Connected Health in Turbulent Times: Innovating Resilient Systems Together
From 21–25 September 2026, Task Force Health Care (TFHC), together with Health Holland, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport, and leading Dutch healthcare innovators, will welcome an international delegation of healthcare leaders to the Netherlands for the annual Health Holland Visitors Programme (HVP).
The HVP is a high level international programme designed to strengthen collaboration between the Dutch Life Sciences & Health sector and international healthcare stakeholders. Bringing together delegates from more than 20 countries, the programme offers a unique opportunity to explore how the Netherlands is addressing today’s healthcare challenges through innovation, collaboration, and connected healthcare ecosystems.
This year’s theme Connected Health in Turbulent Times: Innovating Resilient Systems Together focuses on how healthcare systems can become more resilient, adaptive, and future-proof through international cooperation, digital transformation, and sustainable innovation.
Event Details
21 September 2026
–
25 September 2026
Netherlands, Europe
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Explore the Dutch Life Sciences & Health Ecosystem
During the five-day programme, delegates will gain first-hand insight into the Dutch healthcare system and connect directly with key stakeholders from government, academia, healthcare institutions, and industry.
The programme combines strategic dialogue, field visits, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions focused on the future of healthcare and international collaboration.
Participants will engage with leading organisations including:
- The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport
- Health Holland
- Erasmus Medical Center
- Philips
- Brainport Eindhoven
- Dutch healthcare innovators, start-ups, and knowledge institutes
Key Themes of HVP 2026
The programme highlights current developments and global healthcare priorities, including:
AI & Digitalisation in Healthcare:
AI and digital technologies are transforming healthcare delivery, from diagnostics and decision support to smarter, more personalised care.
MedTech & Innovation in Practice:
Medical technologies are reshaping care delivery by enabling earlier diagnosis, more precise treatment, and improved patient outcomes.
Health Systems Strengthening
Healthcare systems are under pressure and need to become more efficient, accessible, and future-ready through new models of care.
Programme Highlights
Welcome to Rotterdam
The programme opens with a welcome reception in Rotterdam, offering delegates the opportunity to meet fellow participants, TFHC, and representatives from the Dutch healthcare sector.
Opening Seminar at the Ministry of Health
Delegates will receive an introduction to the Dutch healthcare ecosystem during a high-level seminar hosted at the Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport in The Hague.
Site Visits & Innovation Ecosystems
Participants will visit some of the Netherlands’ leading healthcare and innovation ecosystems, including:
– Erasmus Medical Center
– Philips
– Brainport Eindhoven
These visits provide practical insight into how Dutch organisations collaborate on healthcare innovation, implementation, and international impact.
Programme includes:
– Hotel accommodation in Rotterdam
– Networking events and meals
– Programme-related transportation within the Netherlands
– Access to the online introductory seminar
International travel costs and transfers to and from the hotel are at participants’ own expense.
World of Health Care 2026
A central component of the programme is the World of Health Care event in Rotterdam, an international networking and knowledge-sharing platform bringing together healthcare professionals, innovators, policymakers, and business leaders from across the globe.
Through keynote sessions, thematic breakouts, and networking opportunities, delegates will connect with organisations active within the Dutch Life Sciences & Health sector and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Insights from last year
Last year’s Health Holland Visitors Programme welcomed 50+ international healthcare leaders from over 20 countries. Delegates described the intensive week as “inspiring” and “collaborative”, exploring the Dutch Life Sciences & Health ecosystem and forging friendships.
“What began as an international networking mission quickly turned into friendship-building.” – Christopher Bricio, Strategic Advisor (Mexico) (Oct 2025).
“Fabulous four days spent with new friends and future colleagues representing 20 countries!” – Patrycja Thompson, Director of Strategy & Operations, Canadian Hub for Health Innovation (Oct 2025).
“We explored the richness of the Dutch Life Sciences & Health ecosystem: visiting innovation clusters, startup accelerators, and university hospitals.” – Julie Risse, Chief Business Officer, sitem-insel AG (Switzerland) (Oct 2025).
“What inspired me most was the spirit of collaboration and possibility… co-creating solutions that can truly shape the future of care.” – Catherine Laing, Vice President, Brenda Strafford Foundation (Canada) (Oct 2025).
“It was an enriching experience, offering valuable insights into the Dutch approach to health innovation, research, and public–private collaboration.” – Cristina Adroher, Director of Strategy/Innovation, ICS Girona (Spain) (Oct 2025).
“Together with 50 healthcare innovators from around the world, we toured the Netherlands’ life sciences and health innovation ecosystem.” – Minou Afzali, Head of Research, Swiss Center for Design and Health (Oct 2025).
“Prospectiva Public Affairs Latam was honored to be invited to explore the Dutch health system and share our perspectives across Latin America.” – Mario D. Gómez Villegas, MD, Prospectiva Public Affairs Latam (Colombia) (Oct 2025).
“I had a remarkable experiential learning opportunity to be among 55 international leaders… to learn about the Dutch ecosystem.” – Susan Walsh, Seniors’ Advocate (Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada) (Oct 2025).
“Grateful to TFHC and Health Holland for bringing together healthcare leaders from 20+ countries to exchange ideas, foster connections, and reimagine the future of care.” – Dr. Jillian Yeoh, Managing Director, IMM Healthcare (Malaysia) (Oct 2025).
International Collaboration at the Core
The Health Holland Visitors Programme is designed to foster meaningful international relationships and long-term collaboration. By connecting decision-makers, healthcare innovators, and ecosystem partners, the programme contributes to strengthening global healthcare systems and accelerating innovation adoption worldwide.
Following the success of previous editions, HVP 2026 will once again create space for in-depth interaction, knowledge exchange, and partnership development between Dutch and Interational stakeholders.
About the Organisers
Task Force Health Care (TFHC) is the platform for the Dutch Life Sciences & Health sector since 1996. TFHC connects government, industry, healthcare providers, NGOs and knowledge institutions to support sustainable international healthcare collaboration and innovation.
The Health Holland Visitors Programme 2026 is organised in close cooperation with Health Holland, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport, Dutch regional partners, and international networks.
Interested in Joining?
Participation in the Health Holland Visitors Programme is by invitation only. International delegates are selected based on their strategic role within the healthcare ecosystem and their potential contribution to international collaboration with the Netherlands.
Join the World of Health Care 2026
Are you a Dutch healthcare SME, innovator, knowledge institute, or entrepreneur looking to connect with international healthcare decision-makers? The World of Health Care 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with a high-level international delegation participating in the Health Holland Visitors Programme. Delegates include representatives from ministries of health, hospitals, healthcare networks, innovation hubs, and leading healthcare organisations from more than 20 countries. As part of the event, Dutch organisations can join thematic sessions, network with international stakeholders, showcase expertise and innovations, and explore opportunities for international collaboration and business development.
Whether you are active in digital health, MedTech, AI, sustainable healthcare, or cross-sector innovation, the World of Health Care creates valuable opportunities to build meaningful international connections and strengthen your global healthcare network.
Join us in Rotterdam on 23 September 2026 and become part of the international conversation shaping the future of healthcare.
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