SwedenBIO was naturally there to strengthen the Swedish presence, foster strategic partnerships, such as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Biocom, and monitor emerging industry trends. Overall, 2025 is anticipated to be a year of significant progress, with three key themes standing out.

1. A new segment is born – techBio

The convergence of technology and biology is now referred to as techBio, a term describing companies that leverage computational power, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation to accelerate drug discovery, genomics, and personalized medicine. These companies are redefining the life science industry by integrating big data, machine learning, and synthetic biology.

An example of the interest in techBio came just a week after the JPM event, with Neko Health’s ground-breaking deal – reportedly the largest of its kind to date. This Swedish healthtech company, co-founded by Spotify’s founder Daniel Ek, focuses on AI-driven health monitoring. Its story signals strong interest in preventative healthcare and the value of health data, aligning with the broader techBio movement where AI is both expediting research and improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

2. A growing focus on longevity  

The aging populations in many countries and the subsequent increase in healthcare demands, have put longevity and health span at the forefront of industry developments.

Key focus areas include:

  • CNS (Central Nervous System): Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s remain critical areas for innovation, with new therapeutic strategies emerging, including combination therapies.
  • Metabolic diseases, especially obesity: The obesity epidemic continues to drive investment in novel treatments such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and lifestyle interventions.
  • Longevity: Anti-aging therapies and regenerative medicine are gaining traction, with biotech companies exploring senolytics, telomere extension, and stem cell applications to extend health span.
  • Medical food and personalized food supplements: Precision nutrition is becoming mainstream, with companies developing tailored supplements and medical foods based on genetic and microbiome data.
  • Tracking your own health: Wearable technology, biosensors, and continuous health monitoring devices are revolutionizing preventive medicine, enabling individuals to track biomarkers and make data-driven health decisions.

3. Looking for new opportunities in the east

Given the change in the American presidency just a week after the conference, there was much speculation in San Francisco about how geopolitical uncertainties will impact the global economy and the life science industry. Many discussions revolved around finding new partners from Asia, particularly in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, which are leading in biopharmaceuticals, digital health, and precision medicine. Big pharma’s activity in the Asia-Pacific region during 2024 resulted in a record number of licensed or acquired molecules for new drugs originating from China, spending a total of at least USD 3.15 billion in upfront cash and equity, according to DealForma. 

A new rising star, Singapore, is positioning itself as a gateway to Asia. With its attractive infrastructure, healthcare system, and talent pool many large pharma companies are establishing their activities in Singapore, such as the recently opened JLabs. In 2025, partnerships with the East will likely play a crucial role in shaping the life science landscape. 

As 2025 unfolds, these three trends will shape the future of the life science industry, fostering innovation, improving patient outcomes, and driving strategic partnerships across the globe. The Nordic region is well prepared to become a trusted partner in trending areas, and Nordic Life Science Days on 13-14 October 2025 in Gothenburg, will highlight these hot topics. 

About the author

Marjo Puumalainen is the International Director of SwedenBIO, the national trade organization for life sciences in Sweden. SwedenBIO is a recurring columnist in NLS magazine. This column was originally published in NLS No 01 2025, out February 2025.