Health Valley in Nijmegen and Health Innovation Park in Zwolle are both network organisations focusing on innovation in healthcare. As of 1 January 2022, the organisations have merged and will work together under the name Health Valley to achieve their shared ambition: to take initiatives, set up projects, bring parties together and accelerate healthcare innovations in the east of the Netherlands.
Director Chris Doomernik: "We had similar objectives and working methods. Actually, it was a very natural process to start talking to each other and then to join forces. That is clearer for governments, commissioning parties and subsidy providers and more powerful and efficient for our own partners in the networks." The networks and competences of both merger partners are very complementary.
So 1 and 1 really is 3, says chairman Harry van Dorenmalen: "Health Valley has a great reputation and a large network. They are very good at matchmaking and have many contacts. They are known nationally and internationally for organising the annual Health Valley event for everyone involved in innovation, science and business in Life Sciences and Health. Last year's edition attracted more than 1,200 visitors from business, healthcare and government. The other merger partner, Health Innovation Park, adds to this knowledge and experience by providing hands-on guidance to partners in the development of an innovation."
Three roles
Now more than ever, Health Valley is the healthcare innovation network of the East Netherlands. With healthcare institutions, knowledge institutes, businesses and governments as partners, the organisation focuses on the health and care of tomorrow. With more than 200 regional, national and international partners, Health Valley is building an ecosystem in which new connections are created every day. Continuously looking for opportunities to share knowledge, product innovation and market introduction. The new club sees three roles for itself:
