One entry point. Two possible programs.
Every journey with CO-AX starts with Open Coaching.
In one focused session, we help you assess your idea, your company and your next step. From there, you may be invited to join the CO-AX Prepare program or encouraged to apply for the CO-AX Accelerator program during the next application round.
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Open coaching is available all year round. Applications to the CO-AX Accelerator program open twice a year, in spring and autumn.
Start here
CO-AX Open coaching
Your first step into the CO-AX ecosystem
CO-AX Open Coaching is a one-hour session with one of our experienced business advisors.
It is designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, students, entrepreneurs and business leaders with ideas that can improve health.
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Bring your idea, your questions or your early-stage startup. We will help you understand your potential, your challenges and your best next step.
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After open coaching startups that are ready for our accelerator are encouraged to apply for CO-AX accelerator program to work closely and develop with the right expertise.
What you get:
Expert feedback on your idea or startup
Guidance on how to move your concept forward
A first assessment of your fit with CO-AX
Introduction to the community
Build your foundation
CO-AX Prepare program
For promising ideas that need more structure before incubation
CO-AX Prepare is for health tech innovators with strong potential, but who are not yet ready for the Incubation Program.
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The program helps you sharpen your idea, test your assumptions and build a clearer path towards your next milestone.
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CO-AX Prepare gives you the structure, tools and guidance needed to move from early potential to a stronger, more actionable plan.
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In CO-AX Prepare, you will:
Refine your idea and value proposition.
Work with tools such as Innovation readiness levels and the Sustainable business model canvas
Explore soft funding opportunities
Strengthen your business case
Build a roadmap towards incubation
Potential IP readiness for competitive edge
Build, validate and scale
CO-AX Accelerator program
Tailored support for ambitious health tech startups
The CO-AX Accelerator program is designed for startups ready to turn health tech innovation into real-world impact.
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Admission takes place twice a year through an application process. Selected companies join a tailored incubation journey with access to experienced business advisors, industry experts, healthcare networks, investors and the wider Sahlgrenska Science Park ecosystem.
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We do not take equity in the companies we support. Working on a no-equity, non-profit basis enables us to build a neutral platform for launching health innovation into the world. Next application opens in Jan 2027
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How the Accelerator program works
Apply during our spring or autumn intake.
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The application process includes an online application followed by a live pitch join the COAX accelerator program. Otherwise, potential startups could be supported by Prepare program.
Admission
Onboarding
Set a strong foundation for your incubation journey.
You will be introduced to the program, define your identity, value proposition and pitch, and work with your advisors to set priorities for the work ahead.
Validate your market, business model and strategy.
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During the Incubate phase, you receive tailored support in areas such as funding pathways, IP, legal, regulatory, sustainability, expert insights and strategic networks.
Incubate
Prepare your company for growth.
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During the Accelerate phase, you refine your MVP and go-to-market strategy, work on product-market fit and revenue models, and prepare for investment and internationalisation.
Accelerate
Who should apply?
For ambitious health tech startups ready to build
The CO-AX Accelerator program is for companies developing innovations that can improve health.
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You may be working within medtech, biotech, healthtech, AI, health data, drug development, care delivery or other areas where technology can create real health impact.
What matters most is that you have:
A clear health-related need
A strong idea or validated innovation
A committed team
Commercial potential
The ambition to build scalable business
Capital access
Support for funding, investment readiness and growth
Health tech companies need the right financing strategy at the right time.
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CO-AX helps you prepare for both soft funding and equity funding, with support shaped around your milestones and growth path.
Support may include:
A clear financing plan
Support in building your equity story
Guidance on milestones and value inflection points
Investor deck and pitch training
Investor communication and fundraising preparation
Governance and due diligence readiness
Support in identifying relevant grants and non-dilutive funding
Access to investor networks, events and matchmaking
Industry and partners
Strategic connections that open doors
CO-AX connects you with relevant stakeholders across healthcare, academia, industry and the wider innovation ecosystem.
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Through our network, you can find the right expertise, test environments, collaborators, early customers and commercial partners.
Support may include:
Introductions to healthcare and industry partners
Access to clinical, academic and technical expertise
Connections to potential collaborators and early customers
Test and validation opportunities
Market access support
Industry insights that help accelerate commercial growth
Strategic networks in Sweden and internationally
Business advisory
Expert guidance for building a stronger company
Work closely with experienced business advisors who understand the realities of building health tech companies.
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You get tailored support across the areas that matter most to your company’s development.
Support may include:
Dedicated business coaching
A tailored development roadmap
Business model and positioning
Product development and commercial strategy
IP, legal and regulatory guidance
Pricing, partnerships and go-to-market
Team, governance and company structure
Targeted training and expert sessions
What you get in the Accelerator program
Tailored support. Deep expertise. Right connections.
Building a health tech company means navigating complex markets, long development timelines, regulation, validation, funding and commercial growth.
CO-AX helps you make better decisions earlier.