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 3 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.
The registration for this event is now closed.
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.
Explore our breakouts!
Biotech financing trends – what drives biotech funding?
What are the current financing trends in the biotech investment landscape? Europe is trying to step up as geopolitics play an increasing role in biotech funding. Also, funding is increasingly concentrated on later-stage assets and derisked products. What do companies need to do to be successful in fundraising? Join our financing panel featuring Thijs Bosch (CEO – The Protein Brewery), Rachel Abbott (CEO – Pan Cancer T) and Joep Muijrers (General Partner – Gilde Healthcare) and moderated by Christopher Ball (Biotech Client Partner – IQVIA).
Shaping the Next Generation of Biotech Talent
Who will be working in your labs in 10 years? Too few young people choose biotech, while the sector is already in urgent need of tomorrow’s talent. In this session, we explore how we can inspire the next generation to see biotech as a place to build a meaningful career. What stories resonate? What works in practice? And how can companies and partners work together to make biotech more visible, relatable and attractive? Join our panel, featuring Johnson & Johnson and Talentmark (third guest to be confirmed), for an interactive discussion on shaping the future of biotech talent.
AI in business
Biotech is not the only sector making progress, the rapid development pace of AI is reshaping industries worldwide. Together, we will explore how companies can apply AI more effectively within their organisations and what the future of AI in biotech may look like.
Scaling smart
What changes when a biotech company starts to grow fast? Growth brings new opportunities but also new complexities. In this breakout session, we explore how biotech companies evolve as they scale and how to grow with clarity, focus and the right structures in place. Through an open conversation with experienced executives and entrepreneurs, we reflect on what it takes to navigate growth successfully, and how governance can enable rather than constrain that journey.