Our Team, Our History
Since 2021, BioGntx and its team of specialists have been extensively engaged in testing the first research products based on plant-based substances. Our leadership team brings a wealth of experience and expertise from various fields, ensuring a well-rounded and innovative approach to our work. In addition, a Medical Advisory Board is being installed.
Introducing our Experienced and Diverse Management Team:
D. (Diggy) ter Horst
CEO
Diggy ter Horst has served as a Founder and CEO in various revolutionary (tech) companies worldwide and has a proven track nurturing young companies into successful businesses.
In addition to his expertise in horticultural lighting, he is also knowledgable about sustainability and the use of technology to improve the environmental impact of agriculture and food production.
Dr. M. (Marjolein) Wildwater
CSO (Off-site Vivaltes)
Marjolein Wildwater has a PhD degree in Molecular Genetics & Developmental Biology from Utrecht University. Her work was published in Nature and Cell, two highly prestigious scientific journals, and awarded with the PhD award of the year 2006.
After her PhD, Marjolein received a VENI talent award from the Dutch Government, an award only assigned to the top 10% of young talented upcoming researchers. Marjoleins main focus has been on developmental biology, stem cell biology, toxicology and efficacy of health beneficial compounds.
She has been initiating and leading several international research consortia at European union level. In 2016 she founded Vivaltes, a Contract Research Organisation that takes advantage of the newest scientific knowledge to successfully replace, refine and reduce animal testing with regards to compound effects for human health. In that capacity Marjolein has been nominated for Global CEO Excellence award of the year 2023.
Dr. C.J. (Cees) Beukelman
CMO Medical Biologist/specialized in immunology and (Off-site PhytoGenix)
Cees is assistant professor at the University of Utrecht since 1991. He has a degree in medical biology and specializes in drug discovery and drug development.
He is involved in various projects developing plant based-medicine and his expertise and experience form a perfect fit with BioGntx.
Mr. drs. N.U.N. (Nicole) Kien
General Counsel (Off-site LS&H Lawyers)
Nicole Kien has been an attorney at law in the Netherlands for over 30 years and has unique expertise in the (global) life sciences & health market. She has extensive knowledge of the regulatory frameworks that govern these markets.
She is skilled in advising clients on various issues including licensing, regulatory, access and compliance. She is (a.o.) officer in the Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committee of the International Bar Association, registered mediator and is widely recognized as a leading specialist in her field.
D. (Diggy) ter Horst
CEO
Diggy ter Horst has served as a Founder and CEO in various revolutionary (tech) companies worldwide and has a proven track nurturing young companies into successful businesses.
In addition to his expertise in horticultural lighting, he is also knowledgable about sustainability and the use of technology to improve the environmental impact of agriculture and food production.
Dr. M. (Marjolein) Wildwater
CSO (Off-site Vivaltes)
Marjolein Wildwater has a PhD degree in Molecular Genetics & Developmental Biology from Utrecht University. Her work was published in Nature and Cell, two highly prestigious scientific journals, and awarded with the PhD award of the year 2006.
After her PhD, Marjolein received a VENI talent award from the Dutch Government, an award only assigned to the top 10% of young talented upcoming researchers. Marjoleins main focus has been on developmental biology, stem cell biology, toxicology and efficacy of health beneficial compounds.
She has been initiating and leading several international research consortia at European union level. In 2016 she founded Vivaltes, a Contract Research Organisation that takes advantage of the newest scientific knowledge to successfully replace, refine and reduce animal testing with regards to compound effects for human health. In that capacity Marjolein has been nominated for Global CEO Excellence award of the year 2023.
Dr. C.J. (Cees) Beukelman
CMO Medical Biologist/specialized in immunology and (Off-site PhytoGenix)
Cees is assistant professor at the University of Utrecht since 1991. He has a degree in medical biology and specializes in drug discovery and drug development.
He is involved in various projects developing plant based-medicine and his expertise and experience form a perfect fit with BioGntx.
Mr. drs. N.U.N. (Nicole) Kien
General Counsel (Off-site LS&H Lawyers)
Nicole Kien has been an attorney at law in the Netherlands for over 30 years and has unique expertise in the (global) life sciences & health market. She has extensive knowledge of the regulatory frameworks that govern these markets.
She is skilled in advising clients on various issues including licensing, regulatory, access and compliance. She is (a.o.) officer in the Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committee of the International Bar Association, registered mediator and is widely recognized as a leading specialist in her field.
The Story of BioGntx
The story of BioGntx is one fueled by passion and unwavering belief. Its founders, deeply ingrained in the biotech and plant-based life science industries, embarked on a mission to revolutionize the perception of plant-based products.
Driven by a desire to scientifically validate the efficacy and safety of plant-based products with worldwide known obvious effects, the founders recognized the inherent potential for medicine-development. While many individuals already considered plant-based solutions to be obviously effective, the founders sought to go beyond mere belief and provide concrete evidence through rigorous research.
Pooling together their diverse backgrounds and expertise, they formulated an ambitious vision, underpinned by a profound dedication to scientific inquiry. Compiling an experienced and reputable team paved the way for the commencement of BioGntx’s pioneering research endeavors, marking the inception of an organization that would challenge conventional paradigms.
As BioGntx’s scientific investigations unfolded, the results they obtained were nothing short of spectacular. The profound impact and immense potential exhibited by plant-based products propelled the founders to further invest their efforts and capital into expanding the company’s research and development activities. Recognizing the pressing unmet medical needs of both humans and animals, BioGntx redirected its focus towards pre-clinical trials aimed at indications with a high unmet medical need.
Driven by a shared passion and a resolute belief in the power of plant-based solutions, BioGntx continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Its founders’ unwavering commitment and dedication serve as the driving force behind the organization’s ongoing pursuit to revolutionize the field of biotechnology and contribute to the well-being of individuals and animals.
