Big in BioJapan

Last week, Health~Holland, hollandbio and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency represented the vibrant Dutch Life Sciences & Health sector at BioJapan in Yokohama. BioJapan is Asia’s largest partnering event, combining one-on-one partnering, in-depth programming and a lively exhibition in one of the world’s leading biotech markets. The Dutch representation at BioJapan was part of the Road2Osaka, the preparation and planning process for the Dutch pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025.

After catching up at the welcome reception organized by hollandbio, the Dutch delegation was ready to kick off BioJapan: three days packed full of partnering meetings and networking. It was impossible to overlook our bright orange Health~Holland pavilion, where the hollandbio and Health~Holland crew welcomed many delegates eager to do business with the Dutch or expand to the Netherlands. 

On Thursday, Annemiek Verkamman, hollandbio’s managing director, presented the many strengths of The Netherlands as Europe’s connected Life Sciences and Health metropolis, while winning over the audience’s hearts by starting her keynote with a few sentences in Japanese. Later that day, the Dutch pavilion drew many visitors during our hospitality reception and raffle, awarding lucky raffle winners with a range of typical Dutch souvenirs. 

All in all, BioJapan exceeded expectations. With over 3,500 delegates in partnering, over 15.000 visitors of the exhibition floor, and a lot of interest for the Dutch biotech industry and innovation ecosystem, the three days flew by. It was a memorable and successful expedition for team orange, which we hope to continue next year!