United Kingdom | Economic Mission

Digital Meet-up on Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates

Are you active in medical technology or digital healthcare? Or are you involved in regenerative medicine? And are you curious about business opportunities in the United Kingdom? Then register by October 7, 2024, for this mission from December 2 to 5 to London and surrounding areas! Reinette Klever, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, will attend part of the mission program. Ingrid Thijssen (Chairwoman of VNO-NCW) is the business mission leader.

When: December 2-5, 2024
Where: London
Themes: Medical technology and digital healthcare; Regenerative medicine
Registration deadline: October 7, 2024

For whom?

This mission offers two sector programs: one sector program in the field of LSH and regenerative medicine, and one focusing on Integrated Photonics (for more information on the later track, see the RVO website). The collective LSH program will alternate with parallel sessions and visits focusing on medical technology and digital health or regenerative medicine. The program in the field of regenerative medicine has an exploratory (fact-finding) character.

Participation in this mission is open to Dutch companies (including start-ups/scale-ups) and knowledge institutions engaged in:

LSH:
• Medical technology
• Digital health
• Regenerative medicine

Why participate?

By participating in this mission:

– You will gain insights into the innovative ecosystems in the field of Life Sciences & Health in the United Kingdom;
– You can establish and expand high-level contacts;
– You can sign contracts, a letter of intent, or a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of the minister;
– You will explore your opportunities in the UK market, validate your market proposition and market entry strategy;
– You will have the opportunity to present your solution to a relevant audience;
– You will receive individual matchmaking (1-on-1 business appointments tailored to your needs) if you register for it;
– You will visit leading British organizations within your sector;
– You will work on sustainable business relationships and can establish and expand high-level contacts.

Opportunities in the UK for Dutch companies and knowledge institutions

Medical technology and digital healthcare
The UK healthcare system is facing significant staff shortages and long waiting lists. This presents opportunities for products and services that improve efficiency and are cost- or time-saving. Medical technologies are crucial for the development and improvement of healthcare. They focus on increasing efficiency and quality within and between healthcare institutions while supporting both patients and healthcare professionals. Digital health is a broad field that utilizes information and communication technologies to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery, connect patients and stakeholders, and provide more personalized and precise care.

Regenerative medicine
Regenerative medicine is a multidisciplinary field of biomedical research, technology, and patient care that is rapidly growing. It aims to develop groundbreaking therapies to help our bodies repair or regenerate damaged cells, tissues, and organs due to injury, aging, cancer, and disease. The Netherlands has a strong developing ecosystem in the field of regenerative medicine, including the Regmed XB consortium. The UK is also making significant investments in this field, such as GBP 42 million in the ‘UK regenerative medicine platform’. The mission focuses on translational research and the necessary production infrastructure.

Translational research translates the results from fundamental research into practical applications. It can be described as a bridge between the laboratory and the patient. This sub-theme is current, prompting the organization of an exploratory mission program.

Program

We aim to align the program as much as possible with the companies and knowledge institutions participating in this mission. Therefore, the program has not yet been detailed. The mission lasts 2.5 days and starts on Monday, December 2, at the end of the day. On Thursday, December 5, the mission program will conclude around lunchtime.

General program components are listed in the draft program below. Additionally, you should consider the following sector-specific program components:

LSH:
• Interactive seminars with parties such as NHS, Academic Health and Science Networks, and the Medical Research Council;
• Visits to leading hospitals and healthcare providers in London and surrounding areas.

Individual matchmaking:
If you register for this mission, we will also ask you to indicate whether you would like to use individual matchmaking. These are tailored 1-on-1 business appointments. A professional matchmaker will search for British business partners that fit your organizational profile and individual wishes. The better you specify in your registration form what type of business partners you are looking for, the more targeted the matchmaker can approach suitable British contacts for you.

Draft program

Monday, December 2, 2024
• Travel to London (on your own)
• Kick-off meeting (with dinner) (end of the day)
• Informal gathering (in the evening)
• Overnight stay in London

Tuesday, December 3, 2024
• Content seminars per sector
• Trade lunch/reception with the presence of Minister Klever
• Individual matchmaking
• Overnight stay in London

Wednesday, December 4, 2024
• Company and/or site visits per (sub)sector
• Overnight stay in London

Thursday, December 5, 2024
• Morning: company and/or site visits per (sub)sector
• Mission conclusion around lunchtime
• You will travel back to the Netherlands in the afternoon on your own

After this trade mission, you will be able to strengthen your…

• … entry strategy/sales & marketing strategy for your specific product/service.
• … network of key opinion leaders and possible partners in the UK LSH sector.
• … implementation process of your product/service in the UK LSH sector, and/or specific the NHS.
• … next step of doing business in the UK LSH sector, and/or specific the NHS.
• … further develop projects and/or sustainable business relationships in the UK.

Participation and costs

Participation costs €950 per organization. This amount allows for 2 people to participate. Note: each person must register separately. For each additional participant, there is an extra charge of €475. When multiple participants from the same organization register, different programs can be followed if desired. Individual matchmaking is only offered per participating organization and within one sector program. Participation in collective program components, individual matchmaking, local support from the organization, and local transportation (linked to the mission program) are included. Travel and accommodation costs and personal transfers are at your own expense and risk. After the registration deadline, you will receive suggestions for your travel and accommodation as soon as possible.