On 26 November 2025, Task Force Health Care hosted a Health~Holland Country Update focused on opportunities for Dutch Life Sciences & Health (LSH) innovators in China and India. With perspectives from government, industry, and entrepreneurs, the session highlighted both the urgency and the enormous potential of these rapidly evolving markets.
China: Navigating a shifting landscape
Jojanneke Kraan (Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China) outlined four areas where Dutch expertise can make a meaningful impact even amid geopolitical tensions and demographic shifts. China’s economy may be slowing, but it remains a major growth market with strong consumer demand.
“Double ageing” is reshaping healthcare needs: China reached a life expectancy of 79 in 2024.
Major opportunities exist in:
- Pharma — 2nd largest global market with strong R&D capacity.
- MedTech — 2nd largest market globally with fast CAGR.
- Silver Economy & Healthy Ageing.
- Greening the healthcare sector, including the Sino-Dutch Green Hospitals initiative.
Clear pathways exist for Dutch organisations, ranging from regulatory navigation to hospital partnerships.
Building a Dutch LSH Hub in China
Dean Chen (Philips China) demonstrated how Philips is acting as a platform that connects Dutch SMEs to Chinese partners through government-driven matchmaking, regulatory support, and Green Hospital programmes.
His core message:
“Don’t start from scratch and leverage the existing bridges.”
India: MedTech as the next growth engine
Nico Schiettekatte (Embassy of the Netherlands in India) highlighted India’s strong momentum:
- One of the world’s most dynamic MedTech investment climates.
- Rapid rise of AI talent and innovation capacity.
- High import dependency opens substantial opportunities for Dutch solutions.
- “Contact to contract”: building long-term relationships remains key in India’s complex and diverse market.
Entrepreneur insights
Merel Boers (Nicolab) and Robert van Keulen (Philips) shared hands-on insights from working in India’s vast stroke-care landscape:
- India is not one market but many micro-markets.
- Price sensitivity, trust and reputation strongly shape outcomes.
- Strong local partnerships are essential — supported by a clear value proposition.
- India has the world’s 3rd-largest startup ecosystem and increasing demand for stroke solutions.
Next steps for Dutch LSH innovators
The session concluded with a Quick Scan led by Daphne Elberse (TFHC), helping participants assess their needs and define potential entry strategies for China and India.
A warm thank-you to all speakers and participants for contributing to an insightful and impactful session. Together, we continue strengthening Dutch global health innovation.
Stay connected
For more information about this mission or opportunities for collaboration, feel free to reach out:
Phone: +316 82 39 04 68
Email: info@tfhc.nl
