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The list of speakers is continuously being updated.
Head of Sales
Pelago Bioscience
Magnus Lejelöv has a background within the Pharmaceutical industry with different roles and responsibilities during 20 years at companies as MSD, Boheringer Ingelheim and the Pharmaceutical Industry association with a focus on policy, innovation, digitalization and leadership. He has also been leading a startup within health tech (CEO of Colivia with a focus on digitalizing Health care staffing) and is now working as Head of Sales for Pelago Bioscience globalizing a KI innovation within early drug discovery. Magnus has hosted more then 250 podcasts (Hälso- och sjukvårdspodden and Spanarna -Jakten på det hälsosamma samhället) and is a commonly hired moderator.
Chief Scientific Advisor & Head of GLP-1 CoE
Novo Nordisk
This talk will explore the innovative journey of drug discovery and development of GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes and obesity treatment. The talk will highlight the multifaceted benefits these therapies provide, extending beyond glycemic control and weight management. Key learnings from this development process, including challenges faced and solutions implemented, will offer valuable insights for modern drug discovery efforts. Attendees will gain perspectives on leveraging historical advancements to inform contemporary strategies in addressing complex health challenges.
Lotte Bjerre Knudsen holds a degree in biotechnology from the Technical University of Denmark, and a Doctoral degree in Scientific Medicine from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Her current position is Chief Scientific Advisor for Research & Early Development at Novo Nordisk. Lotte has deep experience in drug discovery and development and has published extensively. Lotte is a co-inventor of the long-acting GLP-1, liraglutide, and has led all biology research programs for liraglutide and semaglutide from diabetes to obesity, cardiovascular, kidney and Alzheimer’s Disease. She has been part of representing Novo Nordisk in five FDA Advisory committees. Lotte has received numerous awards. Most recently, she was the recipient of the Paul Langerhans Award from the German Diabetes Association, the STAT Biomedical Innovation Award, the American Association for the Advancement of Science Mani Bhaumik Breakthrough of the Year Award, and the Lasker Foundation Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Award.
Deputy CEO
Medicon Village Innovation
In her presentation, Sarah will share fresh findings from this year’s Skåne edition of the Life Science Barometer report, which will delve into the life science sector in southern Sweden and the sentiment among life science leaders on various topics such as short- and long-term investment priorities, value-generating assets, and how Sweden and Skåne are positioned as an engine for innovation in the life science sector.
Sarah Lidé has a wealth of experience in management consulting and ecosystem building within the public sector, healthcare, and life science sectors, including leading and facilitating strategic processes, understanding macro and industry trends and their implications for business, and driving multi-stakeholder engagement. In her current position as Deputy CEO at Medicon Village Innovation, she leads and facilitates various life science-related strategic initiatives on behalf of Medicon Village, which is Scandinavia’s leading science park focused on life science and is home to more than 180 ventures and 2 800 scientists, entrepreneurs, and professionals, all dedicated to developing solutions that contribute to human health and a better life.
Head of Public Affairs
Lif (The Danish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry)
In this talk, Carsten Blæsberg, Head of Public Affairs at Lif, will provide an update on the state of Denmark’s life science sector, covering its global footprint, challenges ahead, and the progress of the Danish national life science strategy.
CEO and Co-founder
Life Science Invest
Kristofer will share his ever growing list of “do’s and don’ts” regarding early stage funding. The talk will adress both the entrepreneurial- as well as the investor side. The thesis of the talk is that our ecosystem is not stronger than our weakest link and together we can avoid misstakes being made over and over again.
Pharmacist Kristofer Klerfalk is a serial entrepreneur that now leads Life Science Invest (LSI). LSI:s five funds are focusing on propelling Nordic life science companies forward. Kristofer is deeply dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, promoting better health and social care, and fostering innovation within organizations.
Partner
Trill Impact Advisory
What defines a VC-investable life science company? Are unmet medical need and peak sales potential the primary drivers, or do factors like scientific novelty, regulatory pathways, and commercial scalability play an equal role? Biotech investors constantly assess these questions to identify promising opportunities.
The Nordic life science ecosystem is a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation, supported by strong public funding, an early IPO culture, and active local investors. But does this model create challenges in attracting late-stage international investors, compared to other European markets where private capital enters earlier?
With Nordic life science companies raising nearly $2 billion in 2023, investor confidence remains strong. However, securing later-stage funding and global partnerships continues to be a hurdle.
As Denmark and Sweden drive biotech and medtech growth in the region, how can Nordic companies capitalize on their strengths while closing funding gaps? Navigating these dynamics is essential for startups aiming to scale and compete on a global stage.
Bita is a Partner at Trill Impact Advisory, focusing on Ventures. She has more than 15 years of professional experience from both life science R&D and venture capital.
