Nordic Innovation in Focus: A Conversation with Jessica Martinsson, CEO of SwedenBIO

As we enter September, a month that brings both the annual Nordic Life Science Days (NLSDays) and a heightened focus on Healthy Aging, it’s an opportune time to highlight the collective efforts driving innovation across the globe with a spotlight on Sweden, a country known for its proactive approach to aging and its strong traditions in research, collaboration, and sustainability. Here, we connect with Jessica Martinsson, CEO of SwedenBIO and a driving force in advancing the organization’s mission, to explore how SwedenBIO is contributing to the shared global endeavors towards a healthy future for all.

Great to have you with us Jessica. SwedenBIO has long established itself as a catalyst for innovation and partnerships in the life sciences. How do you see the upcoming Nordic Life Science Days conference enhancing that role?

Jessica Martinsson: It’s been quite a journey. The idea behind NLSDays was born from a need to put Nordic companies on the global stage. Over the past ten years, we've made significant strides in that direction, and it's gratifying to see how we've become a trusted partner in this arena. Of course, while many smaller companies come looking for investments, our goal is broader. We want to bring together all the components necessary for success throughout the full development cycle. By attracting top Nordic companies and connecting them with the right investors and partners like pharma scouts and CROs from Europe and around the world, we can further strengthen our ecosystem.

 This is important as the strength of our ecosystem really starts with the quality of our academic research and the collaborations we maintain globally. Something unique about Sweden is the Teachers' Exemption, which allows individual researchers to own their data and innovations. This autonomy is crucial in fostering companies that emerge from academia. But it's more than just science — there's a mindset here, deeply rooted in our engineering history and a culture of critical thinking. At SwedenBIO, we work to nurture this innovation, but we also focus on instilling a business mindset. That’s where many young companies need support—learning how to navigate the business landscape. This approach is central to NLSDays, where we address everything from drug development to market strategies. We also continue this support throughout the year with initiatives like our new business strategy working group, helping members learn from successful commercialization stories.

What areas of research or commercialization from the region are you particularly proud of?

Jessica Martinsson: I’m particularly excited about what’s happening in the CNS (central nervous system) area. Sweden has traditionally been strong in this field, and we have several successful companies here—some with products already on the market and others in various stages of development. CNS is the second-largest indication within our member base, just behind oncology, which is quite unique to Sweden. With new drugs on the horizon, this could become a significant area of growth for Swedish companies. I’m also encouraged by the number of young companies emerging in Sweden, particularly those in early discovery phases. These companies benefit from both high-quality science and the extensive experience in drug discovery and development that Sweden is known for. It’s this mix of experience and innovation that forms the foundation for successful companies.

It’s great that you mentioned CNS. With September being Healthy Aging Month, and considering the crucial role CNS plays in aging, how do you see Sweden contributing to the global effort to promote healthy aging?

Jessica Martinsson: Absolutely, this is a critical area for Sweden as well. We have an aging population that is determined to stay healthy, which presents a huge opportunity for innovation in both pharma and medtech. Sweden’s comprehensive healthcare records are a valuable asset for understanding disease progression and environmental factors, which can inform clinical trials and research. While challenges exist, I see this as a positive opportunity for Sweden to lead in providing the best possible care for the elderly.

You’ve touched on some key aspects of Sweden's ecosystem. As we look at the current global industry landscape, what do you see as the main challenges for the region? How is SwedenBIO helping companies navigate these obstacles?

Jessica Martinsson: Like many regions around the world, we've faced our share of challenges, especially recently. That said, we have a strong ecosystem, with experienced entrepreneurs often reinvesting as angel investors. This support is crucial for early-stage companies. However, securing larger sums for later-stage development remains a challenge. To address this, we encourage Swedish investors to build networks with their international counterparts, fostering opportunities for syndicated financing rounds. There’s also a need for better connectivity among different layers of investors within Sweden itself. By building these networks, we believe we can help companies overcome these hurdles.

How does the pharma sector contribute to the local startup ecosystem?

Jessica Martinsson: We’re fortunate to have companies like Novo Nordisk as members, particularly their Swedish division. Their significant investments in the Nordic region are a testament to the strength of our ecosystem. They attract a lot of talent, especially in southern Sweden and Denmark, creating a positive cycle of competence development. Novo Nordisk is also making substantial contributions by creating high-quality incubators, which help startups build the right foundations for future success. This influx of funding and talent is a significant boost for both Sweden and Denmark, and I believe it will continue to drive innovation in our region.

Last but definitely not least, sustainability is another area where Sweden really shines. Given its importance for our industry, how does SwedenBIO promote sustainability within the life sciences sector? Are there specific initiatives or strategies that you’re particularly excited about?

Jessica Martinsson: Sustainability is indeed an area where Sweden is leading the way, and I'm glad you brought it up. Sweden’s access to green energy, efficient waste management, and an environmentally conscious workforce puts us in a strong position to lead in sustainable practices. We're just starting to formalize our efforts here, especially around sustainability reporting, which is becoming mandatory for more companies. Educating our members on these requirements and highlighting the opportunities they present, particularly for production, is an area that we do very, very well in many different phases along the development path. For instance, for one major pharma company that has huge production plants here in Sweden, its carbon footprint is just fantastic. I also think that there are quite simple ways to actually start thinking about sustainability. For example, some companies are shifting from traditional travel budgets to carbon dioxide budgets, which is a simple yet effective way to promote greener operations.

It’s impressive to see how sustainability is being woven into the fabric of the industry. Congratulations! As we approach the end of our time, do you have any closing comments?

Jessica Martinsson: I’d like to extend a warm welcome to everyone joining us at NLSDays in Malmö this September. It’s going to be a fantastic event, and in 2025 we’re excited to host it in Gothenburg—a new and vibrant location. There’s a lot to look forward to in the coming years.

Thank you so much Jessica for sharing these perspectives. It’s been wonderful hearing how SwedenBIO is shaping the biotech landscape in the region and making a global impact. Best of luck with the upcoming Nordic Life Science Days.

Jessica Martinsson: Thank you.