Innovation for Health brings together key actors from the Life Sciences & Health ecosystem to discuss how discoveries move from research to application. During the conference, Oncode Institute will join a BiotechNews session exploring the connections needed between science, funding and entrepreneurship to accelerate innovation in oncology.
On 26 March, Oncode Institute will participate in a BiotechNews interview session during Innovation for Health, the leading Life Sciences & Health conference in the Netherlands. The conversation will take place from 11:25 to 11:45 at Jaarbeurs Utrecht, bringing together perspectives from research and investment on how innovation in oncology can move closer to patients.
Innovation for Health gathers researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and healthcare professionals from across the Life Sciences & Health ecosystem. The conference offers a space to exchange ideas, discuss emerging developments and explore the collaborations needed to translate scientific discoveries into meaningful health solutions.
The 2026 edition of the conference is centred around the theme “Bridging the Gap.” The programme focuses on the connections required between research, funding and entrepreneurship to accelerate innovation and ensure that promising discoveries can move beyond the laboratory.
As part of the programme, Bertholt Leeftink, Managing Director of Oncode Institute, and Shobhit Dhawan, representing Ligase BioPartners, will take part in a moderated discussion organised by BiotechNews. The session will be hosted by interviewer Peter Thijssen and will take place on stage in the central hall.
The format of the session invites speakers to respond to a series of statements that highlight key challenges in the innovation landscape. Through discussion and audience interaction, the conversation will explore how strong research ecosystems can better translate scientific excellence into tangible impact.
“The Netherlands has a very strong oncology research landscape. The challenge is ensuring that discoveries move beyond the lab and find the right pathways toward application and innovation.”
Managing Director, Oncode Institute
Managing Director, Oncode Institute
“Strong science also needs strong pathways for translation. Conversations like this help connect research, investment and entrepreneurship.”
Managing Director, Ligase BioPartners
Managing Director, Ligase BioPartners
The BiotechNews session offers a moment to reflect on these questions in front of a community that is actively working to strengthen the Life Sciences & Health ecosystem in the Netherlands and beyond.
If you are attending Innovation for Health, feel free to join the discussion or connect with colleagues from Oncode Institute during the event.