Centre for Emerging Life Science Innovation - A paradigmshift in Start-up incubation

Important results from the project

The pre-study has developed an establishment-ready model for CELSI (Center for Emerging Life Science Innovation), addressing the transition from startup to scaleup in life science — a step where Sweden converts at a lower rate than leading global clusters. The underlying needs have been validated in dialogue with leading incubators across all of Sweden´s major regions, and the model is designed to complement existing infrastructure. A partnership has been mobilised around the model.

Expected long term effects

If the model is realised, Sweden´s capacity to convert research into growing companies is strengthened — with effects on investment flows, employment, and keeping intellectual property and headquarters in the country. The initiative is designed to complement and reinforce existing structures. Regardless of outcome, the pre-study contributes knowledge of financing pathways, legal conditions and European opportunities to the ecosystem.

Approach and implementation

The project ran from November 2024 to July 2026, with dedicated full-time project leadership from February 2025, governed by a joint Steering Committee and Operating Group. The work combined an evidence review, a structured interview programme with leading incubators, and iterative design across the partnership. The partnership broadened during the project, and a structured international selection process was conducted to identify a new operator for a future platform.