Campus Groningen proudly welcomes DELPHINIUM, a new startup in Phase I drug research, as a tenant in the BioTech Center (BTC). Led by CEO Jitske Beukema, COO/CMO Christine Voors, and CFO Agnes Boelens, DELPHINIUM specializes in conducting clinical trials on new medicines with healthy volunteers. They primarily serve smaller biotech companies that lack their own facilities. Christine Voors explains: "We help companies developing one or two drugs but without the resources or staff for clinical trials."
Annet de Vree, Real Estate Manager at Triade (BTC’s landlord), is excited about the arrival of this medical startup: "DELPHINIUM is a perfect fit for the innovative concept of the BTC. Their work aligns well with the medical and biotechnological focus of this building on the Healthy Ageing Campus. With DELPHINIUM and the recent establishment of CTC Netherlands, the BioTech Center is increasingly evolving into an innovation ecosystem on the Healthy Ageing Campus."
"Delphinium’s work aligns well with the medical and biotechnological focus of the BTC on the Healthy Ageing Campus. With the arrival of DELPHINIUM and the recently established CTC Netherlands, the BioTech Center is increasingly evolving into an innovation ecosystem on the Healthy Ageing Campus."
Collaboration
The decision to settle in the BTC was strategic. Jitske Beukema states: "Proximity to the UMCG is essential for the safety of our volunteers. We test medicines we don’t know everything about yet, so direct access to hospital care is crucial." DELPHINIUM also plays a growing role in the UMCG network, where there is high demand for support in drug research.
"Many doctors want to conduct research but lack the resources or time. We take care of that so they can focus on their patients and publications," Voors adds. Furthermore, DELPHINIUM is active within the broader Groningen innovation ecosystem, collaborating with local partners and companies from the LIFE Cooperative.
Ambition and Tailored Solutions
DELPHINIUM has clear ambitions for the coming years. They aim to become a solid company and recognized partner within the research chain around the UMCG and in Northern Netherlands. Jitske Beukema says: "We want to be the go-to partner when companies are missing that one step in their process. We offer tailored solutions and focus on the specific needs of our clients, avoiding unnecessary costs."
Quality and customer-focused service are important to DELPHINIUM. Beukema explains: "We have extensive experience in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and drug research. We provide exactly what the client needs. Our dedicated, specialized team works closely with our partners."
"Proximity to the UMCG is essential for the safety of our volunteers. We test medicines we don’t know everything about yet, so direct access to hospital care is crucial."
Focus on Innovation: DELPHINIUM's Future in Phase I Research
Innovation is central to DELPHINIUM. The company continuously tests and integrates new technologies into their trials, such as new blood pressure monitors and ECG equipment. "Innovation doesn’t always have to generate immediate revenue; it contributes to the development of our field," Voors notes. "In that respect, we also feel at home in the Northern Netherlands ecosystem of entrepreneurs and innovators."
The official opening of DELPHINIUM at the BTC is planned for December. Thanks to their position in Groningen's innovation ecosystem, their expertise, and collaborations with partners like the UMCG, DELPHINIUM is well-positioned for success. Jitske Beukema concludes: "Our new location in the BTC provides the springboard for further progress in Phase I drug research. We are proud to contribute to medical innovations with our team."
Source article: Triade
Source picture: DELPHINIUM. f.l.t.r. Agnes Boelens, Jitske Beukema and Christine Voors
