The translation of biomedical knowledge to patients and users results in new medicines, medical technologies, and food products. This benefits our health, our environment, and economy. Animal testing is currently an important link in the biomedical development process, but it is increasingly under pressure. Often, animal tests are not a good model for human application; they are time-consuming, expensive, and cause animal suffering. To continue improving the health of humans and animals, a radically different approach is needed: making the step to humans and animals faster and more effective, without relying on animal testing by default.
The new Ombion Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (Ombion), formerly known as the CPBT, will shape this approach, creating new business opportunities around animal-free technologies and biomedical translation. This allows the Netherlands to distinguish itself globally and realize its ambition of becoming a leader in animal-free innovation.
Aim
Ombion is a national centre for valorizing and disseminating animal-free innovations and expertise. It aims to improve and accelerate the transition of new biomedical innovations to patients and users, at lower costs, and without the use of animals. This will lead to safer, more effective, and better medicines while reducing animal testing.
Together with a large number of national and international partners, Ombion will work on the development and dissemination of animal-free biomedical innovations and expertise. The initial transition projects will focus on ALS, cystic fibrosis, osteoarthritis/rheumatic diseases, and asthma/COPD. Ombion will implement the available and developed methods, tools, and expertise together with researchers and companies. The new centre will also offer education, training, advice, and support to enhance the acceptance and use of animal-free biomedical innovations. Combined, Ombion will run an integrated program that accelerates the transition to animal-free testing and strengthens the Dutch economy.
Budget
The total budget available to Ombion in the period from 2025 to 2034 is 245 million euros. 124.5 million of this budget is an investment from the Dutch National Growth Fund (NGF); the other funds are contributed by public and private Ombion partners.
The translation of biomedical knowledge to patients and users results in new medicines, medical technologies, and food products. This benefits our health, our environment, and economy. Animal testing is currently an important link in the biomedical development process, but it is increasingly under pressure. Often, animal tests are not a good model for human application; they are time-consuming, expensive, and cause animal suffering. To continue improving the health of humans and animals, a radically different approach is needed: making the step to humans and animals faster and more effective, without relying on animal testing by default.
The new Ombion Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation will shape this approach, creating new business opportunities around animal-free technologies and biomedical translation. This allows the Netherlands to distinguish itself globally and realize its ambition of becoming a leader in animal-free innovation.
Aim
Ombion is a national centre for valorizing and disseminating animal-free innovations and expertise. It aims to improve and accelerate the transition of new biomedical innovations to patients and users, at lower costs, and without the use of animals. This will lead to safer, more effective, and better medicines while reducing animal testing.
Together with a large number of national and international partners, Ombion will work on the development and dissemination of animal-free biomedical innovations and expertise. The initial transition projects will focus on ALS, cystic fibrosis, osteoarthritis/rheumatic diseases, and asthma/COPD. Ombion will implement the available and developed methods, tools, and expertise together with researchers and companies. The new centre will also offer education, training, advice, and support to enhance the acceptance and use of animal-free biomedical innovations. Combined, Ombion will run an integrated program that accelerates the transition to animal-free testing and strengthens the Dutch economy.
Budget
The total budget available to Ombion in the period from 2025 to 2034 is 245 million euros. 124.5 million of this budget is an investment from the Dutch National Growth Fund (NGF); the other funds are contributed by public and private Ombion partners.
News
Ombion celebrates launch and site opening
On 7 July 2025, the Centre for Animal-free Biomedical Translation, supported by the Dutch National Growth Fund, was officially launched under its new name: Ombion Centre for Animal-free Biomedical Translation. Read more
Report of the Ombion Scientific Conference
On 26 January, Ombion hosted its first Scientific Conference, ‘Designing the Future Through Patient-Based Drug Development’. The programme featured contributions from across the sector, with presentations delivered by academic researchers, industry leaders, and policy experts. A full report detailing the scientific and strategic insights from the event is now available.
Growfunds sign coöperation agreement
Eight initiatives funded through the Dutch National Growth Fund are joining forces to accelerate Life Sciences & Health innovation and sustainable economic growth, with a focus on societal impact in The Netherlands. Read the full article here.
Masterclass series: Cystic Fibrosis
This three-day masterclass provides theoretical and practical training in the use of patient-derived intestinal organoids (PDIOs) for cystic fibrosis (CF) research. Participants will gain insights into how these models can be applied to strengthen CF-focused research lines. Read more on our LinkedIn here. You can also register through the link below.
Ombion at Utrecht Science Park
Ombion will be established as a physical centre located at Utrecht Science Park, where expertise and infrastructure from leading Dutch knowledge institutions, research centres, and businesses come together to drive the transition to animal-free innovation. Ombion will serve as a one-stop shop for organisations interested in adopting animal-free biomedical translation or for those looking to conduct preclinical research in the most efficient way. Our approach is built on four interconnected components explained below, forming a comprehensive strategy to enhance biomedical research and translation. The centre will leverage the knowledge and tools developed through its transition projects, transforming them into marketable propositions and spin-outs, supported by in-house expertise.
