On April 17th 2025 five of Europe’s most promising biotech startups visited SBMC as part of the Regenerative Therapies Programme — an initiative by the Brabant Development Agency (BOM). Their visit highlights the growing importance of the Brainport region as a launchpad for breakthrough medical technologies.
At the Heart of Europe’s Biomaterials Innovation
Located in brainport Eindhoven, SBMC plays a pivotal role in the regional biomaterials ecosystem. “We help startups navigate the complexity of medical innovation,” explains SBMC CEO Jan Rietsema. “That means more than just lab access — it means connecting them to the right experts, networks, and resources to grow.”
From retinal repair to bone regeneration, the visiting startups are working on transformative therapies. But turning pioneering science into real-world impact takes more than a breakthrough idea. It requires access to pilot production, regulatory know-how, and strategic partnerships — exactly what the Brainport region has to offer.
A Hidden Gem for Regenerative Medicine
“We have world-class facilities here — it’s just still a well-kept secret,” says Stephan Hulsbergen, programme lead at BOM. “With the right exposure and connections, we can help these startups reach patients faster by leveraging all that Brabant has to offer.”
Startups echoed this sentiment during their visit:
- Ahmad Rashad, Scaffbon (Norway): “The Netherlands is centrally located and has an ideal growth ecosystem.”
- Prof. Theo Smit, Supravision: “There’s a strong biomaterials cluster here. We already collaborate with innovators like SupraPolix and TU/e.”
- Rong Wang, Inborn BioMedical: “As a biomaterial-based startup, this is the ideal place for us to connect and grow.”
Join the Movement
The programme demonstrates how Brabant is positioning itself as a European hub for regenerative medicine — with SBMC, TU/e, Fontys, High Tech Campus Eindhoven, Brainport Development, and Helmond Biotech Materials Hub all playing key roles.
Want to know why these startups are betting on Brainport?
Get in touch with Danielle Trappenburg-Eelkman Rooda to see how SBMC helps turn science into solutions.
