Inspiring visit to Week of Regions

A delegation from Key Region Leiden paid an inspiring visit to Brussels for the European Week of Regions and Cities. There we proudly presented our white paper on Quantum Life Sciences. Together with Leiden Bio Science Park and the Applied Quantum Algorithms group of Leiden University, we appealed to Europe to invest in quantum software for innovation in health and biotechnology.

Strategic investing

We had valuable discussions with MEPs Jeannette Baljeu, Morten Løkkegaard, AD Gustav Kalbe (DG CNECT) and Sigrid Johannisse on how Europe can strategically support quantum applications for life sciences. In a session with MEP Ingeborg ter Laak, Astrid Hannes (ERRIN), Dr. Alexandra Hild (Cabinet Zaharieva) and Gosse Simon Vuijk (assistant to MEP Christian Ehler), we explored how biotech and high-tech startups and scale-ups can be better supported.

Supporting innovation and growth

In another engaging session with MEP Ingeborg ter Laak, Astrid Hannes (ERRIN), Alexandra Hild (Office of Commissioner Zaharieva) and Gosse Vuijk (assistant to MEP Christian Ehler), we discussed the challenges facing biotech and high-tech startups and scale-ups and how policies can better support innovation and growth.

Next funding period

Together with InnovationQuarter, Province of South Holland, ERAC (European and Regional Affairs Consultants) and Koen Delanghe (DG REGIO), we discussed the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Competitive Fund, focusing on how regions can prepare for the next funding period.

Important insights to take home:

• Focus, focus, focus.
• Build sustainable partnerships with like-minded regions in Europe.
• Identify and address the “terrible ten”; the most damaging barriers in the internal market.

Together with Quantum Delta NL, Quantum Delft, Quantum Amsterdam, the House of Quantum in Leiden and the bustling Leiden Bio Science Park, Key Region Leiden offers an inspiring environment where quantum technology and life sciences come together to drive innovation and impact! Science for life!