Four Life, Science & Health companies – one common choice: Zuid-Holland
From therapeutic mini proteins to biomedical animation, organoid models, and pharma compliance, innovative companies from Hungary, the UK, Turkey and Australia are setting up, scaling and relocating to our region. What brings them here? A combination of talent, infrastructure, and a Life, Science & Health ecosystem designed for the development and expansion of their companies.
International innovators with local impact
VRG Therapeutics is developing mini proteins that can target previously undruggable disease mechanisms. Originally based in Budapest with a 600m² lab, the company expanded to Leiden to support its transition into clinical development and engage with international investors, positioning itself for future growth and strategic partnerships in the region.
CONVAL Group, established in Turkey with more than 60 employees, brings 20 years of pharma compliance expertise to Europe through its new office in Leiden. The company aims to support Dutch and EU pharmaceutical firms with validation and regulatory services.
Phospho, a biomedical animation company founded in London in 2014 by Dr. Jeroen Claus, a former cancer researcher, recognized the challenges scientists face when visually communicating cutting-edge research. After 10+ years in London, Phospho recently moved its main office to Rotterdam.
The Organoid Company, founded in Australia in 2024 by Thomas Mitchell, Prof. Ernst Wolvetang, and Gabriel Hammond, is on a mission to lower drug development barriers by providing accessible digital biology tools and rapid testing using cost-effective organoid models to advance biomedical discovery. Rotterdam’s strategic location as one of Europe’s largest export hubs made it the ideal place to launch operations.
Why Leiden?
Leiden stands out as one of Europe’s most connected and collaborative life sciences hubs. With institutions like Leiden University, Leiden University Medical Centre, and the Leiden Bio Science Park, the city brings together research, talent, startups, and corporates in one integrated cluster. VRG Therapeutics and CONVAL Group benefit from the proximity to regulators, academic partners, and peer innovators, as well as the region’s efficient startup procedures, strong IP frameworks, and solid biotech reputation.
“We chose Leiden because it offers exactly what a biotech startup needs to grow: streamlined onboarding processes, strong science, access to talent, a supportive community, and direct links to investors and industry partners, all in one place.”- Eszter Weinberger, Strategic Operations Manager at VRG Therapeutics
“The arrival of VRG Therapeutics strengthens our position as a frontrunner in AI-driven health innovation, especially in tackling hard-to-treat diseases, a focus shared by the LUMC and Leiden’s science faculty. CONVAL Group reinforces our strong regulatory ecosystem, supporting companies that work closely with the EMA. We’re proud to welcome both to our community here at the Leiden Bio Science Park.” – Esther Peters, Director Leiden Bio Science Park
Why Rotterdam?
Rotterdam’s bold, international mindset is attracting a new wave of Life, Science & Health companies. The city blends a growing health tech ecosystem with a culture of design, digitalization, and global business. For Phospho and Organoid Company, Rotterdam offers room to grow, connections to talent, and a gateway to Europe — all supported by a city that embraces life sciences innovation.
“Rotterdam is an up-and-coming life science region. This allowed us to establish a footprint in the area that will facilitate our rapid growth.”– Thomas Mitchel, CEO The Organoid Company
“In Rotterdam, we are committed to strengthening the Life Sciences & Health ecosystem to foster innovation. The newly established companies contribute by bringing new technologies, expertise, and global networks, further enhancing the city’s position as a hub for medical innovation and growth.” – Ellen Smit, Managing Director Rotterdam Square
How InnovationQuarter and partners helped to make it happen
Expanding into a new country requires more than ambition — it takes trusted guidance and strong local connections. That’s where InnovationQuarter, Rotterdam Partners, Rotterdam Square, and Leiden Bio Science Park stepped in. From practical support such as setting up legal entities and finding office space to strategic introductions within the Life, Science & Health community, their role was essential.
“The support we received was hands-on, efficient, and truly helpful,” says CONVAL Group’s Operations Director Yücel Metinol. “It made a real difference in getting started quickly.” Eszter Weinberger, Strategic Operations Manager VRG Therapeutics: “InnovationQuarter played a key role in helping us set up our legal entity in the Netherlands and connected us with trusted partners (e.g., banks, service providers) to get our operations up and running.”
Jeroen Claus, Founder of Phospho, adds: “Both Rotterdam Partners and InnovationQuarter have been incredibly supportive, helping us find office space and opening up valuable networking opportunities within the Life, Science & Health communities.”
Building the future of Life Sciences & Health — together
These companies bring more than just innovative solutions — they bring fresh energy, international talent, and long-term commitment to the Zuid-Holland ecosystem. They help expand our strengths in areas such as drug discovery, pharma, and biomedical infrastructure — all critical to the future of healthcare.
“As they grow, they reinforce Zuid-Holland’s role as a launchpad for global impact — and we are proud to be part of that journey.”– Daniël Bruning, Account Manager Foreign Investments, InnovationQuarter
Date: May 9, 2025
Source: InnovationQuarter
