The Healthcare Innovation Hub has many enthusiastic partners. But who are these partners and what do they contribute? Harry Wientjens is director of the cooperative Rabobank in the The Hague region. In this interview he explains why Rabobank is affiliated with the Healthcare Innovation Hub.

In addition to being director of Rabobank, Wientjens is chairman of the Hague Economic Board and Alliance Chairman Employment & Economy within the National Southwest Program. His expertise and affinity with social projects in The Hague come together within the Healthcare Innovation Hub.

Why did Rabobank become a partner of the Healthcare Innovation Hub?

“Because Rabobank likes to participate in social projects that promote the development of the city and society. One of the reasons that the Healthcare Innovation Hub is interesting for us is because the hub is located in the heart of Southwest. This part of the city is developing and could use all the help it can get. For example, there is a lot of demand for work, but the supply could be better. The Healthcare Innovation Hub creates employment and therefore stimulates economic growth. Rabobank is happy to contribute to this.”

What is the role of Rabobank?

“Rabobank is actively involved in the Healthcare Innovation Hub as a supporting party. Thanks to our broad network, we can connect companies to create collaborations. This is important, because the hub will only be a success if an alliance is created that benefits all parties. In addition, Rabobank's Startup & Scale-up team is active within the hub, creating short lines of communication between startups and investors. Finally, Rabobank plans to organize knowledge sessions and company visits and, if the conditions are met, an application for the Impact Fund can be made.”

What does Rabobank offer the Healthcare Innovation Hub?

“Economics is the driving force behind development. If you want to achieve something new in healthcare, there must be money to realize this. That is why it is good that a party is affiliated that can look at innovation with an economic approach.”