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Startup Ecosystem in Nijmegen

Startup Ecosystem in Nijmegen
Startup Ecosystem in Nijmegen
Nijmegen has developed a distinctive health and life sciences innovation ecosystem by combining exceptional university research, specialized medical infrastructure, and cross-border positioning to build science-based ventures particularly in health technology, medical devices, and digital health solutions. The city has nurtured promising companies like Screenpoint Medical's AI-based cancer detection, NovioSense's diabetes monitoring systems, and spinouts from the OnePlanet Research Center, reflecting the region's specialized research at Radboud University and surrounding institutions. The funding landscape leverages specialized health investors like BOM Life Sciences & Health fund and Health Innovations, complemented by research commercialization funding through instruments like RedMedTech Ventures, alongside increasing connections to broader European health technology investors. The innovation infrastructure features specialized programs like Briskr focusing specifically on health innovation, Radboud University programs supporting spinouts, and the Novio Tech Campus incubator providing both laboratory infrastructure and commercialization support. Throughout the city, innovation clusters have developed around the Novio Tech Campus for life sciences requiring specialized infrastructure, Radboud University Medical Center, and increasingly connections to neighboring cities through the Health Valley network. What gives Nijmegen startups their edge is exceptional research infrastructure including specialized medical technology facilities, close collaboration with leading healthcare providers offering clinical validation pathways, significantly lower operating costs than western Netherlands life sciences hubs, and strategic border location - though entrepreneurs must navigate relatively limited local risk capital, lengthy development timelines for regulated healthcare innovations, smaller international visibility, and sometimes complex healthcare procurement pathways.
Nijmegen has developed a distinctive health and life sciences innovation ecosystem by combining exceptional university research, specialized medical infrastructure, and cross-border positioning to build science-based ventures particularly in health technology, medical devices, and digital health solutions. The city has nurtured promising companies like Screenpoint Medical's AI-based cancer detection, NovioSense's diabetes monitoring systems, and spinouts from the OnePlanet Research Center, reflecting the region's specialized research at Radboud University and surrounding institutions. The funding landscape leverages specialized health investors like BOM Life Sciences & Health fund and Health Innovations, complemented by research commercialization funding through instruments like RedMedTech Ventures, alongside increasing connections to broader European health technology investors. The innovation infrastructure features specialized programs like Briskr focusing specifically on health innovation, Radboud University programs supporting spinouts, and the Novio Tech Campus incubator providing both laboratory infrastructure and commercialization support. Throughout the city, innovation clusters have developed around the Novio Tech Campus for life sciences requiring specialized infrastructure, Radboud University Medical Center, and increasingly connections to neighboring cities through the Health Valley network. What gives Nijmegen startups their edge is exceptional research infrastructure including specialized medical technology facilities, close collaboration with leading healthcare providers offering clinical validation pathways, significantly lower operating costs than western Netherlands life sciences hubs, and strategic border location - though entrepreneurs must navigate relatively limited local risk capital, lengthy development timelines for regulated healthcare innovations, smaller international visibility, and sometimes complex healthcare procurement pathways.
Nijmegen startups in numbers
Startups in Nijmegen on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 44% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 56% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 38.6% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Nijmegen are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Nijmegen are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Fintech, Healthcare, and Artificial Intelligence. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Data Privacy & Security, Elderly Care, Biodiversity, and Climate Change Mitigation, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Nijmegen offers a great starting point.
Job Offerings
More than (44%) of startups in Nijmegen are actively recruiting talent, while (56%) are focused on building with their current team.
Startup Stage
The Nijmegen startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (38.6%) currently at the Prototype stage.
Funding Need
About (64%) of early-stage startups in Nijmegen are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (36%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.
Top innovation sectors
Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Nijmegen are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.
Impact Focus
Startups from Nijmegen on Foundersbase most often focus on Data Privacy & Security, driving innovation in this area.
Discover the startup ecosystem in Nijmegen

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