Biotech, Boldness, and Breakthroughs: A Look Back at hollandbio’s Year Event 2025
No winds or rain could stop a record attendance of over 350 guests from attending the 11th edition of hollandbio’s Year Event! Hosted at Theatre de Flint in Amersfoort, the event created a perfect opportunity to connect with familiar faces and new contacts alike. The afternoon was filled with inspiring personal stories of success and resilience in biotech, sprinkled with humor, and packed with plenty of networking opportunities.
A key theme that ran through the day was: how do we bridge the gap between the public and science?
After a warm welcome and sneak peek at our soon-to-be-launched video, hollandbio’s Annemiek Verkamman kicked off the plenary session, taking a moment to thank all members and partners for another successful year in biotech. Biotech innovations are flourishing, and Dutch biotech research is still top-notch.
However, Annemiek also took a moment to acknowledge the challenges in the biotech sector: “Biotech is not for the faint-hearted. It’s risky, full of regulatory hurdles, and even the most exciting innovations aren’t guaranteed to reach the market.” But this is precisely why we need to believe in ourselves and our products: “Our enthusiasm for biotech needs to rub off on the public. We must be bold and shift the narrative, showing that we trust our sector and products. The only thing standing in our way is how far we are willing to push for change. And at hollandbio, we’re committed to improving the biotech ecosystem to make that change happen.”
As the cherry on top, Annemiek had the pleasure of announcing the publication of our latest hollandbio Highlights, featuring biotech breakthroughs, policy wins, and industry impact.
Sadly, our first keynote speaker, Björn Heijstra, could not attend the event as he was down with the flu. Fortunately, Independent Board Director Edwin Moses took us on an eventful journey of highs and lows in life in biotech. From becoming a salesman in West Germany to leading over 10 international companies as CEO and Chairman, Edwin’s story was a masterclass in embracing cultural diversity, investing in people, and finding joy in leadership.
To conclude the program with an unexpected twist, we invited “one of the most empathetic men who loves to let others shine”—television maker and presenter Maxim Hartman, renowned for his satirical, direct, and provocative style—to host a surprise, heartfelt therapeutic session. The lucky ones—Oscar Goddijn, Inez de Greef, Paul Korte, Lori Goff, and Robert Ostendorf—took the stage to reflect on what drives them and the challenges they face in biotech. Any initial stage fright quickly dissolved as they realized they were free to speak about what mattered most to them. Their key takeaway? We must believe in ourselves and the stories we share with our families, friends, neighbors, and beyond. While we are deeply familiar with the technology, it is essential to communicate how biotech solutions impact lives and address real-world challenges.
The day ended with drinks, dinner, music, and, of course, plenty of networking.
A huge thanks to everyone who joined and made this another amazing hollandbio Year Event to remember. Of course, a special thanks to our guests who took the stage—our apologies for any discomfort it may have caused. 😉
In the coming year, let’s keep pushing forward, share our passion, and make biotech a driving force for health, sustainability, and innovation!
P.S. Mark your calendars because we’ll also see you at the Dutch Biotech Event on June 27, 2025! Until then, keep an eye out for more exciting events throughout the year.
