From idea to impact: the first year of Zorg Innovatie Plein

Zorg Innovatie Plein brings together researchers, healthcare institutions, companies and other partners in Twente and Salland to turn healthcare innovations from ideas into reality.

We connect knowledge and innovation to specific challenges in healthcare and assist with the further development, implementation, and scaling up of innovations. The initial focus is on chronic care for people with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and dementia. The initial focus is on chronic care for people with type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and dementia. The approach can be expanded to address other health issues as well.

From idea to impact: this is the first year of Zorg Innovatie Plein

The first project year of the Healthcare Innovation Plaza has come to an end! It’s an excellent time to look back on what was set in motion during the 2025–2026 project year—and also to look ahead to what’s possible.

Together with healthcare organisations, research institutions, and companies, we have built a strong regional infrastructure for healthcare innovation. By focusing on specific challenges in healthcare, new partnerships have emerged, innovations have been fostered, and important steps have been taken toward future-proof, accessible, and people-centered healthcare in Twente and Salland.

Curious about what we’ve accomplished over the past year? Check out the annual report.            
This annual report looks back on the most important milestones, developments, and innovations of the past project year. During one of our consortium meetings, we also developed a visual aid that brings together the various components of Zorg Innovatie Plein. From use cases and hubs to partners and regional collaborations: at a glance, you can see how everything is connected.

Fotocredits: Visuele Verbinders

And we’re far from done.

For researchers at the University of Twente in particular, there are plenty of opportunities to link new ideas, knowledge, and innovations to concrete challenges in healthcare practice. A good idea is just the beginning – impact is created when research and innovation are applied in practice.

The Zorg Innovatie Plein offers various building blocks to support you: from idea and development to application and scaling up.

Do you have research, an innovation, or an idea that you’d like to advance in the healthcare sector?
Or do you see opportunities for collaboration with healthcare organizations or other partners in the region? We’d love to hear from you.

Read more in one of these publications:

-            ICT&Health
-            TechMed Magazine

Visit the Zorg Innovatie Plein website and LinkedIn for more information, or get in touch at zorginnovatieplein@utwente.nl