Dutch Biotech Event 2026
Hollandbio12/06/26
Sign up for hollandbio’s Dutch Biotech Event 2026!
The Dutch Biotech Event, powered by Health Holland, is an annual gathering for our members, invitees, and anyone passionate about biotech and entrepreneurship. The program features keynote speakers who bridge the worlds of life sciences and entrepreneurship with inspiring talks, as well as interactive workshops and breakout sessions designed to support entrepreneurs and their businesses. The event concludes with networking drinks and a BBQ.
Practical information
Date: Friday, June 12th, 2026
Time: 12.45 pm – 8:00 pm, including drinks and BBQ
Venue: InnStyle, Herenweg 55, Maarssen
Program
12:45 – 13:30 Registration, coffee & tea
13:30 – 13:45 Welcome by hollandbio
13:45 – 17.00 Plenary program (keynotes, networking and break-out sessions)
17:00 – 20:00 Networking drinks and a BBQ
More details to be updated soon.
Who can join the Dutch Biotech Event?
The Dutch Biotech Event welcomes Hollandbio members (registration is free of charge) and employees of other biotech R&D companies (registration fee €395,—p.p.), with a maximum of 2 delegates per organization.
We invite non-member startups to consider a hollandbio membership, which offers many more advantages besides access to the network and events.
Please register via this online form.
Violette Defourt, CEO and Founder of Rapidemic
Violette is the Founder and CEO of Rapidemic, a Leiden-based biotechnology company developing rapid, accessible molecular diagnostics. With a background in bioengineering and extensive experience in the life sciences sector, she is dedicated to transforming how infectious diseases are detected and managed worldwide.
Before founding Rapidemic, Defourt held roles in both academia and industry, where she gained expertise in diagnostics development and commercialization. Her work is driven by a clear mission: to make high-quality diagnostic tools affordable and available to all, particularly in resource-limited settings.
In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Defourt is an active advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech and biotech, and has been recognized as a role model for women in science and innovation.
Olivier Rigaud, CEO Chief Executive Officer / Chairman Board of Management and Executive Committee of Corbion
Olivier has served as Chief Executive Officer of Corbion since his appointment at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders in August 2019. His current term runs from 2023 to 2027. In addition to his role as CEO, he is Chairman of the Board of Management and a member of the Executive Committee.
Before joining Corbion, Rigaud was CEO of Naturex, a global leader in natural specialty ingredients for the Food & Beverage, Nutrition & Health, and Personal Care industries. During his tenure, he successfully led the company through its acquisition by Givaudan.
Earlier in his career, Rigaud spent 14 years at Tate & Lyle, holding various leadership roles across Belgium, France, and London. He began his professional journey at Amylum, where he worked in sales and marketing positions in France and Belgium.