Instead of the regular factory tour, they took the delegation on a journey of discovery built around the concept “from idea to impact”. The journey was a walkthrough of NorthX’s facilities where they showcased the entire chain from the first spark of research (the idea) to what ultimately saves lives (impact). At each stop along the way, the guests collected symbolic objects representing that specific stage in the process. 

“Life science can easily become abstract, with terms like “downstream processing” or “CMC development” not meaning much to most people. So we thought: what happens if we instead tell a story that anyone can understand?” describes Luisa Lundin, Alliance Manager, NorthX.

Where does a medical innovation actually begin? What happens when it has to be scaled up from milliliters to thousands of liters? What will the future of personalized medicine look like? And why does all of this matter for Sweden and for people?

“Each stop during the tour represented a critical step: Where does a medical innovation actually begin? What happens when it has to be scaled up from milliliters to thousands of liters? What will the future of personalized medicine look like? And why does all of this matter for Sweden and for people?” 

And it seems to have worked, she adds. 

“The questions and discussions became very concrete very quickly. One topic discussed was one of our biggest systematic barriers, the step from lab to real societal benefit (the so-called valley of death) and how environments like NorthX can help narrow the gap through long‑term collaboration between academia, industry, and society.” 

Janet Hoogstraate, CEO, NorthX Biologics, and His Royal Highness Prince Daniel, during the tour.

In addition, Sweden’s vulnerability in future crises was discussed and the question of whether we can rely on production capacity in other countries when the need arises. The importance of viewing life science production as a strategic part of total defense was emphasized. Infrastructure must be in place in advance, regardless of what kind of crisis comes next and equipment and machinery alone are insufficient; a well-trained workforce is equally critical.

Infrastructure must be in place in advance, regardless of what kind of crisis comes next and equipment and machinery alone are insufficient; a well-trained workforce is equally critical.

“Otherwise we risk becoming dependent on others. Or worse – that our own innovations are commercialized somewhere else,” says Lundin.

“The wide‑ranging discussion continued well into lunchtime. People stayed, asked questions, kept talking. It felt as if the visit had started a conversation rather than concluded one. Everyone agreed that these are questions that politicians, decision‑makers, and the industry should be discussing much more openly.”

The wide-ranging discussion continued well into lunchtime.

The discovery journey’s four stations

1: THE SPARK – The innovation hub
Where everything begins: at the meeting point between research and reality. The innovation hub where startups and researchers meet manufacturing expertise were showcased.
2: THE SCALE – Large‑scale production
The largest purification columns in Sweden and the Nordics were displayed, one of the key components in producing non-stop during the pandemic. This stop was about preparedness and national security.
3: PRECISION – Cell and gene therapy
The contrast here was clear: from mass production of millions of doses to extreme precision, that is, living cells as medicines, tailored for an individual patient’s cancer. Cell and gene therapy and personalized medicine clearly show where the industry is heading.
4: IMPACT – The future conversation
The owner of NorthX, Thomas Eldered, spoke about why everything the guests had seen matters, not only for NorthX but for Sweden as a life science nation. Life science capacity is not only about economics or innovation – it is part of Sweden’s strategic strength in uncertain times.