Inside Gothenburg’s thriving life science sector
With companies big and small investing in Gothenburg, the region continues to strengthen its position as a vibrant life science hub. Behind this success is a mix of scientific and technological expertise, a supportive ecosystem, and a unique spirit of collaboration, explains Gothenburg life science expert Iris Öhrn.
For more than a decade Iris has been supporting companies and investors who want to tap into Gothenburg’s advantages.
And the region has a lot going on. Thermo Fisher Scientific is establishing a new European lab operation. Mölnlycke Health Care has moved into a new global headquarter. Later this year the city will host NLS Days, the Nordics’ largest partnering and investment event in life science, and the final of the Sahlgrenska Global Health Hackathon.
“We are very strong in a lot of important areas including advanced therapies, biomaterials, surgical solutions, AI and quantum computing. We are home to a mix of innovative companies and leading academic competence. We are also seeing large investments in infrastructure and innovation environments,” says Iris Öhrn, investment advisor at Business Region Göteborg.
Global leaders and innovative SMEs choosing Gothenburg
During the past decade, Sweden’s life science industry has seen rapid growth, with solid increases in sales and goods exports. And the Gothenburg region, which has long been strong in life science, is an important driver.
Today Gothenburg is a research and innovation hub featuring around 600 life science companies who employ 10,000 people in the region. It has a mix of large global leaders – like AstraZeneca, Getinge, Essity, Dentsply Sirona and Mölnlycke Health Care – a strong startup scene and one of Europe’s largest university hospitals. It also has excellent sustainability credentials and boasts Sweden’s highest concentration of both engineers and natural scientists.
“While global leaders like Thermo Fisher Scientific, AstraZeneca and IONQ continue to choose Gothenburg for their strategic investments, it is equally significant that many smaller, highly innovative startups and SMEs are choosing to set up operations here,” says Iris.
“Their decision to join the region’s ecosystem is a testament to the supportive environment, deep competence pool and collaborative spirit that permeates our innovation landscape. These companies bring agility, creativity, and new perspectives.”
Diverse actors co-creating tomorrow’s solutions
Another crucial element of Gothenburg’s success, according to Iris, is the ecosystem of specialised service providers, expert consultants, and innovation enablers that support both startups and established firms.
The region offers a wide range of professional services from regulatory guidance to internationalisation support. They are here to help companies scale effectively.
“The high availability of multi-sectorial competence, coupled with a willingness to collaborate, has long been a foundational strength for Gothenburg. It’s this combination of resources, openness and know-how that enables companies to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in global markets - especially during the current times,” says Iris.
For companies who want to develop and test new medicines, treatments and technologies, Sweden’s west coast hub is an excellent choice, explains Iris.
“Gothenburg is a place where diverse actors - startups, scaleups, global enterprises, academia, healthcare, and public agencies - co-create solutions. Every company that decides to operate here contributes to shaping the future of life science innovation. Whether you’re a multinational corporation or a niche technology startup, Gothenburg provides the fertile ground needed to grow, connect, and make a lasting impact,” she concludes.
Read more about Gothenburg's life science sector
Facts about Sweden’s life science sector in 2022
- Number of companies: 3,800 (57% medtech, 34% pharma, 22% biotech, 7% diagnostics)
- Number of employees: 52,000
- Net sales: SEK 474 billion
- Goods exports: SEK 186 billion
Source: Vinnova’s annual report on life science, 2024 edition
Want to learn more about investing in Gothenburg and Sweden’s life science sector?
Iris Öhrn and our team of investment advisors can provide you with insights, advice, practical support, and introductions to key stakeholders - to help you capture investment opportunities and elevate your business in Gothenburg. Our investment advisory services are free of charge and tailored to your needs.