Unlocking the potential of organ-on-a-chip technology

27 February 2025

In the Netherlands organ-on-a-chip (OoC) is seen as a promising new technology, since it can transform drug development by replicating the key functions of human organs on a microfluidic chip. This animal-free technology has the potential to transform the Life Sciences & Health sector. It is expected that it will contribute to sustainable and structural economic growth, improved drug development and most importantly, improved quality of life.

To accelerate the implementation of OoC, Health~Holland launched an initiative*, focused on fostering international collaborations in the OoC field—specifically for preclinical testing to improve and accelerate drug development. One of our key goals of the organ-on-a-chip initiative is to set up and strengthen strategic partnerships between the Netherlands and Switzerland, as both countries are at the forefront of organoids and OoC technologies. In this regard, we planned several activities to connect Dutch and Swiss stakeholders, with the Swiss Biotech Day as the first upcoming event. Additionally, we are conducting an in-depth market study to identify key areas for collaboration between the Netherlands and Switzerland. Based on these insights, we will develop a roadmap to facilitate the enhanced and accelerated implementation of OoC technology.

^{*The organ-on-a-chip initiative is commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, between Health~Holland, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Dutch Embassy in Switzerland, and the life sciences & health industry.}

I (Laura Windt) recently started as project lead on the OoC initiative at Health~Holland, where I support the implementation of OoC by promoting strategic collaborations. My background is in science, and I researched several microphysiological systems (MPS) throughout my career. I began working with gut organoids at Wageningen University and Utrecht before discovering OoC technology during an exchange at DTU in Denmark. Later, during an internship at MIMETAS, I worked with lung- and liver-on-chip models. During my PhD, I worked on a heart-on-a-chip model at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), in the lab of Prof. Christine Mummery and as part of the consortium Netherlands Organ on Chip Initiative (NOCI).

Strengthening ties with Sweden

My first work trip for Health~Holland is one to remember! It was at the Dutch Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, and we were invited by ambassador Joost Reintjes. Björn Ursing, from the Embassy, facilitated and organized a fascinating roundtable discussion on Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and the opportunities for collaboration between The Netherlands and Sweden.

Together with Health~Holland colleague Laura Duran, we joined the discussions and presentations. Laura Duran gave a great presentation on Health~Holland’s role in promoting collaboration, while I had the honor of presenting the OoC initiative. OoC is an innovative approach with the potential to accelerate ATMP testing and advance precision medicine, making a real difference in patient care.

The key message of the meeting was that small, smart countries working together can make a big impact. By sharing knowledge, aligning ambitions and strengthening ties between our ecosystems, we’re not just benefiting our own countries but shaping Europe’s position in advanced therapies.

Sweden delegation

Expanding collaborations

My second work trip was planned the week after Stockholm. Operations Director Ernst Nagel, me and our colleagues from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Switzerland attended the workshop on organoids and organ-on-a-chip organized by CSEM in Basel, Switzerland. The Netherlands and Switzerland are both at the forefront of organoids and OoC technologies, and the aim was to set up and strengthen strategic partnerships between Dutch and Swiss stakeholders to drive implementation of OoC.

Various expert presentations highlighted advancements in automated organoid and OoC workflows, AI-powered analysis, and emerging applications for personalized medicine. The Swiss biotech ecosystem was emphasized as a strong innovation hub with potential for international partnerships. It was also impressive to see some of the Dutch innovations in this space, such as those presented by Tessa de Korte from Sync Biosystems and Henriette Lanz and Paul Vulto from MIMETAS. In addition, I had the honor of presenting a pitch on the OoC initiative to foster strategic partnerships between the Netherlands and Switzerland in the OoC field, with a strong focus on collaboration with Swiss pharma to drive implementation of this technology.

During the conference, there was a strong interest from Switzerland in expanding collaborations with the Netherlands in the field of OoC technology. While several partnerships already exist, additional networking efforts from Health~Holland will elevate these collaborations and facilitate new ones!

Promising future

It was a pleasure meeting all the participants during the events and discussing where these disruptive therapies and technologies are heading. The future looks incredibly promising, with advanced therapies set to transform the quality of life for patients and organ-on-a-chip as a preclinical tool to improve the overall drug development process. Excited for what’s ahead!

Get in touch

Do you work on organ-on-a-chip technology or are you an early adopter looking to implement it in your drug development process? Do you want more information, collaborate or do you have a question? Please contact me: windt@health-holland.com or meet me or my colleagues at one of the upcoming OoC events:

Innovation for Health, 3 April 2025
Organ-on-Chip meeting in Heidelberg, 29 April
Swiss Biotech Days in Basel 5-6 May 2025
EUROoCs-MPS in Brussels, 9-13 June

About organ-on-a-chip

Organ-on-a-chip technology is transforming drug development by replicating the key functions of human organs on a microfluidic chip. These chips are made from flexible, transparent materials and contain tiny channels where living human cells are cultured to form 3D, functional tissue structures that mimic real organ behavior. OoC enhances drug screening by improving predictions of efficacy and toxicity, reducing reliance on animal models, and accelerating the development of safer and more effective medicines. Advances in multi-organ chips and personalized models further increase their potential for precision medicine.

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