Around the table for progress

Five years ago, ReumaNederland decided to change course. The health fund evolved into an active player in the innovation ecosystem. With a clear mission—"reversing rheumatism by 2040"—it was time to be more than just a financier; it was time to become a catalyst, a connector, and sometimes even an investor. After all, that mission requires more than just academic research; it demands collaboration with all parties capable of contributing to better care. Innovative SMEs play a key role in this.

From competitors to colleagues

The OA SME Roundtable was established to strengthen this collaboration. What began with eight companies has grown into a dynamic network now including twenty SMEs, a professional association, and academics. The strength of these meetings lies in both the informal and substantive settings. Participants discuss not only technology and research but also business obstacles, strategies, and opportunities for collaboration. "We consistently hear that the roundtable is a place where genuine trust grows," says Annelies van Ravestijn, grant advisor at ReumaNederland. "Entrepreneurs who are competitors during the day speak openly here about shared challenges. This creates a collegial atmosphere among peers."

Maarten van der Zanden of ATRO Medical also underscores the importance of these meetings. "For us, the roundtable is the most important part of the osteoarthritis ecosystem," he says. "At conferences, you mainly see orthopedists, but at ReumaNederland, I meet fellow entrepreneurs I would otherwise never encounter. That 'crossover' is incredibly valuable. Moreover, the setting provides space for in-depth conversations."

"Sharing experiences in these areas not only lowers barriers but also opens doors for new collaborations. Precisely because companies see that they are not alone in their search, space is created for trust and the initiation of joint projects. That is the power of this ecosystem." - Annelies van Ravestijn, ReumaNederland

A similar sentiment is shared by Karianne Lindenhovius of ArthroSave. She emphasizes the value of learning from one another: about cartilage repair, patient populations, the right hospitals to introduce innovations, relevant conferences, and investor meetings. "Together, we are more visible in the osteoarthritis field than as individual parties," says Lindenhovius. Furthermore, Lindenhovius praises the openness at the table. "We all feel that we are doing this for people with osteoarthritis. Our solutions are often complementary." What particularly moves her is ReumaNederland's commitment to bridging the gap between science and patient care. "For that development and its implementation, you need business activity. To achieve that, different worlds must come together; that is exactly what this roundtable facilitates."

Lindenhovius's advice to other SMEs is clear: "Sharing is the new multiplying. By sharing, we develop faster, and as a small player, you can better keep up with the big players. But you have to be willing to share."

Working together for impact

The impact of the roundtable is felt beyond the network. There are also tangible results. Public-private partnerships have been established, and new applications for European grants have been prepared. "Sharing experiences in these areas not only lowers barriers but also opens doors for new collaborations," says Annelies van Ravestijn. "Precisely because companies see that they are not alone in their search, space is created for trust and the initiation of joint projects. That is the power of this ecosystem."

The roundtable also provides a breeding ground for new initiatives, such as the potential for an Osteoarthritis Impact Fund that ReumaNederland is currently exploring. This fund aims to provide a solution for the recurring financial bottlenecks between early development and clinical validation: many promising innovations stall during this phase. "We kept seeing the same signals from SMEs: there is too little appropriate funding for this critical stage," explains Van Ravestijn. "You can either wait for others to pick it up, or you take responsibility yourself. We chose the latter." The impact fund is intended to support those companies that are capable of making a significant difference for patients but are hitting dead ends on regular investment routes. With this, ReumaNederland aims to further expand its role as a catalyst for innovation. "Our patients don't have time to wait for the system to change. We want to take action."

Another important initiative in which ReumaNederland is closely involved is the growth fund program CPBT (Center for Animal-free Biomedical Translation). This national program, funded by the National Growth Fund, is working on the development of regenerative treatments for conditions including osteoarthritis. The involvement of SMEs in this program is partly due to the connections made during the roundtables. For instance, the foundation for collaboration between companies and academics in the consortium was laid during one of the dinners. "It is precisely because of the informal contact and the trust that develops that entrepreneurs feel confident enough to take the step toward larger, more complex collaborations," says Van Ravestijn. The growth fund offers not only substantive opportunities but also a strategic platform to advance impactful innovations.

Courage and trust

The fact that ReumaNederland acts as a catalyst for change is partly due to a clear mission and a strong focus on collaboration. While some health foundations are still exploring how best to work with the private sector, ReumaNederland demonstrates how these connections can work in practice. "It requires courage, trust, and a sharp focus on your mission," says Van Ravestijn. "Our mission to make rheumatism reversible by 2040 requires joining forces."

The OA SME Roundtable is made possible in part by Health~Holland. Would you also like to apply for financial support for networking activities, such as masterclasses, workshops, or conferences? Check out the possibilities here!