Meet the Alumni

History

The BioBusiness Masterclass has a strong legacy in the life sciences sector, with nearly 30 years of history.

The program was launched by Niaba in 1998. In later years, the organisation was taken over by the BioPartner Network, HollandBio and Wageningen University ensuring the program’s lasting impact within the sector.

The BioBusiness Masterclass was continued in 2024 thanks to the initiative and financial support of one of its very own alumni that wrote his business plan during this Masterclass. This shows the success of the program as well as the lasting value of this community and the impact it continues to make.

.

Alumni Participants

Over 13 editions since 1998

“A remarkable number of people from our group (BBMC 2009/2010) have become successful biobusiness professionals and/or entrepreneurs. The program was both highly educational and enjoyable.”

Jasper Buijs, Senior Business Developer OostNL

Class of 2010

“The BioBusiness Masterclass gave me the foundation and the confidence in 2009 to start my first company, 3D-PharmXchange – and now I’m building several life science companies.”

Inez de Greef, CEO Treeway & Managing Partner 3D-PharmXchange

Class of 2010

“I vividly remember the Masterclass BioBusiness from 2011 as I have learned so much! The diversity of topics, the quality of the speakers, and the networking opportunity are just outstanding.”

Hinrich Göhlmann, Director Discovery Data Science Genmab

Class of 2011

“The BioBusiness Masterclass is the ideal kickstart for bio-entrepreneurship, providing guidance on the most essential aspects.“

Han Zendman, CEO NYtor

Class of 2015

 

“The Masterclass was the perfect catalyst to provide my career transition with the right knowledge, growth, and sense of fulfillment.”

Henk Viëtor, Partner FFUND

Class of 2002

“Having a great drug design technology and creating a business are two different realms. The Masterclass provided structured guidance in facing the realities of business development with practical, engaging sessions. It led to a solid business plan and the launch of a company with a fellow participant.“

Jaap Flohil, co-founder of the Foldyne holding

Class of 2003

“The Biobusiness Masterclass was the perfect introduction to biotech for me. It gave me the tools and confidence to prepare for launching my own company, and I highly recommend it.”

Ernst Soethout, Managing Director Virtuvax

Class of 2012

“The Biobusiness Masterclass was the perfect introduction to biotech for me. It gave me the tools and confidence to prepare for launching my own company, and I highly recommend it.”

Freek van Muiswinkel, Directeur Ondernemerschap en Regionale Samenwerking Universiteit van Utrecht

Class of 2010

“As the former director of Noviotech Campus, the Health & High Tech campus in Nijmegen, I learned during the Masterclass how the world of bio-business works. It gave me the foundation I needed to have meaningful conversations with the many start-ups on campus. The Masterclass has helped me tremendously.”

Rikus Wolbers, Senior Programma Manager OostNL

Class of 2015

“The BioBusiness Masterclass has provided me with a highly valuable network. I’m still in touch with the people I worked with in a team, and I can always call them whenever I need advice.”

Rick Meurders, Business Developer Radboudumc/Biotech Booster

Class of 2015

“The BioBusiness Masterclass enables you to explore all facets of biotech entrepreneurship within just a few months. It serves as a solid springboard for your next opportunities and challenges in this inspiring sector.”

Joost Kreijtz, Chief Development Officer
Trained Therapeutix Discovery

Class of 2015

“As a scientist, I gained a lot from the Biobusiness Masterclass because it taught me a great deal about IP protection, application and commercialization of research and Agro Food innovations.”

Arjen J van Tunen, former CEO van KeyGene, huidig directeur van Tunenagrofood BV

Class of 1998

Alumni News


✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻!✨


At the 26th of November 2025, we brought together nearly three decades of BioBusiness Masterclass alumni at Slot Zeist Seeing so many generations in one room was extraordinary. The energy, the shared stories, the spontaneous conversations from the cheerful “long time no see!” to the playful “Class of 1998? Oh no, I’m not 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 old, I was there in 2002!”, or the “Didn’t we meet just yesterday? Great to see you again!” created an vibrant atmosphere.

This reunion was more than a gathering: it was a celebration of what the BioBusinessMasterclass has become over the years. The impact of the program clearly reaches far beyond the course itself. Our alumni have turned a masterclass into a community, and a community into a dynamic, intergenerational network of support, knowledge, mentorship and inspiration.

To everyone who was able to join us: thank you for your openness, your enthusiasm, and commitment to giving back to the next generations of life science professionals. 

On the right is a short video capturing a few moments of just the start of the day. More photos and impressions will follow soon!

Onwards to the next edition of the BioBusiness Masterclass. 💫

Join the Alumni Network

Have you participated in one of the BioBusiness Masterclass editions? We’d love to hear from you!

Please let us know if you would like to be added to the alumni list on this page, share a quote about your experience, or contribute to the current BioBusiness Masterclass as an expert or guest speaker. 

Join the Alumni Network