Life science in Gothenburg

Global companies, cutting-edge R&D, and an exceptional ability to collaborate. Join us in Gothenburg and elevate your business in the Nordic capital of getting things done.

A hotspot for life science and health innovation 

Gothenburg is an important hub in Sweden’s growing life science sector. The region is a leading centre for clinical research in the country. It is also home to the Nordic countries’ largest university hospital and one of AstraZeneca’s globally strategic R&D centres. 

Here we have strong universities and research institutes, science parks, incubators, open innovation environments and an exciting mix of large companies and pioneering startups. Gothenburg offers access to healthcare, patients and unique health care data. Here you can progress all the way from idea and development to clinical trials and production. We have a business-oriented ecosystem where collaboration is one of our biggest strengths. 

Collaboration is fuelling growth

As the region has so many companies carrying out R&D, links are being forged between different specialisations and industries. Cross-sector initiatives, synergies, new approaches and breakthroughs are common. With strong science and engineering capabilities, we’re creating a healthier future and breaking new frontiers in multiple areas, including advanced therapies and regenerative medicine, materials science and wound care, health tech and medical imaging. 

AstraZeneca is the region’s largest life science employer with around 3,000 employees at its R&D site in Gothenburg. Other global companies headquartered and/or operating important sites here include Getinge, Essity, Dentsply-Sirona, Mölnlycke Healthcare, Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions, Cellink, Wellspect, Vitrolife, Mediq and Surgical Science. Ten of the companies operating here have a turnover of at least SEK 1 billion (~EUR 86 million) per annum. 

Two vibrant and interconnected hubs

Medicinareberget (Medicine hill), and its surroundings, is a centrally located hub for life science research and innovation. The area gathers thousands of researchers and clinicians, 20,000 students, and nearly 300 health tech companies. Here lies Scandinavia’s largest university hospital, strong academic institutions in medicine, natural sciences and technology, a supportive science park and accelerator, and over 150,000 sqm of innovation labs and office space. The area is also expanding with new buildings and refurbishments both underway and planned.

Another key hub is the cluster in Mölndal, which is expanding rapidly. In the space of a few short years a new district, GoCo Health Innovation City, has emerged and further strengthened the region’s life science sector. The new district, which is located beside AstraZeneca’s R&D site, is gathering local companies and organisations, and attracting new ones to the region. Mölnlycke Health Care, Fujirebio Diagnostics, Wellspect and Ribocure Pharmaceuticals are some of the companies operating key sites here. The vision for GoCo Health Innovation City is a world-class life science district with 350 companies and 7,000 people, where collaboration is built into the core.

The Nordics’ largest healthcare market

With a population of 10.5 million, Sweden represents the Nordic countries' largest healthcare market. Health spending per capita is among the highest in the EU. The level of health services is high, and the market embraces advanced technologies and innovations that improve patient care and increase efficiency.

Swedish counties are responsible for financing, purchasing and providing health services. In Västra Götaland, Gothenburg’s county, with 1.8 million residents, the annual healthcare budget is around EUR 6 billion. Västra Götaland is at the forefront of healthcare and research in multiple areas including oncology, transplantations, precision medicine and ATMPs.

A key feature is Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, which has around 1,300 beds and 17,000 employees. In 2024, it carried out 66,000 operations, 14.4 million lab analyses and over 350 organ transplantations.