How Ombion operates
Transition Projects: Within Ombion's transition projects, public and private partners will collaborate to develop new tools, methods, and knowledge to demonstrate the transition to animal-free biomedical translation in light of current biomedical challenges. The initial transition projects focus on ALS, Cystic Fibrosis, Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Asthma & COPD.
Expertise Development: Alongside the transition projects, Ombion will implement an in-house advanced development program. This program will expand the knowledge acquired from the transition projects and cultivate new expertise, thereby strengthening each proposition and addressing existing challenges and hurdles. The Ombion's efforts will concentrate on four key areas:
- Transition science, ethics, and sustainability
- Regulatory innovation
- Educational program development
- Data science, supporting tools and models
Propositions: The methods, tools, and expertise developed within the transition projects are used to create propositions for academic researchers, companies, and governmental bodies. Ombion will provide the following propositions:
- Training and education on animal-free biomedical translation
- Advising on existing data, tools and methods for animal-free biomedical translation
- Providing support for the validation and adoption of animal-free tools and models
- Supporting the development of new animal-free methods, tools, and models.
Spin-out Activities: Ombion will support spin-outs emerging from the new products, methods, tools, expertise, and services developed within its transition projects. This support will include mobilising financing, drafting business plans, building strong teams, and integrating these spin-outs into the thriving animal-free innovation ecosystem.
Get in touch with Ombion
Are you interested in collaborating, exploring animal-free innovations, or connecting with our national centre? We welcome enquiries from organisations interested in advancing animal-free biomedical translation.
Please submit your enquiry using the Ombion Enquiry Form.
Vacancy: Business Development Manager
About Ombion
The Netherlands is poised to take a global leadership position in animal-free biomedical innovation. Ombion Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation, formerly known as CPBT, is being established as a national centre where scientific excellence, valorisation, education and innovation come together.
Ombion accelerates the transition to human-relevant, animal-free biomedical development by demonstrating its feasibility and enabling broad implementation. This strengthens human health and safety, speeds up and improves biomedical innovation, stimulates new economic activity, and reduces animal suffering in the Netherlands and beyond.
Ombion is governed by the Ombion Foundation and is part of a ten-year, €245 million national programme funded through the National Growth Fund (NGF) and public/private partners. Over the coming decade, Ombion will develop a dedicated 2,500 m² centre at Utrecht Science Park, with the ambition to reduce animal use in biomedical research by 90%. Its mission is organised around four pillars:
1. Transition Projects; proving and scaling animal-free biomedical translation within key therapeutic areas (ALS, Cystic Fibrosis, Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Asthma & COPD).
2. Propositions; offering training, advisory services, validation support, and development pathways.
3. Expertise Development; strengthening scientific, regulatory, and technological foundations.
4. Valorisation and Spin-Out Activities; enabling models, tools, and methods to reach users nationally and internationally.
To support this mission, we are looking for a proactive and strategic Business Development Manager to join our team and help translate innovation into impact.
The Role
As Business Development Manager, you will play a key role in expanding Ombion's reach, visibility, and impact within the biomedical innovation ecosystem. You will help shape and execute our value creation strategy, working closely with the Business Director, the Scientific Director, and a multidisciplinary team.
You will lead the development of new business opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and position Ombion's scientific and technological assets in relevant markets. With a deep understanding of stakeholder needs and market dynamics, you will help convert innovation into real-world solutions that contribute to a future of ethical, effective biomedical research.
This role combines strategy and execution, you will develop compelling value propositions while actively engaging with customers, partners, funders, and stakeholders to co-create pathways for growth, adoption, and long-term commercial sustainability.
You will be reporting directly to the Business Director at Ombion.
Key Responsibilities
• Identify, assess and develop business opportunities aligned with Ombion's mission and capabilities.
• Reach out pro-actively to potential customers and partners to generate new business opportunities.
• Be responsible for realizing commercial goals that will be defined together with Ombion’s Management.
• Create new and profitable commercial opportunities for Ombion to support its growth and position in its market.
• Develop and refine value propositions for Ombion's scientific and technological assets.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers and partners across academia, industry, government, and civil society.
• Support the development and implementation of scalable business models and go-to-market strategies.
• Acquisition of new collaborations and customers.
• Work with communications staff to strengthen Ombion's visibility and positioning in relevant innovation ecosystems.
• Translate emerging trends in science, policy, and technology into actionable business opportunities.
• Support the operationalization and utilization strategy of the Ombion Centre at Utrecht Science Park.
