Shaping the next phase
Perspectives from Lex Boon
Health Innovation Campus Boxmeer (HICB) moves steadily from concept towards realisation. Behind the scenes, the focus is sharpening. Business Development Director Lex Boon shares what is driving that shift, and what he sees happening in the market.
Over the past months, much of the work has centred on defining the proposition. “We’ve taken the time to really listen to stakeholders and to understand what already exists on other campuses,” he explains. “That helped us clearly define where HICB stands out. Those insights now form the basis for our commercial story and how we engage with the market.”
At the same time, that story is being actively shared. “A large part of my time goes into conversations. Being present, meeting organisations, explaining what Health Innovation Campus Boxmeer is about. You can see awareness growing. It’s a continuous process.”
“A large part of my time goes into conversations.
It’s a continuous process.”
Lex Boon, Business Development Director at Health Innovation Campus Boxmeer
In those conversations, a clear pattern is emerging. Organisations point to the campus’ position within healthcare itself. “The combination of a strong focus on care, and collaboration with partners like Maasziekenhuis Pantein and Radboud UMC, makes HICB fundamentally different from many other campuses,” Boon says. “For companies in medtech and medical supplies, that direct connection to practice is highly relevant.”
The location adds another layer, being positioned close to other campuses, and near the German border. “This is seen as a real advantage. It opens up a broader ecosystem.”
Looking at the sector more broadly, the urgency is clear. Healthcare systems are under pressure on multiple fronts. That creates space for innovation. At the same time, reports like the Wennink report underline how important medtech is becoming for the Dutch economy. Together with Germany and Denmark, this region has a leading position globally. That presents clear opportunities for Health Innovation Campus Boxmeer.
The interest reflects that direction. “We mainly speak with organisations that operate close to healthcare and are developing solutions for its current challenges. That’s where the need is most tangible.”
Looking ahead, Boon keeps the ambition grounded. “What matters is that Health Innovation Campus Boxmeer becomes something real. Not another plan or promise, but a place that is recognised (inter)nationally as a location where healthcare innovation actually takes place.”
