Cultivating a “dare to share” culture for life science innovation
Cultivating a “dare to share” culture for life science innovation
Sweden’s position as a global innovation leader is deeply rooted in its unique culture of collaboration and resourcefulness. As a nation of just 10 million people —smaller than the city of Paris—we’ve long embraced the need to share resources, knowledge, and expertise to remain competitive.
This necessity has cultivated a mindset of openness, trust and cooperation—a collaborative spirit that has become ingrained in our national identity. This culture not only fuels groundbreaking innovation. It also enables Sweden to exceed expectations on the global stage, transforming challenges into opportunities and creating ecosystems that inspire impactful solutions.
Dare to share
At the heart of this ethos lies the AstraZeneca BioVentureHub, where the “dare to share” philosophy brings Swedish innovation culture to life. Ranked as the second most innovative country in the world, Sweden thrives on doing things differently.
The BioVentureHub embodies this spirit by bringing together a diverse community of life sciences companies and academic groups, encouraging them to challenge, inspire and support one another in the pursuit of excellence and shared learning.
Located within AstraZeneca’s strategic R&D site, the BioVentureHub offers unparalleled access to AstraZeneca’s scientific expertise, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and world-class facilities. This ecosystem enables emerging companies to thrive in cutting-edge fields such as pharma, digital/data/AI, deep tech, and SustainTech.
Breaking down barriers
The BioVentureHub’s open-access model breaks down traditional barriers, enabling companies to access AstraZeneca’s resources to accelerate advanced R&D technologies.
From tailored seminars and collaborative workshops to monthly networking events, BioVentureHub creates opportunities for continuous knowledge sharing, skill development and collaborative problem-solving.
Members are welcomed with a seamless integration process that fosters a strong sense of belonging. This culture transforms a competitive ego-system into a supportive ecosystem, encouraging a constant exchange of ideas that drive collective progress.
The BioVentureHub is more than just a physical space—it’s a powerful enabler of growth for innovative life sciences companies. By creating an environment where collaboration and trust are prioritized, it gives emerging companies like Scantox, Kromnigon and Nanolyze the opportunity to grow, adapt and develop in competitive markets.
Rather than focusing solely on individual success stories, the emphasis lies on how the collaborative community within BioVentureHub contributes to these milestones—whether through shared infrastructure, expertise or cultural alignment.
"No strings attached" - a key principle
To maintain an environment of openness, BioVentureHub operates with a "No strings attached" principle, without rights to the companies assets/IP. While AstraZeneca provides access to resources and expertise, the responsibility for company success and ownership remains with the companies themselves. This ensures that the community remains a space for shared growth without compromising independence or quality.
Pernilla Isberg, Director BioVentureHub, Rickard Wahlström, Per Fogelstrand and Gaurav Goral, discusssing the connection between culture and growth.
Growing innovation together
The AstraZeneca BioVentureHub represents the best of Sweden’s collaborative innovation culture, empowering companies to tackle global health and sustainability challenges together. By blending complementary skills, fostering shared knowledge, and providing an environment of trust, the BioVentureHub has set a new benchmark for innovation-driven ecosystems.
The real value of BioVentureHub lies not just in the success of individual companies but in the collective progress it fosters, proving that collaboration is the key to unlocking transformational solutions and growing innovation together.
How Scantox leveraged AstraZeneca BioVentureHub’s collaborative community for strategic growth
Rickard Wahlström, Site Manager, Scantox Sweden.
Introduction
The acquisition of Q&Q Labs by Scantox in 2023 highlights the unique value of AstraZeneca’s BioVentureHub. More than a growth story, this success was rooted in BioVentureHub's collaborative culture, shared resources, and vibrant ecosystem. BioVentureHub enabled Q&Q Labs, now Scantox, to build capabilities, form strategic connections, and attract Scantox, a leading preclinical contract research organization (CRO), as an ownership partner.
A foundation built on collaboration and shared resources
Joining the BioVentureHub in 2014, with just four employees, Q&Q Labs gained access to expertise, infrastructure and a supportive community. "The collaborative exchanges and shared resources at BioVentureHub were transformative," says Rickard Wahlström, Site Director of Scantox. Proximity to other growth-phase companies and AstraZeneca’s R&D infrastructure accelerated Q&Q Labs’ operations and innovation.
Access to AstraZeneca’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and technical support was invaluable. “The support gave us capabilities that small companies can rarely afford,” notes Wahlström. By sharing knowledge, equipment, and expertise with other members, Q&Q Labs thrived in BioVentureHub’s symbiotic environment.
Talent and strategic growth
BioVentureHub’s dynamic ecosystem also facilitated talent recruitment. “The cross-pollination of talent strengthens the entire ecosystem and helped us build a skilled team,” Wahlström explains. This integration of expertise positioned Q&Q Labs as an attractive partner for Scantox.
By 2023, Q&Q Labs had grown to 17 employees, offering specialized bioanalytical expertise that complemented Scantox’s preclinical studies. "It was a perfect match," says Wahlström. "Together, we expanded capabilities to create a more comprehensive offering for clients.”
Conclusion
Q&Q Labs’ transformation into Scantox exemplifies how BioVentureHub drives innovation through collaboration, shared resources and trust. “Without the BioVentureHub, we wouldn’t have been able to develop as a company,” says Wahlström.
This case demonstrates BioVentureHub’s power to nurture growth, making it a benchmark for community-driven success in the life sciences.
For more details on Scantox acquisition of Q&Q Labs, visit the Scantox press release.
How Kromnigon leveraged BioVentureHub community and collaboration opportunities to scale
Per Fogelstrand, CEO and Founder, Kromnigon.
