Netherlands Expands Major Dementia Research Conference to Include Technology Companies
‘s Hertogenbosch, Monday, 22 December 2025.
The Dutch Dementia Researchers Conference will return to ‘s Hertogenbosch on February 12, 2026, marking a significant shift by welcoming technology companies alongside academic researchers for the first time. Organized by leading health organizations including Alzheimer Nederland and Health~Holland, the expanded conference will feature a dedicated public-private partnership session showcasing successful collaborations and innovation pitches. With one in five Dutch people expected to develop dementia, this gathering represents a crucial opportunity to accelerate breakthrough solutions through cross-sector collaboration in the Netherlands’ growing life sciences ecosystem.
Healthcare Innovation at the Core
This news item centers on healthtech innovation, specifically addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine: dementia research and treatment development. The conference represents a significant evolution in how the Netherlands approaches collaborative healthcare innovation, bringing together academic researchers with technology companies to accelerate solutions for dementia care [1]. The event builds on the success of the inaugural 2024 conference, demonstrating the growing recognition that public-private partnerships are essential for breakthrough medical innovations [1]. Alzheimer Nederland, one of the key organizing partners founded in 1984 and based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, has been at the forefront of dementia research and advocacy, working with thousands of volunteers, researchers, and caregivers toward a future without dementia [2].
Innovation Benefits and Collaborative Framework
The expanded conference format offers substantial benefits for advancing dementia care through technology integration and cross-sector collaboration. The dedicated public-private partnership session, scheduled from 11:45 to 12:45 on February 12, 2026, will showcase successful collaborations such as SPREAD+ and DEMTECH while providing companies the opportunity to pitch innovation challenges to researchers [1]. This interactive environment is designed to connect innovators with researchers, followed by an informal networking lunch that offers direct access to Health~Holland funding opportunities [1]. The initiative addresses a critical healthcare challenge, as dementia affects various aspects of life including self-care, work, leisure activities, and social interactions, with Alzheimer’s being the most common form of dementia characterized by increasing forgetfulness and cognitive decline [3]. The urgency of this collaboration is underscored by projections that the number of people with dementia in the Netherlands is expected to double to 500,000 over the next 20 years [2].
Key Organizations and Location Details
The conference is organized by four prominent Dutch health organizations: Alzheimer Nederland, ZonMw, HealthHolland, and DEMPACT, each bringing specialized expertise to the collaboration [1]. Alzheimer Nederland, the primary patient advocacy organization, focuses on providing information, advocating for interests, providing support, and conducting scientific research related to dementia, with between 51 and 200 employees [2]. HealthHolland serves as the national life sciences and health innovation hub, facilitating connections between research institutions and industry partners [1]. The event will take place at Congrescentrum 1931 in ‘s Hertogenbosch, providing a central location for participants from across the Netherlands [1]. Registration is handled through separate channels for academic participants and companies, with dedicated contact persons including Saartje Burgmans from DEMPACT and Sophia Drijsten from Health~Holland coordinating the business engagement aspects [1].
Research Landscape and Future Impact
The conference reflects the dynamic state of dementia research in the Netherlands, where innovative approaches are yielding promising results across multiple fronts. Current research initiatives include investigations into lifestyle factors and blood-based biomarkers for dementia development, as exemplified by the work of researchers like Lieke Bakker, a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the Alzheimer Centre since 2018 who coordinates the national Nederlands Dementie Preventie Initiatief (NDPI) [4]. The research landscape also encompasses breakthrough treatments, including recent developments such as the first patient beginning research with mivelsiran against Katwijkse ziekte (Dutch-type Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy) at LUMC, a medication that could potentially slow this incurable brain disease and may work for cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s in the future [5]. The conference program will feature parallel sessions, poster presentations, and engaging speakers, providing ample opportunity for knowledge exchange about implementation, best practices, and target-group participation, with detailed program information to be announced soon [1].