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One ecosystem supporting the full life science journey
At Karolinska Institutet Innovation, we bring together the capabilities needed to turn scientific discoveries into real-world impact — from the earliest idea to a growing company.
We support researchers and innovators at the very beginning, helping to explore, validate and shape ideas into viable opportunities. Whether you are a Karolinska Institutet-affiliated researcher or coming from outside KI, you can engage with us to take your first steps towards building a company.
For teams ready to move further, our incubator provides the structure, expertise and environment required to build strong, investable ventures. We work closely with founders to develop strategy, strengthen teams and prepare companies for the demands of the life science market.
Beyond individual ventures, we offer a dynamic and collaborative community through our Science Park — where startups, industry and academia connect. It is a space designed to foster exchange, partnerships and new opportunities across the life science ecosystem.
You do not need to know exactly which part of our organisation is right for you before getting in touch. Start with the description that best reflects where you are today.
Explore your potential with Innovation Lab
I have a research result or an early idea
Innovation Lab is the starting point for researchers, students, clinicians and innovators associated with Karolinska Institutet who want to explore whether an idea or research result could create value beyond academi.
You do not need to have started a company or developed a complete business plan. We prefer to become involved early, when there is still room to explore different opportunities and make informed choices.
We can help you:
- Define the problem your idea could address
- Explore the need and potential users or customers
- Assess scientific, technical and commercial feasibility
- Consider intellectual property and other ways of protecting the idea
- Identify possible development and commercialisation routes
- Determine the most relevant next steps
The outcome may be the creation of a company, a licensing opportunity, a collaboration with an established organisation—or a decision that more evidence is needed before proceeding.
Who it is for: Researchers, students, clinicians and innovators associated with Karolinska Institutet.
You can come to us: With an early idea, research result or identified healthcare need. A company is not required.
Develop your company with KI Incubator
I am building an early-stage life science company
KI Incubator is a business development programme for early-stage, science-based companies in biotech,pharma, medtech, diagnostics, healthtech, AI and related life science fields.
The programme is open to eligible Sweden-based companies. A connection to Karolinska Institutet is not required.
We work closely with founders over time. The support is adapted to the company’s development, priorities and challenges rather than based on a single standard process.
As an incubator company, you receive support with:
- Business strategy and commercial positioning
- Product development and market validation
- Intellectual property, regulatory and clinical planning
- Business models, pricing and routes to market
- Team development, recruitment and governance
- Partnerships, licensing and industry connections
- Financing strategy, investor readiness and fundraising
- Non-dilutive funding opportunities
- Communication, visibility and pitching
- Access to the KI Science Park community and selected events
We are most relevant to companies that have moved beyond the earliest idea and are ready to build a scalable business around a differentiated, science-based solution.
Admission takes place through a structured selection process. Companies are assessed based on factors such as scientific foundation, unmet need, commercial potential, team commitment and the value our support can add.
Who it is for: Early-stage, Sweden-based life science companies with the ambition to build a scalable business.
You should have: A sufficiently validated idea or technology and a committed team ready to work actively on the company.
I represent a life science company or organisation
Connect through KI Science Park
KI Science Park is the community within Karolinska Institutet Innovation. It brings together life science companies, entrepreneurs, business leaders, researchers, students, investors and industry partners in and around Campus Solna and Hagastaden.
Membership is intended for companies and organisations—not individuals—and does not require participation in the incubator.
As a member, your organisation can:
- Take part in professional and social community events
- Meet other founders, companies and business leaders
- Participate in thematic networks and knowledge-sharing activities
- Build connections with academia, industry and the wider ecosystem
- Identify potential collaborators and partners
- Contribute to panels, workshops and roundtable discussions
- Gain relevant visibility within the community
- Keep up to date through community communications and newsletters
Membership does not include individual business coaching, incubation or investment. If your company needs structured support with company development, KI Incubator may be the more relevant entry point.
Who it is for: Life science companies and organisations that want to participate actively in the community.
You may be: A startup, established company, service provider, industry organisation or other relevant life science stakeholder.
Access to capital is a critical part of the journey
Through our venture activities, we can invest in selected companies and support their development over time. In parallel, we connect ventures with a broad network of investors and funding partners, helping them raise the capital needed to grow.
Together, this creates an integrated system — where people, science and capital come together to build the next generation of life science companies.