Date: June 3, 2025
Registration: 13:00-13:30
Program: 13:30-17:00 hrs (+ networking, drinks & bites)
Location: Noviotech Campus Nijmegen, building M, Meet&Greet area

From molecule to market – let’s move forward, together
The Molecule 2 Business event is back in Nijmegen – bringing together entrepreneurs, start-ups, scientists, spin-offs, consortia partners and public sector stakeholders from the Land van Cuijk, Oss, and Nijmegen regions for an inspiring afternoon focused on pushing boundaries in drug discovery.

This year’s theme: Next level collaboration
At the intersection of science, business, and public ambition, we’ll explore how stronger connections across sectors can spark innovation, accelerate development, and shape the future of pharma. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting your journey in drug development, this event offers valuable insights, meaningful networking, and space to spark new collaborations.

Why join?
– Collaboration redefined  Discover how shared spaces for innovation and new forms of partnership are changing the game in pharma and drug discovery.
– Expand your network Meet professionals, researchers, and policy makers who share a common goal: boosting innovation and impact in the life sciences.
– Learn from leading voices Gain real-world insights from experts who are pioneering new approaches to pharma, collaboration, and regional development.
– Speak up & shape the future Take part in interactive discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping our field — from education partnerships to government support and knowledge transfer.

Event Highlights

Keynote: Carmen van Vilsteren (Health~Holland)
During this keynote presentation you will learn more about the Dutch ecosystem and the role of Health~Holland in shaping this ecosystem. Collaborations are key in creating a healthy ecosystem. Two cases will be highlighted; namely the Women Health and Organ-on-A-Chip.

Breakout Sessions (1 round, 2 choices)

1.From discovery to delivery: Navigating partnerships and infrastructure needs – with Debby Vermeer-Kruijsen (DVK Biotech)

2.Drug Repurposing, new opportunities – with NLO, CBG, FAST, 3DPharmXchange, Radboudumc & Oost NL

NLO (Barend Bouma): Session moderator
CBG/MEB (Leon Bongers): A regulator’s perspective on drug repurposing – good and bad examples
FAST (Benien Vingerhoed): Socially responsible drug repurposing development
3DPharmXchange (Bianca Pauly): Clinical trials with repurposed drugs
NLO (Kolja Adamczyk): How to maintain control on your Drug Repurposing Development
Radboudumc (Maaike Oosterveer): Drug Repurposing at the Radboudumc: accelerating patient access to affordable therapies
OostNL (Keanu Leenknegt): Drug repurposing Investor perspective
NLO (Barend): summarizing & all taking questions

Interactive Table Discussions (2 rounds, 4 choices)
1. Pharma Delta – dive deeper with Floor van de Watering

Table round 1: Which activities and sector initiatives of the regional Pharma Delta collaboration would attract you/your company to join? And what expertise and diversity of experience can you bring in? Think of the field of pharmaceutical, development and production but also areas of education, sector profiling and effective multi-party collaboration.

Table round 2: Same as round 1.

2. Entrepreneurs & Government – with Michelle van Wijk (Gemeente Oss) & Monique Schaap + John Brom (Gemeente Nijmegen)

Table round 1: How can local municipalities foster stronger collaborations between the public and private sectors in the life sciences industry?

Table round 2: What role can municipalities play in supporting talent development and educational initiatives that align with the needs of the growing life sciences sector?

3. Education & Innovation – with Adinda Diekstra & Lieke de Haer (HAN)

Table round 1: Which specific knowledge and skills do you consider essential for employees working according to GMP, GLP and GDP, and how can we effectively integrate these into (new) training programs?

Table round 2: AI and (complex) data analysis, a hot topic, which specific skills and knowledge areas are most crucial for professionals in the Life Sciences, and how can we effectively integrate these into training programs?

4. Valorisation / knowledge transfer – with NLO, CBG, FAST, 3DPharmXchange, Radboudumc & Oost NL

Table round 1: Knowledge transfer processes – from science to business focus

Table round 2: Knowledge transfer processes – drug repurposing

Event schedule
13:00 – 13:30 | Welcome with coffee/tea
13:30 – 13:45 | Opening remarks by chair Floor van de Watering (Briskr)
13:45 – 14:15 | Keynote: Carmen van Vilsteren (Health~Holland)
14:15 – 14:25 | Short break / room change
14:25 – 15:10 | Breakout session (1 round, choose from 2 topics)
15:10 – 15:25 | Short break
15:25 – 15:30 | Intro to interactive table discussions (choose from 4 topics)
15:30 – 16:00 | Round 1: Table discussions
16:00 – 16:05 | Change tables
16:05 – 16:35 | Round 2: Table discussions
16:35 – 16:55 | Recap & plenary discussion
17:00 – 18:00 | Networking drinks & bites

This event is powered by Health~Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health.

Good to know
Presentations are in English & the entrance is free (registration upfront is needed though). We welcome new guests, so please feel free to pass on this invitation to relevant people in your network!

We look forward to welcoming you. Let’s explore how stronger connections across sectors can spark innovation, accelerate development, and shape the future of pharma!

When you register: In a few minutes you will receive an email confirmation from events@smb-lifesciences.nl (you may need to check your spam messages). And a few days before the event we will send you an email from marion.schouten@briskr.nl with an updated program and practical information (directions and parking). Feel free to contact us at marion.schouten@briskr.nl should you have any questions in the meantime! We look forward to meeting you!

The monthly meetings Science Meets Business aim to connect people and exchange knowledge in the world of science and business.