Building an Ecosystem enabling the future of life saving treatments – Cecilia Edebo on Why Gothenburg Attracts Life Science Innovation
"Master of Collaboration" is a series of articles created in partnership with Gothenburg’s life science community."
Meet the people shaping life science in Gothenburg — featuring individuals who bring unique perspectives, drive innovation, and inspire both local and global impact.
With a growing ecosystem, strong collaboration across academia, healthcare, and industry, and increasing international visibility, Gothenburg is emerging as a leading life science hub. At the heart of this development is Sahlgrenska Science Park, with CEO Cecilia Edebo as a driving force.
“There’s a real buzz in Gothenburg’s innovation environment right now. We’re seeing an increasing pace of new innovations, collaborations, and companies eager to contribute and make a difference in health care,” says Cecilia Edebo, CEO of Sahlgrenska Science Park.
Innovation with Impact
With a background from leading positions in the life science industry, Cecilia has led Sahlgrenska Science Park since 2024. Under her leadership, the park has sharpened its focus on accelerating health innovations that solve real-world problems and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.
“We believe in innovation aiming to solve real needs. By working closely with the healthcare system and leveraging our international networks, we support innovators develop solutions that are not only technically advanced but translational, from bench to bedside,” Cecilia explains.
An Internationally Attractive Hub
Sahlgrenska Science Park has solidified its role as an international hub for collaboration and business development within life science. The park connects startups as well as larger industry with healthcare providers, investors, and industrial partners – both locally and globally.
“Gothenburg is becoming increasingly attractive from an international perspective. Traction is generated through our unique combination of cutting edge reserach, openness to collaboration, and concrete vision to create a win-win for patients and industry,” she adds.
A Dynamic Ecosystem
The science park is driving several high-impact initiatives, including the nationally recognized CO-AX Accelerator which has supported more than 140 start-up projects, and the EU Horizon project PRECISEU aiming to develop a road-model for implementation of precision medicine.
It is also deeply involved in strategic projects and collaborative efforts with VGR, AstraZeneca, Chalmers, and the University of Gothenburg.
“When academia, healthcare, industry, and society work together, we can create real impact. That’s Gothenburg’s strength – and it’s why we have the potential to become an internationally leading life science region,” says Cecilia Edebo.