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
- Jonas Jendi - Senior Investment Director & Life Science Practice Lead, Industrifonden
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
- Maria Tell - COO & Investment Director, Segulah Medical Acceleration
- Taus Holtug - Co-founder & CEO, Evido
- 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
- 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
- Chelsea Ranger - Founder, Women in Life Science Norway (WiLD Norway)
- Jim Lund - Chief Business Development Officer, CCRM Nordic
- Jenni Nordborg - Executive Director of Strategy and Public Affairs, Lif