Prior to joining Trill Impact, she was an Investment Director at Industrifonden. Her previous roles include consultant supporting the healthcare team at the Canadian pension fund CDPQ and consultant at Rosenblatt Life Science, specializing in pharmaceutical forecasting and valuation.
Bita holds a Master’s in Biomedicine and a Ph.D. in Molecular Oncology from Karolinska Institute, along with two post-doctoral fellowships at Karolinska and McGill University in cancer signal transduction. Additionally, she earned an MBA in Strategy and Business Valuation from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business.
Talent Attraction Developer
The city of Lund – International Citizen Hub Lund
Learn more about the ‘Cross Border Talent Bridge’ project and how it secure more international life science talent to the Greater Copenhagen Region. The project addresses the skills shortage in the Greater Copenhagen region’s life science and tech sectors. The project is led by the City of Lund and Copenhagen Capacity and unites key players to attract and retain specialized international talent. By fostering cross-border collaboration, we aim to create a cohesive labor market, enhance global competitiveness, and develop sustainable talent strategies. Join us to explore how this initiative is shaping the future of talent mobility and regional growth in life sciences and tech industry.
Lisa Andersson moved from California, USA to Sweden more than 30 years ago to work as an English Consultant and with International Cultural Communication for Swedish industries. She has years of experience within the relocation branch, working firsthand with welcoming international recruited expertise to southern Sweden before taking on the challenge of creating International Citizen Hub for the city of Lund in 2015. Lisa is also co-creator and responsible for the Kick-Start Job program for spouses / partners of the recruited talent moving to southern Sweden where retention has been the focus. Lund is lead partner for the Cross-border Talent Bridge Project where the focus has extended into attracting specialized talent to the Greater Copenhagen area which is a shared endeavor by several key partners in both Lund and Copenhagen.
Managing Director Nordic
Medhouse
In today’s competitive life science industry, attracting and managing talent across generations is more crucial than ever. Organizations must go beyond traditional recruitment strategies and create environments where employees feel valued, heard, and aligned with company values. This talk explores how companies can authentically live their values daily, foster a culture of inclusion, and empower leaders to engage and develop talent effectively. By understanding generational differences and leveraging a people-centric leadership approach, businesses can build strong, motivated teams that drive innovation and long-term success in the life science sector.
Krister Sandström is an experienced leader from the pharmaceutical/biotech industry with over 20 years in leading positions. His career includes significant roles at MSD and Biogen.
Krister Sandström is currently the Nordic Managing Director at Medhouse, the leading recruitment and service company within Life Science in the Nordic region. His primary focus is on executive search and talent management, where he leverages his industry expertise to identify, attract, and develop top leadership talent. With a strong background in leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, Krister plays a key role in shaping the future of talent acquisition within the life science sector.
Krister holds a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, pedagogy, sociology, economics, and organizational leadership, supplemented by executive training from the Stockholm School of Economics and various leadership programs
Innovation & Business Strategies, Helping Organisations Thrive in an AI-Driven World
Passage2Pro
The life sciences sector is facing a growing talent shortage and skills mismatch—but what if the solution is closer than we think? In this talk, I’ll challenge you to rethink recruitment and retention by tapping into the hidden potential within your workforce, embracing global talent through remote and flexible models, and creating inclusive career pathways for academics entering the industry.
Building adaptable, high-performing teams will enhance innovation and long-term success by shifting expectations, redefining job roles, and focusing on skills rather than rigid qualifications. Let’s explore opportunities!
Tina Persson is an ICF PCC-certified Executive, Career, and Leadership Coach with a background in academia and industry. Specializing in innovation-driven strategies, business, and Adaptability Intelligence, she helps individuals, teams, and organizations thrive in a fast-changing world shaped by AI and technology.
With 20 years in academia and 8 years in recruitment, Tina has guided hundreds through successful career transitions. She is also a speaker, workshop facilitator, and expert in leadership & team coaching.
Managing Partner
Best Talent
Best Talent is a Scandinavian executive search firm specializing in identifying and recruiting top talent across Engineering, Pharma, Biotech, Medtech, and Life Sciences. Our mission is to match the ambitions of talented executives with visionary companies.
Janne Kofoed, Managing Partner, Best Talent is a seasoned executive search professional specializing in the recruitment and strategic counseling of top-tier talent within the Pharma, Life Science, Technology, and Engineering sectors. With deep expertise in headhunting, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a robust network.
Throughout her career, Janne has worked with global Top 5 companies in both Technology and Pharma & Life Science, playing a key role in major pharmaceutical projects and execution processes, particularly those involving automation and digitalization. Her contribution lies not only in identifying and securing exceptional talent but also in adding measurable value to organizations by leveraging her international business experience and commitment to finding the right match—where both IQ and EQ are considered critical to success.
