News

April 2026

At the latest Life Sciences Breakfast hosted by CMS Netherlands in collaboration with Pedersen & Partners, the discussion focused on a simple idea: the foundations are strong, and despite various challenges, the opportunity is there to build on them.

The session was led by Ellen Gielen (Partner, Head of Life Sciences & Healthcare, CMS), supported by Lydia van der Meulen (Client Partner, Country Manager Netherlands, Pedersen & Partners), with contributions from:

• Ivan Burkov (Partner, INKEF)
• Eliane Lauwers-Ruter (Communication & Public Affairs Lead, Johnson & Johnson)
• Jacques Lemmens (CEO, Byondis)
• Hans Schikan (Non-Executive & Investor)
• Jasper Schootstra (CEO, SJJ Solutions)
• Eliane Schutte (CEO, Xeltis)

The discussion brought together perspectives from across the ecosystem, from investors and corporates to scale-ups and non-executives, offering a well-rounded view on where the sector stands today.

Across the conversation, a few points came through clearly:

• The Netherlands continues to deliver strong science, talent, and innovation, supported by a well-established ecosystem, with leading research institutions, experienced operators, and a consistent track record of high-quality output across the sector
• The next step is scaling and commercialising that innovation globally, ensuring that breakthroughs are not only developed locally but successfully brought to international markets and translated into sustainable business models
• Regulation and market access frameworks play a defining role in how quickly innovation reaches patients and markets, directly influencing investment decisions, clinical trial activity, and overall ecosystem attractiveness
• The ecosystem is increasingly global, requiring alignment beyond local boundaries, as companies, capital, and talent operate across markets and must navigate international standards, partnerships, and competitive dynamics
• AI and talent are emerging as the most immediate levers for acceleration across the value chain, from early-stage research to development, manufacturing, and commercialisation, shaping how companies build and scale going forward

There was a shared sense that the ecosystem is not starting from zero, but building on existing depth, credibility, and a proven track record. The focus now shifts to scaling and commercialisation, specifically how to move faster, better connect capital, talent, and innovation, and ensure that what is developed locally can compete on a global stage. Conversations like this signal a broader transition from diagnosing challenges to actively acting on opportunity, which is where the next phase will ultimately be defined.

We thank all speakers and participants for a focused and forward-looking discussion, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the exchange.