LIFE Cooperative celebrates 10th anniversary during sold-out conference and awards innovation

Wednesday 25 September 2024

Life Cooperative

Third edition of the LIFE Science Conference a great success

A completely sold-out venue, inspiring keynotes, the 10th anniversary of the LIFE Cooperative, and a thrilling conclusion to the Innovation Award with winner Neolook. This proved to be the perfect recipe for a vibrant edition of the LIFE Science Conference on Tuesday, September 24. This year's conference revolved around the theme 'Data Science for Life Science,' emphasizing the integration of data and artificial intelligence in the life sciences and health sectors. Over 200 entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers gathered to exchange knowledge and network about the future and ambitions of the sector.

The conference, held at Forum Groningen, was opened by the chairperson of the day, Renée van der Sluis, followed by the official kickoff of the event by Carine Bloemhoff, alderman of the municipality of Groningen, and Peter Ketelaar, director of the LIFE Cooperative. "For the third year in a row, we are organizing the conference on the fourth Tuesday of September. It’s becoming a real tradition, and I’m proud that we can once again showcase our innovative cooperative in life sciences and health, celebrate our 10th anniversary, and toast to it afterward. I encourage everyone to continue networking, searching for new collaborations and ideas," said Peter Ketelaar.

AI makes healthcare more personalized

Wiro Niessen, Captain of Science for the Top Team Life Sciences & Health and specialized in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, gave a captivating first keynote. He envisions a significant role for creating a data-driven infrastructure in healthcare. With the right data, healthcare can become more precise and personalized.

After a short break, the audience returned for the second keynote, delivered by physician, administrator, and professor of medicine Marcel Levi. In his keynote, he discussed the broader societal implications of AI and data science and their role in healthcare, business, and science. Marcel Levi emphasized that there is great potential for using data and AI in healthcare, but that human involvement remains indispensable and cannot be replaced by computers.

Celebration of innovation and collaboration

A highlight of the afternoon was the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the LIFE Cooperative. This milestone was marked by an interactive panel discussion with several members of the LIFE Cooperative, such as Symeres and Ardena, who are rooted in the region but have a global impact. The panel discussion highlighted future ambitions and reflected on the past decade. This was also the moment when two esteemed board members of the LIFE Cooperative, Ton Vries and Johannes Wolters, bid farewell. Their years of voluntary dedication and leadership have played a crucial role in the development of the life sciences sector in the Northern Netherlands.

Innovation Award

The inspiring afternoon concluded with the reveal of the Innovation Award. Three innovative startups, Enatom, Neolook Solutions, and IVY Medical, took the stage and presented their groundbreaking innovations through powerful pitches. After the jury deliberation, the well-considered choice was announced: Neolook Solutions walked away with the prize money and the unique rotating trophy. Marco D’Agata, CEO of Neolook Solutions, proudly shared their plans for the prize money: “We will largely allocate the prize to the people for whom we are developing this tool – the nurses, who do the real hard and very important work.”

About theLIFE Science Conference

The Life Sciences & Health sector is thriving in Northern Netherlands, with global impact. During the annual conference, the LIFE Cooperative aims to highlight this impact, establish new collaborations, and facilitate meetings. The LIFE Science Conference is held annually on the fourth Tuesday of September.

The event is made possible by Health~Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, Municipality of Groningen, WEST Business Association, NV NOM, ICON, Innocore, Kadans Science Partner, ThermoFisher Scientific, BOOM Lab, Symeres Lode Holding, and Ofichem Group.

Source article: LIFE Cooperative
Photo's: Casper Maas Fotografie