US-based Cytek Biosciences, a leading provider of cell analysis instrumentation and solutions, operates globally from its EMEA office in the Netherlands. The medtech company carries out customer support services in the Dutch life sciences and health ecosystem, to advance cancer and cell biology research using an innovative cell analysis technique.
‘Every European country has its pros and cons as well as specific rules. That’s why we looked for the most suitable place for supporting the variety of markets within Europe’ explains Lars J. T. Droog, director of Cytek’s EMEA operations. ‘The Netherlands turned out to be a great gateway for the rest of Europe, everything is now run through Amsterdam. We have a great partnership with the authorities, the business climate is great, and everything is organized in an easy, professional way. Collaborating is in our DNA, that’s also why working with all partners in the chain is going very well.’
Amsterdam Health and Technology Institute
Growth opportunities
Founded in Fremont, California, Cytek launched its European operations in the Netherlands in 2019, headed by Droog. Despite a bumpy start due to COVID-19, with all employees working from home after six months, Droog says Cytek has seen strong growth.
From its office at the Amsterdam Health and Technology Institute (AHTI), Cytek runs its support services for its European operations: customer service, finance, HR, IT, supply chain management as well as the training and repair center.
‘We strive to be a full solutions provider, taking away any concern the client might have around the technology,’ Droog says. ‘This is why we now also offer reagents (indicators that change color to confirm the presence or absence of another chemical), we have GDP certified storage facilities (quality storage especially for medicines) with temperature control, and we hold stock to quickly meet demand. We’re constantly developing, most recently through collaboration with environmentally friendly packaging solutions.’
Collaboration on solutions for the future
The COVID-19 pandemic created opportunities for Cytek to discover new perspectives supported by the Dutch entrepreneurial mindset. With hospitals where Cytek was used to installing demo machines being off-limit (due to COVID-19 restrictions), Cytek instead offered its system at the temporary disposal of research centers, for analyzing the effect of COVID-19 on the human immune system.
‘That way, we were able to contribute to an important research cause. Publications are now seeing the light of day that carried out research using our demo machines, and it feels good that Cytek could make a difference.’
The Netherlands offers access to talent and markets
Being in the Netherlands, at the heart of Europe’s life science and health industry, has paid off for Cytek, which has made use of the highly-skilled talent pool, opportunities for collaboration, and fast access to the continent via Amsterdam’s ports.
‘Due to the fact that we have instruments, parts and reagents in stock here, we are able to offer services like next day delivery and white glove delivery; we can deliver everything straight to the lab, install it and have it ready for use for our clients.
Connectivity is key
‘Connectivity is key for a global organization like ours, so being accessible to both our regional and our international connections is very important. In the search for our new location we were very charmed by AHTI – it’s a great space with like-minded people. In that sense, it allows us to seek out partnerships during the meetups that are arranged in the building. It’s always great to work with others and see where you can strengthen each other, and help each other grow.’ Droog explains.
Source: amsterdaminbusiness
