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 tech-driven healthcare system, strong public-private collaboration, and a growing innovation culture, Gothenburg is becoming increasingly recognized as a key player in European HealthTech. One person taking note is Frode Langmoen Ecosystem Development at IBM – jury member for the 2025 HealthTech Award, presented at Vitalis.
“There’s a unique combination here: access to clinics, digital innovation capacity, and a strong openness to collaboration. Gothenburg has clearly made a strategic choice to invest in digital health – and it shows,” says Frode Langmoen.
With many years of experience supporting tech companies in transforming healthcare – through partnerships, platforms, and scaling guidance – Frode is working with ecosystem and partner development at IBM and is a recognized voice in the European HealthTech landscape. In collaboration with Vitalis and GREAT, Sahlgrenska Science Park organize the annual HealthTech Award, providing firsthand insight into the Nordic life science innovation scene.
HealthTech Award: Highlighting Impactful Solutions
The HealthTech Award is presented annually at Vitalis, the Nordic region’s largest e-health conference. The award celebrates innovative solutions that improve healthcare through technology. This year, a record number of entries were submitted – ranging from AI-based diagnostics to digital patient engagement tools.
“What stood out was the exceptional quality – not just from established companies, but from many emerging ones. Several of the most compelling solutions had strong ties to Gothenburg,” says Frode.
“Startups are playing a crucial role in transforming healthcare, developing innovative solutions that strengthen the future of care. Their contributions are essential to building a more sustainable, accessible and effective health system. I’m honoured to present this year’s HealthTech Award winner at Vitalis and to acknowledge the real impact these solutions are making,” says Carl Bennet, major shareholder in the publicly listed companies: Getinge, Arjo, Lifco & Elanders.
Gothenburg’s strength lies in how digital health is integrated directly into the care environment. With testbeds at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, innovation hubs like GoCo Health Innovation City, and support from organizations like Sahlgrenska Science Park, the region offers real-world opportunities for testing, scaling, and implementation.
A Place for Real-World Innovation
While many healthcare systems across Europe struggle with digital transformation, Gothenburg stands out – not through quick fixes, but through long-term commitment.
“It’s not just about launching a new app. Innovators here think about integration, patient safety, data protection – the tough but essential parts. That’s what truly makes a difference,” Frode says.
This holistic mindset is why global players like IBM and AstraZeneca are eager to collaborate with the region. By connecting startups with global infrastructure, expertise, and international markets, solutions can scale faster – something IBM actively supports through its ecosystem efforts.
“We’ve seen that the region has managed to build a truly unique ecosystem where small and large actors grow side by side. This is crucial to ensure that future solutions reach the healthcare system,” adds Per Hillertz, Ecosystem Business Development and One IT Site Lead at AstraZeneca and a key figure in the development of BioVentureHub.
A Region with Global Relevance
Gothenburg’s ability to merge technology, academia, and healthcare into one ecosystem – all focused on better care – is what makes it an increasingly important hub in the European HealthTech landscape.
“This is no longer just a local story. What’s happening in Gothenburg is relevant on a much larger scale. And that’s why platforms like Vitalis – and recognitions like the HealthTech Award – matter so much,” Frode concludes.
For Frode Langmoen and others following the future of digital health, Gothenburg is no longer a hidden gem – it's a growing model for how healthcare innovation can succeed in practice.
Frode Langmoen, Ecosystem Development, IBM / Jury Member, HealthTech Award 2025
Per Hillertz, PhD, MBA, Ecosystem Business Development and One IT Site Lead at AstraZeneca and a key figure in the development of BioVentureHub.