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Lygature contributes to PharmaNL 2026 investment agenda shaping the future of pharmaceutical innovation in the Netherlands
During a recent PharmaNL Community Event in Utrecht, more than 80 stakeholders from across the sector gathered to discuss the future of pharmaceutical innovation in the Netherlands and for the presentation of the 2026 PharmaNL Investment Agenda. Lygature developed this agenda by bringing sector expertise, supporting stakeholder alignment, and translating perspectives from across the field into a shared strategic direction.
Building a stronger pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem
PharmaNL aims to strengthen the Dutch pharmaceutical sector by accelerating innovation, supporting talent development and improving collaboration between public and private stakeholders. Backed by nearly €80 million from the Dutch National Growth Fund and supported by a consortium consisting of Leiden University/Leiden University Medical Center, Campus Groningen and Pivot Park Oss, the initiative helps position the Netherlands as a competitive hub for pharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing and innovation. Its activities focus on two national action lines: Shared Development Infrastructure and Human Capital Growth. Funding for projects within these action lines is made available through competitive open calls by ZonMw.
Community event on 20 May in Utrecht
More than 80 representatives from across the Dutch pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem gathered in Utrecht on 20 May during the PharmaNL Community Event to reflect on the first achievements of the initiative and discuss future opportunities and challenges for the Dutch pharmaceutical sector. Participants included representatives from academia, industry, government and education.
Shaping investment priorities for the sector
A central moment of the event was the presentation of the 2026 PharmaNL Investment Agenda, which outlines strategic priorities and future funding directions for the Dutch pharmaceutical sector. As part of the 2026 investment agenda, an additional € 31 million will become available for the new projects within the two action lines: Shared Development Infastructure and Human Capital Growth.
Developing such an agenda requires balancing the perspectives of many different stakeholders, including industry, academia, government, innovation organisations and other ecosystem partners. Drawing on their extensive expertise in ecosystem development and public-private collaboration, Lygature's Strategy Director Jon de Vlieger, Partnership Director Remco de Vrueh and Senior Partnership Leader Tale Sliedrecht contributed to the development of the agenda by identifying strategic priorities and translating stakeholder input into a coherent set of investment recommendations.
This builds on Lygature's earlier contribution to the 2024 PharmaNL Investment Agenda, which formed the basis for the first funding rounds awarded in 2025 and early 2026.
Expertise in ecosystem development
Lygature’s role in PharmaNL reflects our broader experience as an independent expertise centre for ecosystem development, stakeholder engagement and public-private collaboration in Life Sciences & Health. By helping organisations align around common goals, priorities and long-term ambitions, Lygature supports the development of innovation ecosystems that accelerate progress and create lasting societal and economic value.
Jon de Vlieger, Strategy Director, LygatureBuilding a strong and future-proof ecosystem requires not only scientific and technological excellence, but also strategic collaboration across the entire pharmaceutical value chain. We are excited to contribute our expertise in facilitating these complex ecosystem discussions and helping translate collective ambition into actionable priorities.
Looking ahead
As PharmaNL moves into its next phase, Lygature looks forward to continuing to contribute its expertise in stakeholder engagement, ecosystem development and strategic collaboration to help strengthen the Dutch Life Sciences & Health sector.
Read more about PharmaNL and this recent event here.