Leiden University supports the new Zuid-Holland Acceleration Programme, which builds on the Growth Agenda for Zuid-Holland and focuses on accelerating innovation, sustainability and economic growth in the region.
The Acceleration Programme was presented by the Economic Board Zuid-Holland (EBZ) on 15 December 2025. The EBZ comprises representatives from the economy, business community, knowledge institutions - including Leiden University - and government of Zuid-Holland who are working to build a strong, innovative and sustainable economy and business climate in our region.
Leiden Bio Science Park
Since 2021, the Growth Agenda has led to successful initiatives in the region within national programmes such as Quantum Delta NL and Biotech Booster. The latter focuses on accelerating knowledge transfer within biotechnology, which is important to the growth of the Leiden Bio Science Park. Startups by Leiden University and the LUMC play an active role in this. They are accelerating the development of promising academic discoveries into practical applications, such as new therapies, vaccines and diagnostics. Examples include Genlumina, Leyden Analytics, iProtics and Exit071. At the Leiden Bio Science Park, Vitroscan and Exit071 have received phase two investment.
Key areas of the acceleration agenda, such as cybersecurity, space, quantum, high tech, human capital and broad prosperity, are priorities where Leiden University actively seeks to contribute.
Pressing issues
As the most knowledge-intensive region in the Netherlands, Zuid-Holland plays a crucial role in addressing national and European challenges, such as the energy transition, health and technological innovation. Yet it faces pressing issues such as staff shortages and grid congestion. The Acceleration Programme is intensifying its efforts on implementation and coordinated advocacy with the government and the EU to ensure sustained investment in knowledge and innovation.
Leiden University actively supports the outlined action lines mentioned and emphasises that investing in research and education is key to building a competitive, sustainable and resilient Netherlands. The Acceleration Programme marks an important step towards achieving this ambition.
Read the white paper on the economy of Zuid-Holland with cases, interviews and expert opinions.
