The Netherlands aims to be the strongest medical technology sector in Europe by 2035.

The Netherlands aims to have the strongest medical technology ecosystem in Europe by 2035. Through targeted investments in innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics, the government intends to improve healthcare and strengthen the Dutch economy. This offers opportunities for technology companies, knowledge institutions, and other parties working on the development and production of medical technology.

The ambition is set out in the MedTech 2035 policy agenda, which the Cabinet drafted together with companies, research institutions, investors, and the healthcare sector. The Cabinet is making €102.5 million available for implementation. In addition, Invest-NL, together with institutional investors including pension funds, is announcing €150 million in private financing. Philips had previously announced it would invest €50 million.

AI, robotics and new healthcare technology

The investments focus on two initiatives, among others: a new generation of image-guided therapies with AI and robotics, and technology for the healthcare of the future.

Image-guided therapies can help doctors better diagnose and treat conditions such as cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer. By combining medical imaging with AI and robotics, new opportunities are emerging to perform treatments more accurately and effectively.

The 'Hospital of the Future' project in Twente is also receiving attention. This project focuses on innovations that can help prevent the demand for care, enable remote care, and alleviate the workload of healthcare professionals. The goal is to get promising solutions approved more quickly and apply them on a larger scale.

Collaboration must accelerate innovation

The Netherlands possesses a strong combination of scientific knowledge, high-tech manufacturing industry, and healthcare institutions. At the same time, international competition is increasing. To strengthen the Dutch position, the Cabinet aims to improve cooperation between various parties and work towards a single cohesive MedTech ecosystem.

Six priorities have been identified in this regard:

• National cooperation: Better connecting regional initiatives and knowledge.
• Data and AI: strengthen the infrastructure for developing and applying data and AI solutions.
• Implementation in healthcare: ensuring that innovations find their way into daily healthcare practice.
• Market admission: address barriers to making medical technology available.
• Financing: Make sufficient resources available for development and scaling up.
• Talent and entrepreneurship: working on the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit needed to advance innovations.

The government primarily aims to improve the preconditions, for example in the areas of legislation and regulations, data infrastructure, and the application of new technology in healthcare. The sector itself plays an important role in developing, producing, and implementing solutions.

From technological development to application

The ambition for 2035 underscores the importance of the connection between technology and healthcare practice. Medical innovation requires more than a good idea or a technically functioning product. Design, electronics, software, testing, certification, and production also play a crucial role in bringing medical equipment to market safely and reliably.

For companies in medical technology, opportunities lie here to share knowledge, enter into new collaborations, and contribute to solutions for the healthcare of tomorrow.

Discover the developments at the FHI Medical Technology Event

FHI also brings together professionals from medical technology. During the Medical Technology Event on January 27, 2027 in Vianen The entire development chain of medical equipment takes center stage: from the initial idea and design to production, testing, and application in healthcare practice.

Visitors gain insight into new developments and meet professionals from fields including electronics, software, industrial design, cleanroom technology, and laboratory systems. The event provides opportunities for knowledge sharing, inspiration, and new collaborations.

Want to know more or participate? Visit the website of the Medical Technology Event or contact Rik Meijerhof.

Source: National Government, The Netherlands the strongest medical technology sector in Europe in 2035, October 26, 2026. Read the original news report.