Boost for innovation in Utrecht: ICAT joins Plus Ultra Utrecht
Utrecht, March 2, 2026 – Kadans Science Partner (“Kadans”) is excited to announce that as of January 2026, Innovation Center for Advanced Therapies (ICAT) has joined the innovative community of Plus Ultra Utrecht at Utrecht Science Park. ICAT, part of the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), is dedicated to accelerating the development and clinical application of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).
From research to treatment
ICAT’s goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and discoveries and patient treatment by bringing together infrastructure and expertise for the development of advanced therapies. These advanced therapies, including gene, cell, and tissue-based products, harness the body’s natural ability to repair itself and fight disease.
ICAT supports the full development pathway of these therapies, from early-stage development and preclinical studies to GMP-compliant manufacturing. By integrating all stages of innovation, ICAT enables complex medical breakthroughs to move efficiently from discovery to clinical impact.
Shared Open Innovation Lab
At Plus Ultra Utrecht, ICAT operates through the Shared Open Innovation Lab, fostering close collaboration between academic researchers, clinicians, and commercial partners. Here, start-ups in the ATMPs sector will benefit from shared facilities, cross-disciplinary expertise from the Utrecht Science Park community, and in-house support from both ICAT and Kadans. This open innovation environment stimulates knowledge exchange and strengthens partnerships across disciplines, accelerating the translation of research into real-world therapies.
Karel Loerts, Managing Director ICAT said: “First and foremost, our choice for Plus Ultra Utrecht is a fantastic step for our professionals and members within the shared open innovation lab; the work environment is truly inspiring. This location offers us a strong connection to the research labs and production facilities at Utrecht Science Park. This means that all necessities for the further development of new therapies, methods, and medical technology for future human healthcare are available. In collaboration with our partners in the Utrecht region and nationwide within the RegmedXB pilot factory, we look forward to exciting and successful projects and partnerships.”
“We are proud to welcome ICAT to Plus Ultra Utrecht,” said Rob van Overbeek, Commercial Development Manager at Kadans Science Partner. “ICAT’s expertise in advanced therapies and their drive to accelerate the development of these groundbreaking therapies aligns perfectly with our mission to create environments where scientific innovation and collaboration can flourish.”
Plus Ultra Utrecht
As part of the dynamic Utrecht Science Park, Plus Ultra Utrecht offers circa 23,000 m² of laboratory, office, and dedicated start-up space. This state-of-the-art building, with a sustainable design, is certified with BREEAM Outstanding, and focuses on interaction. Plus Ultra Utrecht brings together start-ups, scale-ups, and establised companies who are actively involved in life sciences. The building contributes to knowledge sharing, synergy and communication within the international Kadans community. Perfect for companies that want to work together to advance their research.
From left to right: Karel Loerts (ICAT), Rob van Overbeek (Kadans), Marieke Krispijn (UMCU)
