Mapping Amsterdam’s life sciences and health landscape

Innovation District Zuidas / Kenniskwartier

The Innovation District Zuidas, which is located in Kenniskwartier and often referred to as Kenniskwartier, houses numerous life science and healthcare organisations with a strong focus on innovation. This district offers aspiring entrepreneurs an ideal environment to transform their research ideas into thriving businesses, with access to extensive expertise and state-of-the-art facilities. Kenniskwartier are filling their new medicine development at EMA. This area is driving advancements and collaboration in medical knowledge led by the Amsterdam UMC location VUmc.

Amsterdam UMC

In 2018, VU University Medical Center and AMC merged to form Amsterdam University Medical Centre (AUMC). AUMC is now a leading institution that combines advanced patient care, research, and education. It collaborates with Amsterdam's research institutes, focusing on cancer, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases and integrating innovations in AI and MedTech. 

European Medicines Agency (EMA)

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a decentralised agency of the European Union (EU), based in Amsterdam's Kenniskwartier. It is responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision, and safety monitoring of medicines, aiming to ensure high standards in their assessment and oversight for the benefit of public and animal health across the EU. The Agency's relocation to Amsterdam followed the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU, with Amsterdam winning the bid (in a down-to-the-wire vote) to host the EMA after Brexit. 

ADORE Research & Diagnostic Centre

Officially opening its doors on May 14th 2025, ADORE, a state-of-the-art research centre at the VUmc location will accelerate breakthroughs against cancer and brain diseases. The centre is an initiative by Amsterdam UMC, that aims to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer and brain diseases like dementia and Multiple Sclerosis through collaboration between top oncological and neurological researchers. This unique centre brings together experts from the Netherlands and beyond to develop earlier diagnoses and more effective, personalised treatments. ADORE emphasises bold ideas and innovation, aiming to speed up critical advancements that will benefit patients now and in the future.

Imaging Center UMC

Imaging Center UMC is located next to ADORE. Imaging is essential for selecting the right treatment for each patient at the right time. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach using the latest hybrid imaging technologies is crucial for understanding complex diseases. As a partner in pharma and biotech R&D and drug development, the Imaging Center offers excellent opportunities for collaboration in both fundamental research and applied technology.

Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)

SILS, located at the UvA, is a multidisciplinary research institute that applies a systems biology approach to life sciences, supported by various expertise centres that provide valuable technological knowledge for both internal and external research. Its main focus is on microbiology, neurosciences, green life sciences, cell and systems biology. 

Health and Innovation District (HID)

HID is situated in the Schinkelkwartier Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Focusing on Red Biotech, HID strives to tackle societal challenges and enhance patients' well-being uniquely. In this collaborative community, established institutions mingle with emerging startups to exchange knowledge and develop new solutions for the betterment of patients worldwide. Emphasising connection, collaboration, and innovation, HID pushes for advancements in health. NKI, Sanquin, Slotervaart are all found at HID.

The Netherlands Cancer Institute - (NKI)

Established in 1913, NKI is the leading centre for cancer research and care in the country. It combines advanced research with dedicated patient care, aiming to provide the best treatment for all patients, recognising that cancer can affect anyone. Recognised by the European Academy of Cancer Sciences as a "Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence in Translational Research," it excels in fundamental, translational, and clinical research.

Centrum voor Zorg Slotervaart

Centrum voor Zorg Slotervaart (Slotervaart Health Centre) is a multifunctional location offering a wide range of facilities, functions and services in the field of care, housing specialists in medicine. The centre strives to integrate research, living, and education seamlessly. Care provided include Dietitians, Physiotherapy, Mental health care, General Practitioners, Elderly care and much more.

Sanquin (the Dutch national blood bank)

Sanquin is a not-for-profit organisation in the Netherlands that provides blood services, focusing on the needs of the healthcare sector. It combines scientific research in blood transfusion medicine, haematology, and immunology with the development of pharmaceutical and diagnostic services. Sanquin's mission is to work alongside donors to improve patients' lives, ensuring donor gifts are handled responsibly.

Amsterdam Science Park

Home to some 176 companies—from start-ups to multinationals—Amsterdam Science Park is a thriving hub for research, education, and entrepreneurship. It specialises in digital innovation and AI, sustainability, life sciences and health, and high-tech systems and materials.

Netherlands eScience Center within Science Park (Matrix THREE)

The Netherlands eScience Center is the national hub for research software, operating as an independent foundation with around 100 experts. Since 2012, it has been funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and SURF, focusing on empowering researchers to innovate in eScience. The core team consists of Research Software Engineers (RSEs), specialists who conduct research using digital tools and develop advanced software solutions. Projects include Digital biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease and Digital Twins for Early Warning Systems. 

The Amsterdam Life Sciences District

The Life Sciences District is situated in the southeast of the city. It is an innovative ecosystem of entrepreneurs, companies, and scientific researchers, focused on using technology to solve healthcare’s greatest challenges. Home to innovative companies like Wacker Biotech and Amsterdam Skills Centre, the district cultivates advancements in med-tech, e-health, and gene therapy. As well as the UMC - AMC location.

Amsterdam Health & Technology Institute (AHTI)

AHTI is at the heart of the Life Sciences District and aims to enhance urban healthcare by connecting the dots between individuals, technology, and medical expertise through innovation and entrepreneurship. With a broad network of healthcare and business experts, AHTI supports healthcare solutions that improve care quality, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness locally and around the world.

Amsterdam Skill Centre (ASC)

The Amsterdam Skills Centre for Health Sciences (ASC), launched by Amsterdam UMC in 2019, enhances patient safety through advanced medical training and education. In partnership with industry and education sectors, it trains 4,000 surgeons annually from over 60 countries using state-of-the-art anatomical and digital tools, with a global focus on improving medical practices.

Get to know the major players in the Amsterdam Life Sciences District