Rotterdam Science Cluster: epicentre of DNA, genomic, and high tech innovations
Genetic breakthroughs, fuelled by AI at Rotterdam Science Cluster.
An inspiring environment for research, development, and innovation
Rotterdam’s hidden gem is its cutting-edge life sciences scene. The city boasts a long history in DNA research, with groundbreaking studies like the long-running ERGO project, one of the world’s largest ongoing population studies, which is uncovering the genetic roots of chronic diseases. Another is the 1+ Million Genomes Project, contributing Dutch expertise to a massive European initiative for personalised medicine. Rotterdam provides a unique alliance of universities, hospitals, and businesses that foster innovation.
Number 1 DNA-research epicentre
Rotterdam is not only a city well known for its striking buildings but it also has a long history in DNA research. As a part of the Medical Delta, Rotterdam’s focus on driving innovation within the Life Sciences & Health has created an epicentre for DNA-research and innovation that find their way to patients all over the world. Examples are the ERGO project, the 1+ Million Genomes Project and cutting-edge institutions and innovative biotech companies like Erasmus MC and Cerba Research.
Make-it happen mentality
What makes Rotterdam such a progressive and successful science hub is its hands-on approach. Taking on the hands-on approach ensures a quicker process, which enables faster breakthroughs across scientific fields, such as DNA and genomics, AI, engineering, and maritime innovations.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration
Collaborations between the government of Rotterdam, hospitals, companies, engineers, and research and knowledge institutes ensure cutting-edge research as well as high tech and medical innovations. The cross-disciplinary collaboration is an essential ingredient for achieving success when it comes to innovative R&D. Rotterdam’s location ensures that maritime and harbour related innovations are able to be tested and manufactured within close proximity.
Our specialised assets at Rotterdam Science Cluster
Rotterdam Science Tower brings together the right mix of organisations active in areas such as bioinformatics and advanced technologies. The Rotterdam Science Tower contributes to knowledge sharing, synergy, and communication within this community in an innovative environment. A building with a beating heart and a boost for the area development in M4H.
Rotterdam Science Tower
Rotterdam Science Tower has a height of approximately 95 metres and spans almost 32,000 m² GFA distributed over 21 floors, the building offers laboratory and office space of approx. 1,500 sq.m. each floor, with a splendid view over the Port and the city of Rotterdam. On the ground floor, there is a modern auditorium and a spacious lobby with a reception area, restaurant, and common workplaces. Everything is geared towards focus on innovation and R&D.
- Newly renovated
- 21 floors
- Shared facilities
- Flex workspaces
- BREEAM Excellent
- Parking facilities
Disruptor x RST
Located in the Rotterdam Science Tower, the Disruptor x RST floor offers fully equipped small offices tailored to start-ups and growing companies. The building provides flexible workspaces designed to accommodate businesses looking for small and adaptable office space.
- Small offices
- Flexible workspaces
- Surrounded by innovative companies
- Meeting rooms
- 24/7 access
Interested in learning more about the rental opportunities at the Rotterdam Science Tower?
Call, mail or chat with Teun: +31 6 10 73 10 43 or t.lebbink@kadans.com
Discover your ideal lab space at Kadans
Rotterdam provides the opportunity to design bespoke laboratory and office spaces. The flexibility of the structure and installations of Rotterdam Science Tower allows your company to be accommodated from one or more modules up to an entire floor.
Discover the world of AI and genetics with Peter van der Spek
Peter van der Spek, Professor at Erasmus MC, gives a unique insight into the world of bioinformatics, where he explores how AI can aid in understanding genetics. His years of research have led to breakthroughs in understanding and diagnosing the genetics of diseases.
Are you ready to innovate together?
View our frequently asked questions
Below you will find the frequently asked questions. Do you have any other questions, or would you prefer to speak to an expert? Get in touch with us and ask your question straight away.
What is the Rotterdam Science Cluster?
Rotterdam Science Cluster is a leading innovation ecosystem focused on Life Sciences & Health and High Tech Systems & Materials. It brings together universities, hospitals, research institutions, tech companies, and government organisations to accelerate innovation in areas such as AI, engineering, DNA Research, genomics, and maritime technology.
Why is Rotterdam known for DNA and genomic research?