Introduction
Kromnigon, founded in 2015, specializes in microscopy solutions. Joining AstraZeneca’s BioVentureHub in 2021 proved pivotal, providing the resources, credibility, and collaborations needed to secure funding, gain market trust, and achieve My Green Lab certification.
Gaining credibility and trust
Relocating to BioVentureHub brought a significant shift for Kromnigon. “It was a game changer,” recalls CEO Per Fogelstrand. Being embedded within AstraZeneca’s R&D site not only enabled the company to access advanced infrastructure but also elevated its reputation. “Being connected to AstraZeneca has really helped us gain trust in the market,” Fogelstrand explains. This credibility extended to investors, suppliers, and customers, making it easier for Kromnigon to raise capital and attract partnerships.
Access to resources and expertise
BioVentureHub’s infrastructure provided Kromnigon with state-of-the-art laboratories, meeting rooms, and specialized equipment that would have been out of reach otherwise. “The working environment is incredibly attractive for both research and hiring,” says Fogelstrand.
Collaboration with AstraZeneca’s histology labs and other companies at the Hub played a crucial role in accelerating innovation. “We shared equipment, knowledge, and even tissue samples,” Fogelstrand notes. This seamless exchange of expertise not only improved Kromnigon’s R&D processes but also opened doors to practical problem-solving. For example, when developing freeze-dried samples, the company received direct support from neighbouring BioVentureHub members, speeding up their progress.
Supporting green initiatives
A key achievement for Kromnigon was earning My Green Lab certification through the My Green Lab initiative, supported by BioVentureHub. This milestone reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and its ability to adopt best practices, thanks to resources and guidance provided by the Hub. “Achieving My Green Lab certification would not have been possible without the BioVentureHub’s support,” says Fogelstrand.
A collaborative community
One of the most significant benefits of BioVentureHub is the access to a network of companies at different stages of their journeys. This community fosters mutual learning and problem-solving. “Knowing which companies have already solved challenges—like exporting to the US—meant we could ask for advice and avoid reinventing the wheel,” Fogelstrand explains.
The BioVentureHub also provides workshops, seminars, and mentoring programs tailored to help companies like Kromnigon refine their strategies and operations. “The community-driven support we receive here has been fundamental to our growth,” Fogelstrand reflects.
Looking ahead
With a strong foundation built at BioVentureHub, Kromnigon is now focused on commercialization. The company is scaling its sales of optical filters and exploring new markets with its reagent technology based on streptavidin, which has attracted great interest for attaching DNA and nanoparticles to antibodies. Fogelstrand sees immense growth potential, driven by the resources, support and connections gained at BioVentureHub.
Conclusion
Kromnigon’s experience at AstraZeneca BioVentureHub highlights the power of collaboration and shared resources in fostering innovation. By leveraging the BioVentureHub’s infrastructure and supportive ecosystem, the company secured funding, gained market trust, and achieved sustainability milestones, setting the stage for long-term success.
As Fogelstrand sums up: “If the BioVentureHub didn’t exist, I’m not sure how we would survive at the critical phase when R&D costs are higher than sales revenues. The access to labs, the community, and everything combined is really fundamental for us.”
Per Fogelstrand and Anandi Rajan, discussing results in the lab.
Nanolyze’s progress through AstraZeneca BioVentureHub’s supportive ecosystem
Gaurav Goyal, CEO Nanolyze.
Introduction
Founded in 2020, Nanolyze is a deep-tech startup developing advanced technology to analyze drug delivery nanoparticles, such as those used in vaccines. While still in its early stages, the company has made meaningful progress in refining its technology, largely due to its proximity to AstraZeneca’s R&D facilities and the collaborative opportunities offered by BioVentureHub. This unique environment has allowed Nanolyze to focus on long-term potential while leveraging vital resources and expertise.
Proximity enabling development
Being embedded within AstraZeneca’s BioVentureHub has provided Nanolyze with access to specialized facilities and direct collaboration with AstraZeneca’s Advanced Drug Delivery team. “We work very closely with the team at AstraZeneca. The access to lab space and equipment is incredibly valuable and hard to come by,” says Gaurav Goyal, CEO of Nanolyze.
This proximity has enabled Nanolyze to work with real-world samples and significantly streamline its R&D processes. The ability to test, iterate, and receive feedback directly from AstraZeneca’s scientists has been instrumental in the company’s development.
Community driving credibility and problem-solving
At BioVentureHub, Nanolyze benefits not only from technical resources but also from a vibrant community of companies. This environment fosters knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving. “I can have a casual conversation with another CEO and walk away with new insights into investors, hiring, or operational strategies,” explains Goyal.
The support of the ecosystem has also enhanced Nanolyze’s credibility. “Being associated with AstraZeneca—a global leader—validates our ideas in ways we couldn’t achieve on our own,” Goyal adds.
Building momentum for long-term growth
While Nanolyze is still in its growth phase, its time at BioVentureHub has laid a strong foundation for the future. The supportive ecosystem has shortened feedback loops and provided access to expertise and infrastructure that would otherwise take years to acquire independently.
The company has also benefited from shared resources, such as lab tours, collaborative workshops and access to shared equipment configurations. “Seeing how others solve problems often sparks new ideas for us,” Goyal reflects.
Conclusion
Nanolyze’s progress highlights the power of BioVentureHub’s collaborative ecosystem in supporting early-stage companies. By providing access to AstraZeneca’s infrastructure and fostering a community of shared learning, BioVentureHub has helped Nanolyze build momentum in developing its nanoparticle analysis technology.
“Being at BioVentureHub is a core part of our journey. We wouldn’t have progressed this far without it,” concludes Goyal.
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