The 2026 edition of Swiss Biotech Day, held in May in Basel, welcomed more than 3,500 participants from 58 countries, including 31 international delegations. One of the biggest delegations was the Nordic one, co-lead by SwedenBIO together with INNOSIAMO, a Swiss-Nordic consultancy firm, and in collaboration with our Nordic partners Business Finland, Life Science Nord, Medicon Valley Alliance and the Life Science Cluster. SwedenBIOs Nordic Community Manager, Sigrún Elfa Snæbjörnsdóttir, shares her take on event.
What are your impressions of the conference, and what was the highlight?
– The conference is of high quality, and it is clear that a great deal of effort goes into both the program and the speaker selection, and mix of delegates. One of the highlights was seeing our delegation companies generate tangible business opportunities throughout the conference. The event also provides an excellent platform for showcasing Nordic innovation and strengthening ties between the Nordic and Swiss life science ecosystems. I also greatly enjoyed seeing how the collaboration with our Nordic partners, who we organise this initiative with, continues to grow and flourish.
The delegation has grown from 7 companies last year to 22 companies this year. Tell us more.
– The increase in participation demonstrates the strong interest that Nordic life science companies have in Switzerland and the opportunities the market offers. It also reflects the growing strength of Nordic collaboration. Not only did we welcome more companies this year, but we also saw broader geographical representation across the Nordic region.
What exposure and activities did the delegation engage in?
– Five delegation companies, including two SwedenBIO members, participated in the Global Innovation Showcase pitch sessions. Curacell and Atrogi both pitched in the late-stage startup category, with Atrogi winning second place for best pitch in this category. We also organised a Swiss–Nordic roundtable discussion on biotech investment strategies, which sparked engaging conversations around common approaches to supporting innovation in our respective ecosystems.
– To conclude the event, we hosted a Nordic reception that brought together delegation members, partners, and key stakeholders at the event. We were honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Carl Magnus Nesser of Sweden and H.E. Ambassador Okko-Pekka Salmimies of Finland, whose presence underscored the importance of Nordic collaboration and international partnerships in driving innovation.
– As Ambassador Nesser summarised: “The Nordic countries come here with a simple message: We believe in collaboration. Because innovation does not happen in isolation, it happens in partnerships. In trust.”
What kind of feedback did you get from the delegation members?
– Overall very positive. Companies were pleased with the quality of the connections they made and saw significant added value in being part of the Nordic delegation. We received positive feedback regarding both the number and quality of meetings they were able to arrange, and several participants were pleasantly surprised by the scale of the event.
– It was also mentioned that a shared home base and practical support throughout the event contributed greatly to their experience. An important benefit that is sometimes overlooked is the opportunity for companies to build relationships within the delegation itself. Many participants made valuable connections with Nordic peers, opening doors for future collaborations across the region.
What are some of the next exchanges between Swedish and Swiss life science?
– We are delighted to be welcoming a Swiss delegation back to NLSDays in September in Stockholm, which represents the next step in this growing bilateral collaboration. During Swiss Biotech Day, we saw strong interest in the Nordic life science ecosystem and in NLSDays specifically. The Nordic booth attracted attention, providing an excellent platform to strengthen engagement with Swiss stakeholders. We look forward to continuing to build these connections and creating new opportunities for collaboration between our ecosystems.
What would you like to say to Swedish companies interested in Swiss Biotech Day?
– Join us next year and be part of the continued growth of the Nordic presence at Swiss Biotech Day. We were extremely pleased with the outcomes of this year’s delegation, but we also identified several opportunities to further enhance the offering for future participants. We are already exploring new partnerships and activities for next year’s program, so stay tuned. We would love to see even more Swedish companies take advantage of this valuable platform for networking, partnering, and international visibility.
Rayhana Khaireddine, Sales Manager Europe, NorthX, shared her experience of being part of the delegation
What is your overall impression of the delegation?
– Very positive. It was well organized, and we felt supported throughout the event. Being part of a larger Swedish delegation also gave a stronger presence and made networking easier.
Which part did you appreciate the most?
– We really appreciated the preparation before the event, the mingle beforehand, and the group chat during the conference. The reception with the ambassadors was also a great way to wrap up the event and connect with people in a more relaxed setting.
Did it result in any relevant new business contacts or insights?
– Yes, definitely. I had several interesting discussions that could lead to future collaborations, and it was a great opportunity to get a better sense of what’s happening across the biotech landscape in Switzerland.
What is your message to other Swedish companies thinking about joining such delegations?
– Go for it! It’s a great way to expand your network, be part of a larger Swedish presence, and have a supportive community throughout a very busy conference.
