Newsletter, Summer 2023

Björn Arvidsson, Managing director STUNS Life science

Culture is the invisible infrastructure

Many cities struggle to position themselves as unique places for creating attractiveness and growth within a specific area. We often joke that just as Silicon Valley is for tech, Nashville is for country music, or Gränna is for polkagrisar (a type of candy) - Uppsala
should be for life science.

The strength of a sustainable ecosystem lies not in the individual potentially strong actors but in the infrastructure that enables and facilitates their success. Whether it is access to certain resources like universities and expertise, testing environments and meeting places, committed stakeholders and capital, or perhaps proximity to an international airport that enables logistics and inflow.

...

Panel discussion on clinical trials

During the LIFE PUB #3 networking event, STUNS had the pleasure of moderating a panel discussion on clinical trials. Participants in the panel were Mats Klaar (CEO, Viedoc), Ulrika Heldestad (Head of Clinical Operations, Scandinavian CRO), and Gunilla Andrew-Nielsen (Unit Head of Clinical Trials and Licensing, Medical Products Agency).

The aim of the dialogue was to give the audience a basic understanding of why clinical trials are an important piece of the puzzle to maintain Sweden's position as a world-leading welfare state. The goal was also to identify some critical measures that Sweden needs to take in order to achieve precisely this.

The subsequent conversations among the audience revealed strong dedication to the topic, why there is good reason to return to the subject in the future.

Make sure to register to our next LIFE PUB which will be held on September 12th. See our upcoming events below.

PODCAST

Picture from left: Ove Öhman, Atrego, Johan Elf, Astrego and Dajana Ilic S, STUNS Life science

Join us on this captivating journey through the world of life science entrepreneurship

As the summer season approaches, there's no better time to tune in, get inspired, and learn from the brightest minds in the field, through our podcast series SPEED OF LIFE. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the inner workings of the life science sector, this podcast series offers a wealth of information and inspiration.

With 25 episodes to explore, gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to apply in your own company.

Listen to the podcast

TESTA CHALLENGE 2023

Verification in an adeno associated virus (AAV) production process

Five companies from all over Europe came to Testa Center earlier this year to verify their technologies. We were happy to host AnalysisMode, CEIDOS, IRUBIS, Nanolyze and Nyctea Technologies in Uppsala for three weeks.

Check out the video to learn more about Testa Challenge and get to know the participating companies on our YouTube channel.

View on YouTube

BIO-X ACCELERATE

Catalyzing Growth and Innovation in Life Science SMEs

The BIO-X Accelerate project has achieved remarkable results as it nears its final stage.

Participating companies have received funding and support through public funds and the BIO-X Accelerate call methodology, driving their growth and innovation. In addition to financial support, the project offered various initiatives, such as leadership programs and sustainability development activities, to strengthen the participating companies and their impact beyond the project.

Four selected companies, Celluminova AB, Gradientech AB, Ilya Pharma AB and PU Sensor AB, secured funding through ERDF (European Regional Development Funds) in the range of 5-7 MSEK, enabling them to accelerate the validation of their products and services.

These companies have not only developed innovative healthcare products but also improved their organizational structures, leadership capabilities, and sustainability efforts while fostering collaboration within the life science community.

The project's impact extends beyond the companies involved, positioning the region's life science sector as a global healthcare industry powerhouse known for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Uppsala Återbrukslabb

Uppsala Återbrukslabb is a LinkedIn group aimed at connecting teachers of science subjects with companies willing to donate used laboratory equipment. The rationale behind the initiative goes as follows:

To future-proof Sweden's competitiveness, we need to strengthen the interest in natural sciences among children!
Our schools are constantly forced to make tough economic prioritizations!
In order for our planet to be habitable for future generations, we need to conserve its resources!

In one sweep we can actually make a significant difference in all three aspects at once, namely by allowing decommissioned laboratory equipment from the business sector to find new homes in schools and thereby be useful in education:

Modern equipment creates a positive educational experience and demonstrates that what is being learnt can be used to address challenges in the real world.
Teachers are given the opportunity to design relevant labs that address real problems without burdening the school's budget.
Reuse and re-purposing extends the equipment's lifespan and is environmentally friendly.

A teacher in search of specific equipment, or in need of replenish their glass supplies for that matter, can advertise their needs in the group. A company planning to upgrade its machinery can notify which equipment is at risk of ending up in the landfill, so that someone in need can make use of it instead.

The group primarily targets organizations in Uppland.

Join the group on LinkedIn

Sustainability program

Get the basics of sustainability within life sciences with the program Sustainability Together.

Sustainable development and green transition are of great importance and interest for businesses looking to sustain their business. To involve, share and collaborate within the ecosystem is of the essence if we are to find ways to turn the challenges into possibilities.

In collaboration with selected sustainability inspirers from the industry, STUNS offers a program consisting of ” micro-lectures" followed by a workshop. The program will run for three meetings and focus on giving an introduction to the three perspectives of sustainability social, economic, and ecological sustainability.

Discover life science companies in the Stockholm-Uppsala region

Experience the interactive map showcasing the diverse range of life science companies in the Stockholm-Uppsala region, created by Stockholm Science City in collaboration with STUNS Life science.

Easily explore the map by searching for specific company names or filtering by business categories, including Marketing & Sales, Manufacturing, and Research & Development.

Explore the map

KEEP AN EYE ON OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

12/9 LIFE PUB

LIFE-PUB is a meeting place for people working in and around Life Science, Medtech and Pharma. Take part in exciting lectures and meet new and old acquaintances in a relaxed manner.

ANNUAL LIFE SCIENCE CONFERENCE

11/10 Uppsala LIFE - Next Generation Life Xcience

We look forward to hosting the fifth edition of Uppsala LIFE on October 11th at Uppsala Castle!

This year’s theme “Next Generation Life Xcience” will cover topics such as cross-innovation, test beds and learning between sectors and generations during a time where the life science industry is undergoing a transformation.

28/11 NLSDays

Nordic Life Science Days is the largest Nordic partnering conference dedicated to the life science industry. NLSDays attracts leading decision makers from biotech, pharma and medtech as well as finance, research, policy and regulatory authorities.

As a NLSDays 2023 supporting organization, we offer members of our community a 15% discount on all registration categories and periods. Contact us on dajana.ilic@stuns.se to access the promotion code.

View our latest posts

Join our community database:

Insight Machine - Stay Informed and Engaged!

Don't miss out on the chance to be part of our vibrant community. Sign up for the Insight Machine today and stay connected with the latest news, invitations, and valuable resources. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!

Contact Us | LinkedIn | Webb | YouTube | Sign In

STUNS Life science is part of the non-profit foundation STUNS.

A foundation with the purpose of promoting collaboration between universities, business and society to contribute to a sustainable knowledge-based growth. Our mission at STUNS Life science is to promote the growth of a strong and sustainable life science sector.

We make life science more competitive. Everyday.

Björn Arvidsson
Managing director
bjorn.arvidsson@stuns.se
+46 (0) 70 – 994 36 06

Newsletter_Summer 2023