Task Force Health Care (TFHC) coordinated a Life Sciences & Health (LSH) Trade Mission to Sweden and Norway aimed at strengthening collaboration between Dutch organisations and key Nordic stakeholders. The mission offered participants in-depth insight into the organisation of the Nordic healthcare systems, innovation ecosystems, and market entry pathways.
By engaging directly with hospitals, innovation hubs, accelerators, and public-sector organisations, the delegation explored concrete opportunities for partnership, knowledge exchange, and business development within the Swedish and Norwegian LSH markets.
Main Activities
LSH Trade Mission – Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 – Sweden (Gothenburg)
The mission opened with a Health Seminar in Gothenburg. Business Region Göteborg presented an overview of the Swedish healthcare system, followed by insights from Sahlgrenska Science Park and Co-AX Accelerator on opportunities for health-tech collaboration. Participants also received practical input on innovation support from the Västra Götaland region and legal guidance from WERKS Advokater AB.
Day 2 – Sweden
The delegation visited Sahlgrenska University Hospital, where Gothia Forum explained its role in supporting clinical trials and innovative prevention projects were presented. A tour of GoCo Health Innovation City highlighted a rapidly growing ecosystem attracting international researchers and entrepreneurs, including companies such as Norlandia..
Day 3 – Norway (Oslo)
In Oslo, the group was welcomed at Forskningsparken – Oslo Science Park by Norway Health Tech, Innovation Norway, and Nordic Proof, who showcased the strength of Norway’s health-innovation ecosystem. Distributor Hepro shared insights into implementing welfare technology. The day concluded with a networking reception hosted by the Netherlands Embassy, including remarks by Ambassador Ines Coppoolse on the future of Dutch–Norwegian collaboration.
Day 4 – Norway
The final day focused on the incubator programme at Digital WellVentures and Oslo University Hospital. These sessions highlighted Norway’s commitment to healthcare innovation, particularly in digital health and clinical collaboration.
Key Takeaways
1. Innovation hubs as growth catalysts: Ecosystems such as Sahlgrenska Science Park, GoCo Health Innovation City, and Forskningsparken – Oslo Science Park play a leading role in accelerating health-tech innovation.
2. Strong support for market entry: From legal advisory at WERKS Advokater AB to innovation acceleration via Co-AX and Digital WellVentures, international companies receive extensive support when entering Nordic markets.
3. Opportunities in clinical collaboration: Institutions such as Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Oslo University Hospital are open to partnerships, particularly in clinical trials and healthcare delivery innovation.
What’s Next
The mission strengthened understanding of the Nordic healthcare markets and facilitated new relationships that can develop into long-term partnerships. TFHC will continue supporting Dutch organisations in exploring opportunities in Sweden and Norway by connecting them with key stakeholders and guiding them through local innovation ecosystems.
TFHC warmly thanks all Nordic partners and hosts for their contributions, with special appreciation to Iris Öhrn, Björn Ursing, Annica Grimberg Lignell, Emma Hallenberg, Kirsti Sletten, Bent-Håkon Lauritzen, Trine Radmann, Rikke Aune Asbjørnsen, and Vegard Løkken for their guidance throughout the programme.
Interested in the participants’ experiences?
Please contact Helena Pluimes (Helena.pluimes@tfhc.nl).
Participants Include:
- Fabio Bambang Oetomo, Bambi Medical
- Dennis de Wit QCM RCP & Jan van Vliet, De BeleefTV
- Raymond Beijen, Demcon life sciences & health
- Sjors Gerritsen, Elevate
- Carl Moons, Health Innovation Netherlands (HI-NL)
- Richard Zwart, Rollz International
- Jan-Willem Deutekom & Maciej Stachura, THAUMATEC TECH GROUP
- Robert Aufenacker & Nicole Schakenraad, UroSciences B.V.
- Maarten de Ruijter, Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
Stay Connected
Would you like to know more about this mission or explore opportunities for collaboration? Get in touch:
Phone: +316 82 39 04 68
Email: info@tfhc.nl
