Day Two - CET (Central European Time, GMT+01:00)
With unparalleled access to comprehensive health data records and a thriving startup ecosystem, the Nordics are emerging as a global leader in AI-driven drug discovery. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the region is transforming drug development processes—streamlining workflows, accelerating research timelines, and enabling the design of novel molecules and clinical trials. This panel will explore how Nordic companies are shaping the future of drug discovery through AI innovation.
- How are the Nordics leveraging their unique health data infrastructure to drive advancements in AI-powered drug discovery?
- What are the most promising applications of AI in streamlining workflows, molecule design, and clinical trial optimization?
- How can collaboration between startups, academia, and industry further position the Nordics as a global hub for AI-driven drug development?
- Tommi Lehtonen - Co-Founder & CEO, Hedera Dx
The advent of GLP-1 receptor agonists has revolutionized diabetes care, offering unprecedented efficacy in glycemic control, weight management, and cardiovascular benefits. As the field evolves, next-generation GLP-1s are poised to push the boundaries even further, with innovations in delivery mechanisms, extended half-lives, and combination therapies targeting broader metabolic disorders. This panel will explore the cutting-edge advancements in GLP-1s, the challenges in development and commercialization, and the transformative potential these therapies hold for reshaping diabetes care and improving patient outcomes globally.
How are next-generation GLP-1 therapies transforming diabetes and metabolic disorder treatments through innovative delivery systems and combination approaches?
What are the primary challenges in addressing regulatory hurdles, manufacturing complexities, and ensuring global accessibility for GLP-1 therapies?
How can GLP-1 therapies expand their applications beyond diabetes to tackle conditions like obesity, NASH, and cardiovascular disease?
- Kasper Wickzén - CCO, Sigrid Therapeutics
- Gustav Gram - CEO, Pila Pharma
The US represents the world's largest medtech market, but Nordic companies face unique challenges when expanding across the Atlantic; from FDA regulatory differences and reimbursement complexities to cultural sales approaches and talent acquisition. This panel features Nordic medtech leaders, investors, and experts who understand the operational realities of building American businesses while maintaining Nordic roots.
Building your business model in the US
Reimbursement, IP and regulatory considerations for expansion
Building teams in the US, hiring, compensation, and cultural integration challenges
The importance of accessing US venture capital
The Nordic region hosts major medtech corporations alongside a thriving startup ecosystem, creating unique partnership opportunities. But navigating these relationships requires compromise between agile startups and established corporations. This panel takes learnings from startup founders, investors and corporate venture leaders who understand the Nordic partnership landscape.
Different partnership models and knowing what is best for your business
Defining win-win outcomes and success metrics for both parties
Engaging early and building relationships with relevant strategics
The Nordic region’s innovation ecosystem thrives on a unique collaborative approach between academia, industry, and government. This synergy fosters groundbreaking advancements and continues to attract global investors seeking to capitalize on the region’s forward-thinking initiatives. This panel will explore how the Nordics maintain their position as a hub for innovation and what makes the region so appealing to investors.
- What are the key factors driving the success of the Nordic innovation ecosystem?
- How does collaboration between academia, industry, and government fuel innovation and attract investment?
- What strategies can the region adopt to sustain and enhance its appeal to global investors in the future?
- Magnus Björsne - Head of BioVenture Innovation Unit, CEO AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca
- Johan Christenson - Partner, HealthCap
- Daniel Eriksson - Founder & CEO, Nordic Center for Sustainable Healthcare
- Lorenzo Roversi - Managing Director UK & Nordics, IonQ
The Nordic biotech sector is renowned for its innovation, strong research infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability, making it a global leader in areas such as precision medicine, digital health, and green biotechnology. However, scaling in a competitive global market presents unique challenges, particularly in the absence of IPO opportunities. This panel will explore how Nordic biotech companies can leverage the region’s strengths—such as cutting-edge innovation, collaborative ecosystems, and government support—to drive growth and expand internationally. By examining successful case studies and discussing strategies for building global partnerships, accessing new markets, and navigating funding challenges, the session will provide actionable insights for companies looking to thrive on the global stage.
What are the unique advantages of the Nordic biotech ecosystem, and how can companies capitalize on them?
How can Nordic biotech companies build global partnerships to drive growth and market access?
What lessons can be learned from successful Nordic biotech companies that have scaled internationally?
- Zaki Salanti - Senior Director, Head of Search & Evaluation, Novo Nordisk A/S
- Thomas Tan - Director Corporate Strategy, Lundbeck
- Farzad Abdi-Dezfuli - Founding Partner, Sarsia
- Tobias Horneman-Thielcke - Partner, Eir Ventures
The medtech IPO market is showing signs of recovery after years of dormancy, with 2025 delivering notable public offerings and renewed investor appetite. But timing remains critical as companies balance market conditions, regulatory landscapes, and investor expectations. This panel of experts discuss the current IPO environment, what's driving the recovery, and strategic considerations for medtech companies planning public offerings in the next 18 months.
Reviewing the IPO landscape
The relevance of European public markets against the US
Revenue thresholds, profitability paths and growth metrics for going public
IPO vs M&A vs continued private growth
Patient engagement is evolving from a tokenistic "checklist" approach to a model that values patients as true partners in healthcare innovation. Medtech companies must recognize the importance of equitable patient involvement, including fair compensation for their time and expertise. By embracing patient-led initiatives and innovative communication formats, medtechs can drive meaningful collaboration and improve healthcare outcomes. Our panel of investors and operators discuss how patient engagement has shaped thier companies and investment thesis.
- Transitioning from checklist approaches to true patient partnerships in medtech innovation.
- Addressing funding and compensation challenges to ensure equitable patient involvement.
- Leveraging patient-led projects and innovative communication formats to drive engagement.
- How investors view patient engagement when reviewing an investment opportunity
The Nordics are emerging as a hub for cutting-edge oncology research and innovation, leveraging strong healthcare systems, advanced research institutions, and a collaborative ecosystem. From breakthroughs in immunotherapy to precision medicine and early detection technologies, the region is making significant strides in transforming cancer care. This panel will highlight the latest advancements in oncology within the Nordics and explore how the region is shaping the future of cancer treatment.
What are the most promising oncology innovations emerging from the Nordic region?
How is the region leveraging precision medicine and immunotherapy to improve cancer outcomes?
What role does collaboration between academia, biotech companies, and healthcare providers play in advancing oncology research?
How can the Nordics address challenges such as access to clinical trials, regulatory hurdles, and equitable cancer care?
- Mai-Britt Zocca - CEO, IO Biotech
- Cristiana Pires - CEO, Asgard Tx
The Nordic countries share a long history of collaboration, leveraging their shared values, complementary strengths, and innovative ecosystems to drive regional growth and global competitiveness. This panel will explore how deeper partnerships across the Nordics can unlock new opportunities in innovation, sustainability, and economic development, while addressing shared challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
How do shared cultural and economic values foster collaboration across the Nordic countries?
What are the key areas—such as innovation, sustainability, and healthcare—where Nordic collaboration is driving global impact?
How can the Nordic countries strengthen cross-border partnerships to address challenges like climate change, talent retention, and economic resilience?
What role do governments, industries, and academia play in enhancing regional cooperation and competitiveness?
- Chelsea Ranger - Founder, Women in Life Science Norway (WiLD Norway)
- Jim Lund - Chief Business Development Officer, CCRM Nordic