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why utrecht region

Welcome to Utrecht Europe’s Most Competitive Business Region

The Utrecht Region stands at the forefront of European competitiveness. The European Commission designated our region as the most competitive in Europe, based on the latest Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) — a comprehensive evaluation covering macro-economic stability, infrastructure, human capital, innovation, and business sophistication. Utrecht scored highest across many dimensions, including education, innovation and market size, affirming the region’s strength as a business location.

Utrecht’s attractiveness is built on a robust foundation of collaboration between government, knowledge institutions and business — creating a favourable climate for companies, entrepreneurs and investors seeking sustainable growth and innovation.

Healthy People

With a strong life sciences & health ecosystem, Utrecht Region offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses in the health and biotech sectors. Nearly one-fifth of all jobs in the region are in health care and related fields, with over 2,000 companies and more than 100 start-ups active in this area.

Key business opportunities include:

Personalised medicine

Advanced healthcare (e.g., oncology, neurology, cardiovascular)

One Health

Combining human health, veterinary health and environmental health

3D bioprinting

Stem cell and regenerative medicine (organoids, bio-fabrication)

Future food

Specialised nutrition, pandemic preparedness

Healthcare innovation

E-health, MedTech, image-guided interventions, and advanced gen-technology

As the region that hosts the largest science park in the Netherlands — the Utrecht Science Park — Utrecht offers a vibrant ecosystem where research, talent and entrepreneurship come together. With tens of thousands of students and graduates entering the regional labour market each year, there is a continuous infusion of fresh expertise that supports biomedical innovation.

More Healthy People – Life Sciences and Health

Healthy Environment

Utrecht Region is not only healthy in terms of people, but also in terms of living standards, sustainability, and future-oriented infrastructure. This makes it an ideal environment for businesses that care about the long-term wellbeing of society and the planet.

Promising business opportunities include:

Water management

Innovative water-tech solutions

Sustainable built environment

Including circular and green building practices

Battery technologies

Electric charging infrastructure, and mobility solutions

Earth tech

Technologies supporting the energy transition

Utrecht’s strategic position, its connectivity and its commitment to sustainability make it a fertile ground for companies addressing environmental challenges and building tomorrow’s sustainable infrastructure.

More Healthy Environment – Earth Valley

Choose this region!

Looking to research and develop health in the heart of the Netherlands? Contact us to learn more about what Utrecht Region can offer your business.

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About the region

Most competitive region in Europe

Utrecht University is ranked #14 among Europe’s best universities

Second most favoured Dutch region to live in

145 million consumers within a radius of 500 kilometres

Discover Our Region

Bustling Utrecht Region is home to 1.3 million residents and comprises 26 municipalities. Its largest cities are Utrecht, Amersfoort and Hilversum. Discover the region’s distinctive character and culture in the video below.

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