Why health innovators are turning to Gothenburg
On 7-9 April, around 30 innovative companies from 10 countries took part in a three-day bootcamp designed to fast-track their entry into the Swedish market. They were here to gain insight into the health and business ecosystem and to connect with key players in the region.
As the Nordic region’s largest healthcare market and a strong life science nation, Sweden is an attractive environment for healthtech companies that want to scale. And Gothenburg offers a compelling entry point. It features one of Europe’s largest university hospitals and an exciting mix of large global companies - like AstraZeneca, Getinge, Mölnlycke Health Care, Cochlear and Essity - and a strong startup scene. The spirit of collaboration and sustainability credentials make it a health innovation hub.
One company looking to accelerate its growth journey from Gothenburg is Norwegian startup ExAC. It develops solutions, including a unique simulation doll, that can help healthcare professionals reduce and stop bleeding after birth.
“I think the possibilities for scaling quickly are larger here. And that's where we are at now as a company - that we need to scale. Norway is smaller and not as mature in the medtech area,” says Trond Heitmann, COO at ExAC, who took part in the bootcamp.
The firm has already registered a Swedish company and plans on establishing a local presence here in Gothenburg. It will also take part in Sahlgrenska Science Park’s CO-AX Accelerator programme.
“The next step for us is that we will return to Gothenburg later this month for an investor’s meeting. We will also start to connect with several of the stakeholders to prepare for clinical research and product development,” says Trond Heitmann.
Impressed by the innovation ecosystem
Another firm that sees potential in Sweden and Gothenburg is Spanish company Doole Health. The Barcelona based firm offers a telemedicine platform that connects patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
“Gothenburg is a good fit for us. The bootcamp has given us a broad understanding of the ecosystem. I like the way the different hubs and innovation centres are centralised and work together,” says Marta Font, business development manager at Doole Health.
“On the tech side, Gothenburg is very strong in digital health, and it seems like a place where you can connect and network easily,” she adds.
Another person impressed by Gothenburg’s health innovation ecosystem is Georgi Stoyanov, the CEO of Bulgarian company VR Express.
“I really love how centralised things are here with GoCo, AstraZeneca and Mölnlycke. And I really like the co-ecosystem with the incubators and the business and investment promotion agencies,” he says.
Georgi Stoyanov also sees potential in Gothenburg for VR Express.
“I'm staying here for a bit longer. I’m going to have a few more meetings and explore some other opportunities. I will also have more detailed conversations with some of the stakeholders. I’ll do some sightseeing so that I get more of a feel for the city and the culture and everything,” he said on the final day of the bootcamp.
The Swedish Healthtech Bootcamp was organized by Business Region Göteborg in collaboration with Sahlgrenska University Hospital, GoCo Health Innovation City and Sahlgrenska Science Park.
The programme was centered around Gothenburg’s two main hubs for healthcare and life science: Medicinareberget and GoCo Health Innovation City. It featured seminars, site visits and networking opportunities with local health innovation companies and stakeholders.