Since its launch in 2023, Oncode Accelerator has been building a national infrastructure designed to accelerate and optimize the development of new cancer therapies. In close collaboration with its 35+ partners across academia and industry, the program has built a strong foundation and established a growing portfolio of Demonstrator Projects aimed at validating the preclinical development process and delivering clinical candidates.

As the program moves into its next phase, the importance of close alignment between Oncode Institute and the Oncode Accelerator Foundation has become increasingly evident. Both organisations share the same mission and support complementary stages of the innovation chain from fundamental discovery to the development of novel cancer therapies.

As Bertholt also continues his role as Managing Director of Oncode Institute, both organisations will focus on strengthening the synergies between the Oncode Accelerator Foundation and Oncode Institute. He brings extensive experience in organisational leadership and fostering business environments that support long-term investment and knowledge-driven innovation – valuable expertise for organizations that aim to collaboratively build a durable oncology ecosystem.

Together, we have everything in place to speed up discoveries and deliver real impact for patients. I’m excited to help drive this next chapter and look forward to doing so together with our partners. - Bertholt Leeftink, appointed CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Oncode Accelerator Foundation

Fred Dom, chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Oncode Accelerator Foundation, comments on the leadership transition: “Now that a solid foundation has been laid in phase 1 of the Oncode Accelerator programme, this is an excellent moment to further strengthen the collaboration with Oncode Institute. I am very pleased with the arrival of Bertholt, who will lead both Oncode Accelerator and Oncode Institute, enabling this collaboration to be shaped even faster and more effectively. In doing so, our ultimate aim is to accelerate the translation of groundbreaking oncology research into therapies that benefit patients and stimulate economic activity.” 

As resigning CEO, Arnoud Huisman expressed his gratitude to the partners and colleagues he worked with during his tenure: “Building Oncode Accelerator together with our partners has been a privilege. I am proud of the foundation that has been created and confident the organisation will continue to accelerate cancer innovation for patients.”

Going forward, Oncode Accelerator will continue to work with its partners to accelerate the development of innovative cancer therapies and help build an even stronger ecosystem for oncology innovation in the Netherlands, ultimately benefiting patients.