The first day of the event began with opening keynotes by among others Jakob Forssmed, Swedish Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health. He emphasized the government’s role of providing the right tools for digitalization to be implemented in Swedish healthcare.

The Chair of SKR (Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions), Anders Henriksson also held a keynote. This was followed by an interesting political debate between the healthcare policy spokespersons from all eight parliamentary parties, moderated by Emanuel Karlsten.

The potential of health data

This year’s Vitalis focused a lot on health data, exploring whether and how health data can be created and used both for primary use in healthcare and for secondary use in research, statistics, and quality improvement.

Besides the opportunities, ongoing projects and initiatives and challenges for Sweden, Denmark’s work in this area was also highlighted. Peter Munch Jensen, Manager, the Danish Health Data Agency, spoke about the new national initiative Digital Health Denmark, hopefully launched January 1, 2027. In addition, Jakob Skaarup Nielsen, Executive Director, Healthcare Denmark, spoke about public-private partnerships in healthcare and life sciences in Denmark.

Obviously all Nordic countries has a lot to learn from, and teach, each other.

Clinical trials

Another track focused on clinical trials, including digital solutions and how Sweden can regain a leading position in clinical research.

Ann Lindberg, Director General of the Swedish Medical Products Agency, spoke among other things about the importance of strengthening the whole of Europe as a leader in life sciences and clinical trials. And how Sweden can be at the forefront here.

The new Swetrial partnership and their plans to position Sweden as a leading country in clinical research was also presented.

A vibrant atmosphere

In between company pitches and interesting sessions, you could walk (a lot!) around the 200 different exhibitors, sit down for a while or just enjoy a coffee together with a potential collaborator. The atmosphere was vibrant and buzzing with life science and healthcare energy .

More than 6,500 participants, 700 speakers, and 200 exhibitors are expected at the event.

Come by our booth B06:59 and say hi