Health Valley and OnePlanet Research Center are once again joining forces during an afternoon where both networks come together for fresh inspiration, new connections, and concrete examples of how technological innovation strengthens healthcare.

Maartje Claassen of Sara Robotics will take us through “A long-term commitment and truly caring together,” showing that innovation in long-term care only succeeds when technology comes together with people, processes, and genuine collaboration. Next, Dr. Laura Kooij of Rijnstate will share in “Innovation and healthcare transformation at Rijnstate Hospital” how innovative solutions contribute to future-proof, efficient, and people-centered care. Two inspiring perspectives that demonstrate how the region is collectively building better healthcare for everyone.

Regional Preliminary Round – National Healthcare Innovation Award 2026

This year, the program has an extra special element with the regional preliminary round of the National Healthcare Innovation Award 2026. Eight nominated innovators from Eastern Netherlands will present to both the audience and the jury how they contribute to future-proof healthcare through smart technology and innovative solutions. The winner of this afternoon will advance to the national final during the Health Valley Event on 12 March 2026.

Date: 15 January 2026

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Organised by: Health Valley Netherlands, Health~Holland Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, OnePlanet Research Center

Location:
Mercator II
Toernooiveld 300
6525 EC Nijmegen

Language: Dutch

Program

14:00 – Arrival with coffee and tea
14:30 – Welcome by Innovation Manager Annemarie de Vries
14:35 – In conversation: Richard van Wezel (OnePlanet Research Center) and Egbert-Jan Bögels (Health Valley)
14:40 – Regional preliminary round of the National Healthcare Innovation Award:

• Gerben Geerdink – BackLock
• Edward Bosma – Conversation training for healthcare professionals in Virtual Reality
• Karin Bosgra – QR chain
• Stijn and Soren – Verbella
• Lars Naber – CardioWorks: the tele-CCU (medium-care cardiac monitoring at home)
• Martijn Agterberg – BeephoniX (biomimetic microphone to solve the cocktail party problem)
• Jasper van Weerd – LipoCoat
• Rik Wesselink – Clef’r

15:45 – Break
16:00 – “A long-term commitment and truly caring together” – Maartje Claassen, Sara Robotics
16:25 – “Innovation and healthcare transformation at Rijnstate Hospital” – Dr. Laura Kooij, Rijnstate Hospital
16:45 – Jury decision & award ceremony
17:00 – Wrap-up & drinks/bites

The Jury

Richard van Wezel – OnePlanet Research Center
Arthur Aalsma – Baat Medical
Koen Broos – Tinzo
Ilse Janssen – Oost NL
Laura Kooij – Rijnstate Hospital

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