On 30 April 2026, Task Force Health Care hosted the Health Holland Meet-up Europe focused on opportunities for Dutch Life Sciences & Health (LSH) organisations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Bringing together entrepreneurs, market experts, and communication specialists, the session explored how Dutch healthcare innovators can successfully position themselves within two dynamic and evolving healthcare ecosystems.
The session combined market insights, entrepreneur experiences, and interactive pitch training, giving participants practical tools to strengthen their international ambitions and better understand the realities of entering the UK and Irish healthcare markets.
What we did
Panel Discussion: Entering the UK and Irish Healthcare Ecosystem
A central part of the session was the panel discussion focused primarily on the United Kingdom healthcare market and the opportunities it presents for Dutch MedTech and digital health organisations.
Erik Nollen and Hein Willemse shared practical insights and experiences from working internationally within healthcare systems, discussing topics such as stakeholder engagement, procurement pathways, implementation challenges, and building trust within healthcare environments.
The discussion highlighted how the NHS continues to seek innovations that improve efficiency, support healthcare professionals, and enhance patient outcomes. At the same time, participants also gained insights into the Irish healthcare landscape, where increasing digitalisation and a collaborative business culture continue to create opportunities for healthcare innovation.
Importantly, the panel discussion gave entrepreneurs interested in these markets the opportunity to ask their burning questions directly to professionals already active in the field. The open and interactive format encouraged honest conversations around market entry, scaling internationally, and adapting healthcare solutions to local systems and expectations.
Pitch Training: Communicating Value Across Borders
An interactive pitch training workshop led by Terry Boyd and Cheryl Boyd focused on strengthening healthcare communication for international audiences.
During breakout pitch sessions, participants presented their own elevator pitches in smaller groups and received direct, practical feedback from experienced trainers. The exercises helped companies sharpen their messaging, simplify complex innovations, and better communicate their value proposition within international healthcare settings.
Key Takeaways
1. The UK and Ireland continue to present strong opportunities for Dutch LSH organisations.
2. Understanding local healthcare structures and stakeholder dynamics is essential.
3. Clear and compelling communication plays a critical role in international growth.
4. Peer learning and real-world entrepreneur experiences provide valuable practical insights.
5. Long-term collaboration and adaptability remain key to successful market entry.
What’s Next?
The session concluded with networking drinks and informal discussions, allowing participants to continue exchanging ideas, experiences, and opportunities for collaboration within the Dutch Life Sciences & Health community.
Building on the momentum of this Meet-up Europe session, the next steps will focus on strengthening international engagement through upcoming healthcare missions to Ireland and the United Kingdom, where Dutch organisations will have the opportunity to further explore partnerships, market opportunities, and healthcare innovation ecosystems firsthand.
Stay connected
For more information about this event or opportunities for collaboration, feel free to reach out:
Phone: +316 82 39 04 68
E-mail: info@tfhc.nl