Rotterdam has a strong international reputation in DNA and genomic research, supported by initiatives such as the ERGO Project and the European 1+ Million Genomes Project. The city is home to leading organisations including Erasmus MC and innovative biotechnology companies that contribute to advances in personalised medicine and disease research.
What industries are represented within the Rotterdam Science Cluster?
The cluster is active across Life Sciences & Health, bioinformatics, genomics, AI, advanced technologies, engineering, maritime innovation, and digital health. This diverse mix of sectors encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and the development of innovative solutions.
What makes the Rotterdam Science Cluster unique?
Rotterdam Science Cluster brings together more than 400 organisations, two universities, and approximately 750 employees working across research, innovation, and technology development. One of the cluster’s key strengths is its practical “make-it-happen” mentality. Close collaboration between businesses, healthcare organisations, researchers, engineers, and public institutions enables innovations to move from concept to real-world application more quickly.
What workspace opportunities are available within Rotterdam Science Cluster?
Kadans Science Partner offers you different workspace solutions through Rotterdam Science Tower and Disruptor x RST. These facilities provide laboratory space, office accommodation, flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, and shared facilities. All designed for research-driven and innovative organisations, as well as growing businesses.
What is Rotterdam Science Tower?
Rotterdam Science Tower is a landmark innovation building within the cluster, offering approximately 32,000 m² of space across 21 floors. The building includes laboratories, offices, shared workspaces, an auditorium, restaurant, reception, common meeting rooms, and collaborative environments designed to support R&D activities.
How does the Rotterdam Science Cluster support collaboration?
The cluster promotes collaboration between academia, healthcare institutions, businesses, engineers, and government organisations through initiatives such as Rotterdam Square. This multidisciplinary approach helps organisations access expertise, build partnerships, exchange knowledge, and accelerate innovation across a wide range of sectors.
What advantages does Rotterdam offer for high-tech and maritime innovation?
Rotterdam’s position as one of Europe’s most important port cities provides unique opportunities for testing, developing, and commercialising maritime and engineering innovations. Combined with its expertise in AI, genomics, and advanced technologies, the city offers a powerful environment for cross-sector innovation.
Why should innovation-driven companies consider locating in Rotterdam Science Tower?
Here, companies benefit from access to a strong network, through the collaboration with Rotterdam Square for example, of researchers, healthcare professionals, technology experts, and innovative businesses. The building offers purpose-built facilities, collaboration opportunities, and a thriving ecosystem that supports growth, research excellence, and commercial success.
Discover other clusters in the Netherlands
Life sciences & health
Life Sciences & Health
The Dutch Life Sciences & Health sector is driving pioneering research – from harnessing AI for cancer detection to advancements in precision medicine and biogenetics. It’s addressing challenges posed by incurable diseases, shortages, and rising costs of health care, an ageing population, and healthcare inequality. And encompasses a diverse range of technologies and discoveries in healthcare.
Rotterdam is a leading hub for Life Sciences and Health innovation, offering state-of-the-art laboratories integrated seamlessly with modern, adaptable office environments. Its flexible layouts—ranging from compact 100 m² units to expansive, customisable floors—enable organisations to tailor spaces to the needs of biotechnology, diagnostics, digital health, and clinical research, supporting both early-stage ventures and established life science companies. As a vibrant 32,000 m² cluster for scientific and technological excellence, in close proximity to the Erasmus MC, Rotterdam Science Tower plays a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s position as a major centre for life sciences and health innovation.
High tech systems & materials
High Tech Systems & Materials
High Tech Systems and Materials in the Netherlands explores advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), nanotechnology, quantum technology, advanced materials, cryogenic systems, aerospace, and photonics. Researchers in this sector work on ground-breaking technologies, which are essential to drive progress in other sectors such as energy, life sciences, healthcare, and construction.
Collaboration is embedded into Rotterdam Science Tower’s ecosystem. Companies, research institutes, hospitals, and industry partners work side-by-side, enabling cross-disciplinary solutions that bridge medical technology, engineering, and high-performance materials. This dynamic environment fosters rapid innovation and supports projects with global impact – from smart harbour systems to sustainable offshore structures. At Rotterdam Science Tower, high tech pioneers find the space, network, and energy to turn ideas into industry-shaping breakthroughs.