Invest-NL sees growth opportunities in Lab-on-Chip technology in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has the opportunity to become a global leader in the development of Lab-on-Chip (LoC) technologies, according to the latest report from Invest-NL’s Deep Tech Fund. These technologies enable the miniaturization and automation of complex laboratory processes, which could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as personalized healthcare and real-time environmental analysis. However, the report highlights a critical funding gap and regulatory obstacles that hinder scaling. Invest-NL advocates for a MedTech fund and European standardization to pave the way for economic and societal impact.

Lab-on-chip (LoC) technology integrates miniature laboratories onto a chip the size of a few square centimetres. This technology makes it possible to perform chemical and biological analyses on a very small scale. Using small quantities of fluids, processes such as continuous bacterial analysis, blood tests, and chemical reactions are carried out much more efficiently and quickly. Think of glucose monitoring or combating banana diseases or fermentation processes in the production of alternative proteins. A related technology is Organ-on-Chip (OoC), where small, chip-like devices are used to simulate the functioning of human organs.

Strategic opportunities for the Netherlands

The Netherlands has strong academic hubs in, among others, Enschede, Leiden, and Wageningen, and a thriving start-up culture around Lab-on-Chip technologies. This also includes bionanotechnology, organ-on-chip, and biosensors. These technologies enable diagnostic tests to be performed more simply, quickly, and closer to the patient, which has significant potential especially in preventive medicine and developing countries. In environmental applications, biosensors offer real-time monitoring of water quality, for example, placing the Netherlands in a unique position for societal and economic impact.

Funding gap hampers commercialisation

Although the Netherlands is leading in innovation, startups aiming to bring products to market face a funding gap. The report 'Deep Dive into Lab-on-Chip: Microfluidic Applications in Nanotechnology' points to the need for a dedicated MedTech fund to support startups wishing to move from lab development to commercial products. This fund should enable the capital-intensive scaling-up, despite the associated uncertainties. Additionally, shared facilities can play an important role in reducing costs and facilitating the growth of these innovations. Invest-NL also calls for European standardisation of certification requirements to accelerate market introduction of these technologies.

"The Netherlands has the critical mass of talent and infrastructure to become a global leader, but funding and regulatory barriers hinder broad applications of LoC and OoC technologies. A national strategy and targeted funding can further strengthen this sector," says Gert-Jan Vaessen, fund manager of Invest-NL Deep Tech Fund.

Invest-NL Deep Tech Fund for a highly innovative Netherlands

The Deep Tech Fund of Invest-NL invests in Dutch companies with innovative key technologies that provide solutions for societal challenges. The fund aims to realise a highly innovative and economically competitive Netherlands.