The next generation of biotech professionals in the Northern Netherlands and Northwest Germany is getting a strong start, thanks to the Biotech Talent Unlocked project. This cross-border initiative, supported by Interreg, drew the attention of Wiebke Osigus, Minister of European and Federal Affairs and Regional Development for the state of Lower Saxony. Accompanied by a delegation of representatives from both Germany and the Netherlands, Minister Osigus visited Campus Groningen on Monday, November 4, to see how close collaboration and knowledge-sharing have already achieved impressive results in the biotech sector.
For years, Lower Saxony has invested heavily in regional collaboration with the Netherlands through the Interreg A program. This visit offered a clear view of the tangible outcomes and benefits of these efforts. Running through to the end of 2025, the Biotech Talent Unlocked project encourages knowledge exchange and hands-on experience for students from the Northern Netherlands and Northwest Germany, contributing to the growth of the green economy.
Exchange and Experience
Cor Kamminga and Daan Oldeniel of the BIO Cooperative, lead partners for the Biotech Talent Unlocked project, enthusiastically presented the project’s goals and plans. Following this, students from NHL Stenden, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences shared inspiring accounts of their experiences during various exchange activities. At events like the Meet & Greet Life Sciences (Hanze), Karrieretag (Emden/Leer), and Matchday (NHL Stenden Emmen), they had opportunities to connect with regional companies for internships, thesis projects, or entry-level roles. A particular highlight was the Green Business Challenge, organized by project partner BBENG, where 24 students worked in teams for three days on real-life business cases for regional companies. In addition to organizing exchange programs, Biotech Talent Unlocked works to align curricula across institutions and fosters collaboration between partner research groups. These combined efforts lay a strong foundation for regional growth and attract and retain biotech talent.
Addressing the Skills Shortage Across Borders
Minister Osigus emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration and talent development: “We need to tackle the skills shortage across borders. Joint projects like Biotech Talent Unlocked are ideal for showing young people the career opportunities in our border regions.” Carine Joosse, Dean of Life Science & Technology at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, added, “Our sector needs highly skilled young professionals. Biotech Talent Unlocked connects our students early on with inspiring companies in the Northern Netherlands and just across the border, which increases the likelihood they will stay connected to this region.”
About Biotech Talent Unlocked (BTU)
The Biotech Talent Unlocked project supports talent retention in the Northern Netherlands and Northwest Germany and promotes the development of biobased businesses and the green economy. The project is made possible through the Interreg Germany-Netherlands VI A program and is supported by a broad consortium of partners: BIO Cooperative, Hanze University of Applied Sciences: Life Science & Technology, University of Groningen, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, BBENG, Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences, and 3N Kompetenzzentrum e.V.
Text Source: Biotech Talent Unlocked
Image: Minister Osigus delegation on November 4.