• Contribute to monitoring impact, tracking KPIs, and refining strategic priorities over time.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a purpose-driven professional with a strong foundation in business development, entrepreneurial attitude, daring, pro-active, business getter by nature. You are a connector who enjoys turning ideas into action that deliver business and understands how to position novel solutions in complex, high-stakes environments.
Must-Have Qualifications
• Generating business is your key priority through assessment and customers’ engagement
• Proven experience in business development, commercialization, or strategic partnerships.
• A true business getter with a pro-active and entrepreneurial attitude
• Strong skills in value proposition design, opportunity scouting, and stakeholder mapping.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities across sectors and disciplines.
• Experience working in or with public-private partnerships, consortia, or innovation programs.
• Understanding of funding landscapes and innovation ecosystems (Dutch, EU, or global).
• Analytical and strategic mindset with hands-on problem-solving skills.
• This is first of all a role that is to engage successfully with business opportunities and generate commercial growth in terms of capital, awarnece and impact on healthcare.
Preferred Attributes
• Affinity with human based innovative technology, health, or life sciences.
• Experience working in a startup, foundation, or research-to-market context.
• Familiarity with translational research challenges and health system adoption pathways.
• Experience with grant applications, investment readiness, or commercialization roadmaps.
What We Offer
· A comprehensive benefits package, including a pension scheme, vitality budget, and personal development budget and a 13th month.
· Depending on your experience and qualifications, the position will be graded in:
- Salary between: €6,000 to €8,500 gross per month
· A position for 0.8 to 1.0 FTE.
· The opportunity to work in a small, highly motivated team, where your contributions have a direct impact on the organization and its mission. A strategic role in a pioneering foundation with real-world societal impact.
· The opportunity to help shape the future of biomedical innovation.
· A dynamic, interdisciplinary environment with strong links to science, policy, and industry.
· Collaboration with thought leaders and top-tier institutions at the forefront of ethical innovation.
Interested?
We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are excited by this opportunity and believe you can contribute, we would love to hear from you.
The first round of interviews will be held in the 1st and 2nd week of November 2026.
To apply or learn more, please contact Anouk Taribuka at hr@ombion-cpbt.nl.
Our partnership
At Ombion, a diverse consortium of academic scientists, lecturers and researchers from universities of applied sciences, industry partners, regulatory agencies, patient organizations, government bodies, and NGOs will collaborate to pave the way for more accurate and cost-effective medicines, minimising the need for animal testing.
Core partners:
Utrecht University, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Maastricht University, University of Groningen, UMCG & UMC Utrecht.
The Ombion Centre for Animal-free Biomedical Translation National Growth Fund application was submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN, formerly LNV) within the framework of its Transitie Proefdiervrije Innovatie (TPI) program.
Ombion partners (in alphabetical order):
3BrainAG, Allegro, ALS patiëntenvereniging, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), Aquilo, ArthroSave, Aryzon, AstraZeneca, Azar innovations, Chondropeptix, CHRN on-chip biotechnologies B.V, Citeq, Danone Nutricia Research, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Erasmus MC, ETB-bislife, EU JRC (EU Joint Research Centre, JRC), EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (JRC-ECVAM), FAIR Therapeutics, Genmab, GQ Bio Therapeutics, hDMT, hiPSC hotel LUMC, HIT CF Europe, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Humane World for Animals, Idoctor, InnoCore Pharmaceuticals, intoSURGERY, Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Liposphere, Longfonds, Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG), Mimetas, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), NCFS, NeoVentures Biotechnology Europe, Netri, NLC, Nordic Bioscience, Optics11 Life, Orthros Medical, QurAlis, Radboud University (RU), Radboudumc, Recode Therapeutics, ReumaNederland, Roche, Sanofi, Stichting ALS Nederland, Stichting Proefdiervrij, Synapticure, Tecan, TNO, Treeway, UMC Utrecht, Unilever, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), Utrecht University, VectorY, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), ZEISS & Arivis, ZonMw
Contact us:
Are you interested in collaborating, exploring animal-free innovations, or connecting with our national centre? We welcome enquiries from organisations interested in advancing animal-free biomedical translation.
Please submit your enquiry using the Ombion Enquiry Form.
For any other information, please contact us at info@ombion-cpbt.nl
You can also follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.
Postal address:
Ombion Centre for Animal-free Biomedical Translation
Yalelaan 62 (Life Sciences Incubator Building)
3584 CM Utrecht
The Netherlands
Gender Equality Plan Ombion
At Ombion, we are committed to fostering an inclusive working environment that promotes equal opportunities and values diversity. Our Gender Equality Plan (GEP) sets out our commitment to gender equality and outlines the measures we take to support fairness, inclusion and equal opportunities across our organisation.
Read our Gender Equality Plan to learn more about our approach and commitments.
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