“In Brainport Eindhoven, we’re very good at coming up with brilliant ideas in regenerative medicine,” says Rietsema. “But translating those ideas from lab to clinic is complex, expensive, and time-consuming. With our development lab and these new cleanrooms, we aim to bridge that gap. Startups and young companies can now produce therapies under GMP conditions without having to invest in infrastructure themselves.”
The new facility houses four separate cleanrooms compliant with GMP Class C and ISO 6/7 standards. Cleanrooms are essential in the biomedical sector to maintain product quality and comply with strict regulations. They provide controlled environments that minimize contamination risks and ensure the safety and efficacy of biomaterials, medical devices, and combination products.
“One key advantage is that clients can rent the cleanrooms flexibly,” explains Rietsema. The rooms are also scalable thanks to their flexible size. “That lowers the threshold to get started. Startups can begin small but still immediately meet the standards required for clinical use. They can focus on their product, while SBMC manages the production environment.”
The cleanrooms are plug-and-play: users bring their own production processes, while SBMC provides the infrastructure and quality assurance. “For many startups, this is new territory.”
Even before the cleanrooms officially opened, the first client had already signed a contract. Rietsema: “That’s an important milestone. For companies still unsure whether outsourcing production to us is risky, this shows the market has confidence in us. We are operational, ready for use, and there is immediate interest from the field.”
In addition to the cleanrooms, SBMC has a fully equipped development lab for optimizing processes before moving to the cleanroom phase. Here, companies can experiment, refine formulations, and conduct preclinical validations.
“In the lab, companies can characterize their materials, test processability, or assess biocompatibility,” Rietsema says. “Only when they’re ready for GMP production do they move to the cleanrooms. This stepwise approach—from lab to cleanroom—improves efficiency and reduces the risk of costly rework.”
SBMC is located in the heart of Brainport Eindhoven, a region rapidly becoming an international hotspot for biomaterials and medical technology. “We aim to put Brainport on the world map as the leading center for smart biomaterials,” says Rietsema. “We’re doing that together with partners like High Tech Campus Eindhoven, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Fontys University of Applied Sciences, the Helmond Biotech Materials Hub, and Brainport Development. Our joint goal is to create a strong ecosystem where innovation, science, talent, and entrepreneurship come together.”
SBMC offers more than just four walls with equipment. Companies also receive substantive support, including in proof-of-concept testing, product development, and quality management. There is also access to funding instruments: startups can apply for up to €500,000 in support, for example for development projects, validations, or early-stage production.
“We want to increase the chances of success. So we’re not just investing in buildings and equipment, but also in people, knowledge, and capital,” says Rietsema. “Ultimately, it’s about impact: the faster we can get regenerative therapies to patients, the better.”
Want to learn more? For a tour or introduction, contact Danielle Trappenburg via bd@smartbiomaterials.nl or visit www.smartbiomaterials.nl.