The progress in Life Sciences affects everyone. The Life Science sector ensures medical breakthroughs, e.g. in developing cancer therapies, in treating cardiovascular illnesses and by developing products that take over the functionality of bodily functions.

In this context, knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship are the keys to economic growth. In the past decades, Maastricht and its surroundings have become a dynamic centre for companies throughout the entire range of the Life Science value chain. Maastricht University and Academic Hospital Maastricht, which are represented in the Maastricht University Medical Centre, perform cutting edge research relating to cardiovascular illnesses, oncology, nutrition and neurosciences. Converting this knowledge into economic activity is stimulated by organisations such as BioMedbooster, UM holding, NV Industriebank LIOF and regional authorities. The existing business incubation infrastructure offers starters and other businesses the means and facilities to convert their knowledge into marketable products. In addition, the region offers many possibilities to perform clinical studies, as a result of which new treatments and diagnoses can be introduced into clinical practice immediately.

Neuropartner

With its  cognitive brain research and the development of new MRI data analysis methods, Maastricht University’s Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience belongs to the international elite. For more advanced research, a research centre will be set up together with Forschungszentrum Jülich, which will be one of the world’s leading institutes. Within the brain research centre, researchers and businesses will develop new knowledge and therapies and a high resolution 9.4 Tesla MRI scanner will be acquired.

TMFI

In 2008, Maastricht University and DSM jointly set up the Maastricht Forensic Institute (TMFI). TMFI is a top-quality forensic institute with expertise in forensic psychology and psychiatry, legal psychology, DNA research, chemical and material analysis, digital technology and speech research. The unique presence within one institute of natural science and behavioural science expertise offers new possibilities for integral forensic research. This unique clustering of competences provides a new and powerful concept in the world of criminal law.

BioPartner Center Maastricht

BioPartner Center Maastricht is a Life Sciences Incubator: high-quality business accommodation for start-ups developing, producing and/or marketing new biotechnological treatment methods, medicines and diagnostics. The Center’s mission is to stimulate Life Sciences economic activity and to increase the chance of success for Life Sciences start-ups. The Center is therefore more than just business accommodation. It is a total concept based on three closely related pillars: the lease of business space (offices and laboratories), business development, and a shared facilities centre, with advanced laboratories and clean rooms.

Medtronic

Medtronic is a worldwide market leader with regard to medical technology and helps millions of people throughout the world by alleviating pain, helping them to recover their health and extending their life expectancy. Medtronic specialises in the treatment of cardiovascular illnesses by means of pacemakers, defibrillators, balloon catheters and stents. In addition, Medtronic has a wide range of other products and therapies, such as neurostimulators, products for treating Parkinson’s disease, pain control and diabetes. Medtronic is continually looking for solutions to improve the quality of life for the chronically ill. Medtronic Bakken Research Center (BRC) collaborates with medical specialists to develop new and improve existing therapies and coordinates all European clinical studies from its base in Maastricht.

PharmaCell

Cell therapy is a promising means of treating various disorders using bodily tissue. Stem cells are removed from the body and grown externally. They are returned where necessary to replace sick or damaged tissue. PharmaCell is a company specialising in growing human cells and tissue. It is the only company in the Netherlands, and one of the few in Europe, which is officially recognised as a tissue bank under Good Manufacturing Practice conditions. That means that it works under government control and in accordance with strict regulations.  Cell therapy makes it possible to grow muscle cells, blood cells, skin cells, bone cells, as well as cartilage. PharmaCell plays an important role in creating these therapies, developing processes and performing clinical studies.

Please contact Marc Croijmans for more information about investment inquiries for Contact Centres, Life Sciences and Tourism. Marc Croijmans s is employed as an expert in these clusters. He can provide you with more information about investment possibilities.

Marc Croijmans
+31 (0)6 27 85 05 91