Nordic Life Science Days (NLSDays) is the largest life science partnering event in the Nordics. Every year the conference gathers Nordic and international life science experts under one roof to provide business opportunities and learn about the latest trends in the industry. Since its inception in 2013, NLSDays has been growing steadily and last year it celebrated its 10th anniversary in Copenhagen with more than 1,600 delegates in attendance. Marjo Puumalainen, International Director at SwedenBIO and Program Director for NLSDays, looks forward to welcoming Nordic and international colleagues to a vibrant Malmö.

Marjo Puumalainen, Program Director, NLSDays.Photo: Eva Garmendia

What’s on the agenda for this year’s conference?

“We have two full days of stimulating and timely content featuring five super sessions focusing on AI in the life science industry, commercialization of new drugs, the investment climate in the Nordics, company creation by VCs, and the ever-important licensing deals. Lunch and coffee break workshops will focus on generative AI, changes in health technology assessments, data management during clinical trials, and ATMPs in the Nordics.”

What will be new or different from previous years?

“New content this year includes regional presentations highlighting Skåne, Göteborg, France, and the Netherlands. Moreover, we have increased the number of company presentations as the slots sold out last year, and we are introducing a hospitality reception to promote interaction between the many exhibitors.”

What’s on offer for investors?

“Life science investors will gather at the VIP investor dinner to mingle. We are set to receive a record number of investors at this year’s dinner, signifying the growing importance of NLSDays as the premier event for investors interested in the Nordic markets.”

Last year you introduced the concept of Innovation Posters. How was it received, and will it return this year?

“The Innovation Posters were a hit last year with many delegates stopping by and poster presenters receiving feedback from investors and pharma companies. This year, we welcome Nordic start-ups to present their innovative projects along with Nordic academics, which has increased the number of posters. It feels wonderful to highlight early Nordic research.”

What can you tell us about this year’s pitch competition?

“We have an impressive lineup of 20 Nordic start-ups that will present their solutions during the NLSDays’ Nordic Star Pitch Competition. Our high-level jury of investors and pharma representatives has worked hard to pre-select the most promising start-ups from among the many applications, setting the stage for an exciting competition.”

What pre-events are on offer for those arriving early?

“We will have an engaging pre-event seminar on 17 September hosted by Invest in Skåne, focusing on preventive health solutions with AI and digital innovations.”

NLSDays has been growing steadily for a decade, what are your thoughts on the future?

“The Nordic life science industry is experiencing rapid growth, making it clear that we need a dedicated space to connect and showcase Nordic companies to international investors and pharmaceutical giants. In such a competitive global landscape, our smaller Nordic countries must unite and strategize wisely. By continuing to collaborate effectively, the future of Nordic life science – and NLSDays – holds tremendous promise.”