Swedish life science had a strong presence at the world’s largest biotech event, with a national pavilion organized by Business Sweden, SwedenBIO, Invest in Skåne and Business Region Gothenburg. In total, more than 50 Swedish companies were present in sunny San Diego.
“After 10 years, the Swedish Pavilion made a strong return, showcasing the strength, innovation and ambition of Sweden’s life science sector”, commented Marjo Puumalainen, SwedenBIOs International Director, who has been vocal about the need to better showcase Swedish life science at international stage.
A true highlight of the week was the panel discussion covering the latest deals announced by AlzeCure Pharma and BioArctic with Eli Lilly and Company. Alzecure Pharma’s CEO Martin Jönsson, commends the joined effort by Swedish actors at the conference.
– I would say that Sweden’s visibility was excellent, particularly during the CNS panel, which was completely full. Interest was so high that an additional room had to be opened to accommodate the audience. That really reflects the outstanding exposure Swedish life science received, Jönnson says.
SwedenBIO also organized panel discussions covering the investment climate together with Biocom, The Life Science Association of California. Discussions were also fruitful with Canadian counterpart BIOTECanada where funding, radiotherapy and ATMPs were identified as possible synergies between Swedish and Canadian ecosystems.
During the US–Sweden Investor Panel with Biocom California, which brought together investors and industry leaders from both countries, Joe Panetta from Biocom had a message for Swedish companies: don’t be modest when presenting to US investors. In a follow up comment to SwedenBIO, he too commended Sweden’s presence at BIO.
– This is a very competitive time in the life science arena, and Sweden’s programming of panel presentations and speakers in the pavilion rose to the competition. Sweden’s presence at BIO 2026, highlighted by the return of their pavilion this year in San Diego, provided important visibility for the innovative ecosystem in Sweden.
– I was pleased to participate in a panel discussion on the global funding environment and look forward to seeking ways for Biocom to grow it’s partnership with SwedenBIo and the Swedish life science ecosystem, Panetta says.
The positive outcome from the visibility the Swedish pavilion offered has convinced key actors about the need for consistency, which is why a pavilion is already booked for next year’s BIO International taking place in Philadelphia. For Alzecure’s Martin Jönnson maintaining a strong Swedish presence is essential.
– The Swedish pavilion was excellent. It served as a great venue for meeting investors and pharmaceutical partners, and it also became a natural gathering place for the Swedish biotech community. In my view, having a Swedish Pavilion at future BIO conferences is essential.
This year’s BIO International was attended by more than 50 Swedish companies, of which 20 joined the pavilion. Marjo Puumalainen hopes to see that number rise next year.
“We hope that Swedish companies and our members see the benefits of contributing to the Swedish Pavilion to increase the visibility of Swedish life science. We can only do this together,” Puumalainen says.
SwedenBIO members that participated in the pavilion:
Atrogi
Orexo
BioArctic
Alzecure Pharma
Nanexa
Omnio
Sprint Bioscience
AcuCort
Awa Sweden
Xbrane Biopharma
Neurometa Therapeutics
Cytely
TFS HealthScience
Astra Zeneca
DNB Carnegie
Click here to see a presentation of all companies involved in the pavilion.
