Reflections on the Nordic–Hong Kong Life Science Delegation at BIOHK 2026
In September, I led the Nordic–Hong Kong Life Science Delegation to BIOHK 2026 along with Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Sweden. Our programme began at the Nordic Future Health Pavilion in Hong Kong and continued with visits to Guangzhou and Shenzhen. It was an opportunity to introduce Nordic innovations, meet potential partners and see more of the region’s life science ecosystem first-hand.
The pavilion brought together people from 15 Nordic companies and organisations working across biotechnology, medical technology, precision medicine and healthy longevity. Over four days at BIOHK, we held meetings with researchers, investors, healthcare organisations and companies interested in working across borders. The location beside the main stage gave the delegation a visible meeting point and made it easier for new conversations to begin.
We also brought Nordic and Hong Kong perspectives together through the West Meets East forum and the public Life & Health Festival. The discussions ranged from healthy longevity and precision medicine to women’s health and the future of cancer care. What stayed with me was how often a conversation about a technology became a conversation about patients: who could benefit, what evidence would be needed and who would have to work together to make it available.
After BIOHK, members of the delegation travelled to Guangzhou and Shenzhen. In Guangzhou, we visited China–Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City and learned more about its plans for biopharmaceutical development and international cooperation. In Shenzhen, our programme included a hospital visit and meetings with organisations working in cell therapies and biotechnology. Seeing these places in person gave us a much clearer sense of the opportunities and the practical questions Nordic companies need to explore before entering a new market.
A delegation can open doors, but the value lies in what happens afterwards. I am now following up on introductions made during the visit and looking at where there is a real fit between Nordic capabilities and needs in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. That work will also help shape our plans for BIOHK 2027.
I am grateful to everyone who joined the delegation, welcomed us to their organisations or contributed to the programme. The trip reinforced something I have learned throughout my work in life sciences, progress starts with meeting people, listening carefully and taking the time to build relationships that last beyond an event.
