

Welcome to Europe's connected Life Sciences & Health metropolis

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.

Modern Medical Research Laboratory: Portrait of Latin, Black Young Scientists Using Microscope and Giving High Five after Receiving Successful Results. Diverse Team of Specialists work in Advanced Lab

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Named one of 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. 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 inbusiness can help international businesses enjoy a soft landing in the Amsterdam Area, including arranging fact-finding visits and providing market intelligence.

Get in touch with a member of the team.