Building a startup is never straightforward. Building one in healthcare is even more challenging. Unlike many other industries, healthtech, medtech and biotech startups operate in a world of clinical validation, regulation, long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders. Progress rarely follows a straight line, and the support founders need changes as their company evolves.
That's why a one-size-fits-all accelerator often isn't enough.
At CO-AX, we believe mentorship should adapt to your startup and not the other way around.
Each company faces different challenges, and those challenges change over time. Rather than asking every founder to follow the same roadmap, we build the programme around where your company is today and where you want to go next.
That's what tailored mentorship means.
Built for healthcare founders
CO-AX is a startup accelerator by Sahlgrenska Science Park for founders building healthtech, medtech, biotech and deep tech companies.
Healthcare innovation doesn't move at the same pace as consumer apps or traditional SaaS businesses. Success often depends on clinical evidence, regulatory planning, strategic partnerships and building trust across the healthcare ecosystem.
Our programme is designed with that reality in mind.
You'll receive individual support that helps you move forward at the right pace for your company without giving up equity. Since launching the accelerator, we've supported:
155
startups accelerated
8.03
billion SEK raised
9.8
billion SEK market value
653
jobs created
1. Mentorship built around your journey
No two founders need the same advice, one startup may be refining its value proposition and another may be preparing for clinical validation. Instead of following fixed milestones, you'll work on the challenges that matter most to your business right now.
That means your coaching evolves as your company grows.
2. Practical guidance from people who understand healthcare
You'll work closely with experienced business advisors who challenge your thinking, ask difficult questions and help you make better strategic decisions.
Together you'll refine:
Business model
Market strategy
Product positioning
Investment readiness
Growth priorities
When specialised expertise is needed, we connect founders with the right people.
For example, through our collaboration with the UC Berkeley Deep Tech Innovation Lab, startups gain structured methods for validating product-market fit and exploring international markets.
"Our team from the UC Berkeley Deep Tech Innovation Lab brought a diverse set of new skills to Mirno, undertaking interviews with Medical Simulation experts across the United States. The result was confirmation of existing theories, along with new insights we will use as we enter the US market." Ian Alexander Shiels, CPO, Mirno
3. Helping founders make better decisions
Founders struggles because they're faced with difficult decisions and limited information. CO-AX helps founders work through them with experienced advisors who understand both startups and healthcare.
Whether you're refining your MVP, defining your market entry strategy or preparing for investor conversations, the focus is always the same:
• Simplify complex decisions.
• Strengthen your strategy.
• Keep your company moving forward.
"The coaches brought both expertise and genuine commitment helping us sharpen our business model and strengthen our investor readiness. Their guidance had a powerful impact on our growth journey." Cecilia Videcél, CEO, Kura
Ready to take the next step?
If you're building a healthtech, medtech, biotech or deep tech startup and looking for experienced guidance tailored to your journey, we'd love to hear from you.
Applications for our next cohort opens soon.
Whether you're refining your idea, validating your solution or preparing to scale, CO-AX can help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity. Contact us at coax@sahlgrenskasciencepark.se to learn more about whether the programme is the right fit for your startup.