Invest in life science in Sweden

Drive the next era of healthcare innovation

Why Sweden for life science

Sweden offers an investment environment where innovation is not isolated in individual institutions, but embedded in how research, healthcare, and industry work together. This supports practical collaboration, reduces friction in development, and helps companies build long-term operations with confidence.

  • Integrated innovation system
    Close links between research, healthcare providers and industry support translation from research to application.
  • Strong research and development (R&D) capacity
    Advanced research infrastructure and long‑standing investment in life science research enable development across the full innovation cycle.
  • Predictable regulatory and business environment
    Transparent regulation, strong intellectual property protection and low levels of corruption support long‑term investment decisions.
  • Access to skilled talent
    A highly educated workforce with experience across research, clinical development, production and digital solutions.
  • Data‑driven healthcare and digital readiness
    Mature digital infrastructure and structured health data environments support clinical research, AI‑enabled solutions and advanced analytics.
  • European market access
    Sweden provides a stable base for serving European and global markets from within the EU framework.

Contact us about life science in Sweden

1 Most innovative country in the EU
70+ Incubators, testbeds and science parks for life science
150m+ Samples stored in Swedish biobanks
A complete and future‑ready value chain

Sweden offers an end-to-end environment that supports life science investments across the full value chain:

Discovery research and early development

Sweden’s research base is designed for collaboration. National resources such as SciLifeLab support research communities across several Swedish cities and universities, offering technologies and expertise that enable early-stage discovery and applied research partnerships.

Clinical research and trials in collaboration with healthcare systems

Sweden’s collaboration model connects universities, healthcare, and industry, supporting pathways from research to clinical application. Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) is one example of a national effort that connects universities with medical faculties, healthcare, SciLifeLab, patient organisations, and the business sector for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Advanced therapies and biomanufacturing scale-up (ATMP)

Sweden is positioned as a frontrunner in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP), with an ecosystem that spans process development and clinical GMP capability. Examples include Vecura (Karolinska Hospital’s open innovation facility for ATMP), TestaCenter (a pilot-scale pre-GMP facility), and NorthX Biologics (recognised as a national innovation hub for advanced therapeutics and vaccines in 2021). 

Pharmaceutical and biotech production operations

Sweden’s production environment is described as advanced, digitalised, and automated, with conditions that support long-term manufacturing operations. The broader platform includes reliable access to utilities and a system focus on sustainability and productivity – relevant for companies planning regulated production and future expansion.

Medical technology development and specialised manufacturing

Life science innovation in Sweden is supported by convergence between technology and healthcare, with medtech and healthtech examples embedded in the ecosystem. This creates opportunities for companies to develop devices and solutions in environments where clinical need, digital capability, and industrial know-how intersect. 

Digital health, data platforms, and analytics

Sweden is positioned as a digital health pioneer, with established use of digital services in healthcare. The ecosystem is described as deeply integrated into the healthcare sector, and supported by assets such as national quality registries and biobanks that enable research and data-driven development.

I think Sweden and the other Nordic countries will continue to be in the forefront when it comes to the application of robotic-assistance in healthcare David Lang, Regional Director for the Nordic countries at Intuitive Surgical
Sweden’s key life science hubs 

Sweden’s life science ecosystem is organised around specialised hubs that combine research, healthcare and industry. Each hub offers distinct capabilities and clear entry points for international companies seeking collaboration, scale and long-term presence.

Stockholm and Uppsala: Research and clinical development hub
Sweden’s largest life science hub, bringing together leading universities, university hospitals, and research infrastructure. The environment supports companies developing new therapies, diagnostics, and digital health solutions, with close access to clinical expertise and healthcare systems.

Lund and Skåne: Biotech scale-up and advanced therapies hub
A strong base for biotechnology and advanced therapies, linked to the Medicon Valley life science region. The cluster supports companies working with biologics and cell and gene therapies, offering access to research, production capability, and cross-border collaboration with Denmark.

Gothenburg: Biotech development and clinical collaboration hub
A growing life science hub centred around industry, healthcare, and applied research. With innovation environments such as GoCo Health Innovation City, the region supports biotech development, clinical trials, and partnerships between global companies, start-ups, and healthcare providers.

