Uppsala Innovation Centre (UIC) and AstraZeneca have entered into a collaboration that gives startups and growth companies within the UIC network the opportunity to participate in the AstraZeneca Nordic Exchange Mentoring Program. Through the program, entrepreneurs gain access to AstraZeneca’s global network of experts in drug development, clinical research, regulatory affairs, AI, digital health, and commercialization.
Increased access to industry expertise
Through the AstraZeneca Nordic Exchange Mentoring Program, UIC companies can receive guidance on scientific, technical, and business-related challenges during the early stages of development. The program is based on one-on-one mentoring sessions, allowing companies to discuss specific questions and challenges with AstraZeneca specialists.
The collaboration aims to strengthen Nordic life science companies by providing strategic guidance from some of the world’s leading experts in pharmaceutical and healthcare innovation.
“Through this collaboration, our companies gain access to expertise spanning everything from research and development to regulatory affairs and commercialization“
– We are very excited that our startups now have the opportunity to participate in the AstraZeneca Nordic Exchange Mentoring Program. For many early-stage life science companies, access to industry experience is crucial for making the right decisions at an early stage. Through this collaboration, our companies gain access to expertise spanning everything from research and development to regulatory affairs and commercialization, says Wing Cheng, Senior Business Developer Life Science at UIC.
Daniel Johansson, Lead, AstraZeneca Nordic Exchange Mentoring Program, says:
– Innovation does not happen in isolation. Through the AstraZeneca Nordic Exchange Mentoring Program, we aim to strengthen the Nordic life science ecosystem by sharing knowledge, experience, and perspectives from our global organization. We look forward to collaborating with UIC and supporting the next generation of innovative companies developing solutions for the future of healthcare.
A joint contribution to the Nordic Life Science ecosystem
The collaboration between UIC and AstraZeneca creates new opportunities for startups to validate ideas, reduce development risks, and build strategic networks. At the same time, it strengthens the connection between entrepreneur-driven innovation environments and the established pharmaceutical industry.
By combining entrepreneurial innovation with the experience of a global pharmaceutical company, the partners aim to help more promising life science companies grow, attract investment, and reach international markets.
A key part of UIC’s success is its collaboration with experienced external partners from the local business community. These partners share their expertise within UIC’s business development programs and offer UIC companies services at favorable terms, including software development, legal services, finance, design, patents, and more. The purpose of the new industry partnership model is to expand this network further, giving startups and growth companies even faster access to global expertise, networks, and markets.
For more information:
Vedrana Ilic, Communications Manager, UIC
E-mail: vedrana.ilic@uic.se
Tel: 070-851 97 04
Kajsa Ekelund, Senior Manager, Media Relations & External Communications
AstraZeneca AB, Sweden
E-mail: kajsa.ekelund@astrazeneca.com
Tel: 072-207 46 85