Janne is an experienced national and international professional with strong intercultural awareness. She has a deep understanding of the Nordic and European business Environments. Known for her dedication, hardworking nature, and results-oriented mindset, Janne consistently goes above and beyond in her work, striving to deliver the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Senior Director, HR
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Mads Hougaard joined Ferring Pharmaceuticals in September 2022.
Mads is head of Human Resources in Denmark and is responsible for setting and implementing the people agenda.
Mads holds a Master of Science in International Business Administration from Copenhagen Business School and has worked with HR both in Denmark and abroad during his more than 20 years of experience. His specialties cover change management, talent management, leadership development, team development, performance management, coaching, talent acquisition, employee relations and rewards management.
Managing Director Healthcare Investment Banking
DNB
Swedish and Danish life science companies are globally recognized for their innovation, strong research ecosystems, and high-quality science. However, successfully expanding beyond the Nordic region—particularly into the U.S. and other international markets—requires a well-defined strategy. We will explore key considerations for Nordic biotech and medtech companies looking to scale globally, including navigating U.S. regulatory and market access challenges, structuring successful pharma partnerships, and attracting international investors. We will discuss what global investors seek in Nordic life science companies, how to position for competitive licensing and M&A deals, and strategies to secure funding for international growth. With insights from investment banking and dealmaking, this session will provide actionable guidance for companies aiming to transition from strong local players to global leaders.
Pieter van der Meijden is Managing Director Healthcare Investment Banking at DNB, soon to be DNB Carnegie, based in Stockholm, Sweden. The DNB Healthcare team combines in-depth sector knowledge, scientific background and business experience. Assisting corporate clients, with all types of M&A and ECM transaction processes as well as offering international investors high-quality analysis of life sciences and healthcare companies and trade execution through specialized marketing and trading services.
Regional Director, Nordics
Singapore Economic Development Board
The Singapore Economic Development Board (“EDB”) is a statutory board under the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry. The EDB is responsible industry development as well as partnering foreign companies in leveraging Singapore – as a commercial hub, manufacturing base and innovation node – to grow and internationalise in Asia.
Andy is EDB’s Regional Director for the Nordics (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) based in Europe, where he serves as the main point of contact for Nordic companies interested in tapping on Singapore as their gateway and springboard into Asia. Prior to his current role, Andy had taken on appointments across various industry and strategy teams at EDB, including Healthcare, Supply Chain and Connectivity, Consumer Businesses, and Aerospace.
International Business Coordinator
SWECARE Foundation
This talk will explore threats and opportunities based on the data from our yearly Health Barometer, a Swedish market survey being done every year together with Lif and Swedish Medtech with a focus on export and internationalization.
Ulf Borbos has more than 15 years of experience in the Swedish innovation system. Noth as operational manager for a Swedish Incubator as well as International Project manager at the national organisation Swedish Incubators & Science Parks. Now as International Business Coordinator at Swecare. In his current position at Swecare, he leads and facilitates various life science-related strategic projects and initiatives on behalf of Swecare.
Swecare was founded in 1978 by the Swedish government and the health care industry together as a semi-governmental non-profit organization. Swecare focus on enhanced export and internationalization of Swedish health care and life science. Today, Swecare has more than 100 Swedish companies and organizations in its network and with presence in Stockholm, Öresund’s, and Gothenburg region.
The members represent the entire health care spectrum – from the small startup company to university hospitals, regions, and global corporations, working with everything from biotech to medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and health care services.
Chief Commercial Officer
NorthX Biologics
As the global demand for advanced biologics accelerates, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) must strategically leverage their expertise to expand into new markets. NorthX Biologics strong foundation in cutting-edge modalities, such as extracellular vesicles, recombinant proteins, cell therapy, viral vectors, viruses, and plasmid DNA (pDNA), is a good start. However, true market expansion requires more than just technological capabilities; it demands a clear understanding of both strengths and weaknesses to establish a robust right to play in new geographies and therapeutic areas. NorthX Biologics is committed to establish itself as a Beyond CDMO, meaning a 100% dedication towards its customers.
Magnus Gustafsson works as CCO at NorthX Biologics, a Beyond CDMO providing process development and GMP manufacture of viruses, viral vectors, recombinant proteins, pDNA, extracellular vesicles and cell therapy. Magnus has previously had leading positions at 3PBiovian, Cytiva, and Cobra Biologics and has a scientific background, with more than 20 peer-reviewed articles, and has spent 15 years in various commercial positions executing intra- and extra scientific and corporate collaborations, sales management, project management, business development, partnership negotiations and agreements.
Magnus holds an MSc in Biochemical Engineering, a PhD in Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics and an MBA in Business Administration.