Linköping and East Sweden: Medical imaging and diagnostics hub
A specialised hub focused on medical imaging, diagnostics, and data-driven healthcare. The cluster combines research, technology development, and healthcare application, with strong capabilities in image analysis, digital pathology, and AI-based diagnostic tools.

Opportunities for investment and expansion

Sweden provides clear entry points for life science investment across R&D, manufacturing, clinical development and partnerships. Opportunities are anchored in a mature ecosystem designed for long-term establishment, scale-up and reinvestment.

R&D and innovation centres

Establish R&D operations close to national research infrastructure and collaboration platforms. Sweden’s ecosystem is designed to enable joint projects across academia, healthcare, and industry – useful for companies building discovery capability, translational research, or platform development in areas such as precision medicine and connected health.

Manufacturing and scale-up

Build or expand biomanufacturing and regulated production in an environment described as advanced, digitalised, and automation-ready. For advanced therapies, Sweden offers a developed ATMP ecosystem with facilities spanning pre-GMP piloting, process development, and GMP manufacturing – supporting scale-up pathways from early phase to clinical supply.

Clinical development and trials

Access collaboration with healthcare systems and national initiatives that connect research capability with clinical practice. Structured platforms such as Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) support knowledge exchange and industry dialogue, while national data assets (quality registries and biobanks) strengthen conditions for studies and evidence generation.

Partnerships, licensing, and ecosystem collaboration

Use Sweden as a base for partnerships with research-driven start-ups, innovation hubs, and established actors across biotech, pharma, medtech, and digital health. Sweden’s broad network of incubators, science parks, and testbeds creates multiple entry points for co-development, early-stage investment, and strategic collaboration.

How we help you establish and scale in Sweden 

We support international companies throughout the establishment and expansion process in Sweden. As a long‑term partner, we help you navigate local conditions, reduce risk, and move efficiently from planning to operation.

  • Market and opportunity assessment
    Assess market potential, policy conditions, and strategic fit for investments in Sweden and Europe.
  • Site selection and location analysis
    Compare locations based on talent availability, infrastructure, connectivity, and ecosystem strengths.
  • Partner and ecosystem introductions
    Connect with technology partners, research environments, innovation hubs, and public stakeholders.
  • Regulatory and stakeholder coordination
    Support dialogue with relevant authorities and help navigate regulatory and operational considerations.
  • Expansion and long‑term growth support
    Support follow‑on investments, scaling, and strategic repositioning over time.

Frequently asked questions about life science

Is Sweden suitable for both global life science companies and scale-ups?

Yes. Sweden’s ecosystem includes established global players alongside emerging innovators, supported by clusters, incubators, and collaboration platforms. 

Can we combine R&D, clinical collaboration, and manufacturing in Sweden?

In many cases, yes. Sweden offers environments spanning research infrastructure, healthcare collaboration, and advanced production—depending on your regulatory and operational needs.

How strong is Sweden’s position in advanced therapies (ATMP)?

Sweden describes itself as a frontrunner in ATMP, with an ecosystem supported by initiatives such as ATMP 2030 and facilities covering process development, pre-GMP piloting, and GMP manufacturing. 

What makes Sweden relevant for digital health and connected care?

Sweden’s digital health ecosystem is described as deeply integrated into the healthcare system, supported by mature digital infrastructure and data assets such as national quality registries and biobanks.

Are there established innovation environments we can plug into quickly?

Yes. Sweden has a national network of incubators, science parks, and testbeds, plus five prominent life science clusters that provide structured entry points.

How does Sweden support evidence generation and data-driven development?

Sweden has national quality registries and a biobanking infrastructure, including more than 150 million stored samples, supporting research and studies linked to healthcare practice.

What role can Business Sweden play during site selection and establishment?

Business Sweden can support site selection and establishment by coordinating stakeholder dialogue, connecting you to relevant regional and national actors, and providing practical guidance on setting up and operating in Sweden.

Talk to me about life science
Senior Project Manager Mattias Gäreskog
Business Sweden can support you

Across strategy, execution and risk as you invest in Sweden. If you are preparing for your next step, we are ready to discuss how we can support your plans.