Skåne life science companies gain new access to MAX IV and ESS

Press Release from MAXESS and SmiLe Incubator: It will be easier for life science companies to conduct experiments at Sweden’s unique research facilities, MAX IV and ESS. In a new collaboration, the life science incubator SmiLe, Science Village and the research facilities are joining together in the development of a new platform – MAXESS Life Science Route.

The two-year project, which is funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, will help support product development at startup and growth companies in Skåne. The project partners expect to reach out to about 50 life science startup and growth companies in Skåne. By increasing awareness of the capacity and opportunities of the facilities, the project will strengthen life science companies in Skåne.

The project includes education and preparations for companies from the SmiLe community to conduct experiments at MAX IV and, in the future, at ESS. SmiLe and its partner companies, which are CROs in drug development, will then serve as an entry environment for other life science companies that want to conduct similar studies. Experiments at the research facilities require extensive preparations and expertise, which is where SmiLe’s laboratories will play a key role. The companies will also receive help after the experiments with analysis of the extensive quantity of data that are generated.

Ebba Fåhraeus, CEO of SmiLe Incubator, says: ”The project is important so that more life science companies will understand the opportunities that the unique facilities offer in drug development. SmiLe will be a natural entry environment here. Our laboratories and experts are important pieces of the puzzle in what we can jointly offer the companies to help them before, during and after experiments at MAX IV and ESS.”

Pia Kinhult, Head of Host state relations, ESS, says: ”This advanced technology is particularly important for life science, which is why it is exciting that we can now begin working with MAX IV to increase knowledge and direct contact with the companies.”

Marjolein Thunnissen, Life Science Director, MAX IV, säger: ”The project will provide improved opportunities for small businesses to access major infrastructure facilities, as well as an opportunity for us to improve our procedures so that we can better help and reach the businesses.”

Christian Lindfors, CEO, Science Village Scandinavia AB, says: “It will be interesting to see whether this project can be developed into a national entry environment to the research facilities. We see a great need to create clear pathways for the business community to enter the ecosystem.”

 

MAXESS aims to establish a unique national arena for industrial use and leveraging of large-scale research infrastructure in Sweden – MAX IV and ESS – as well as other international infrastructures with Swedish involvement.

ABOUT MAXESS
MAXESS is a collaboration between the European Spallation Source (ESS), MAX IV Laboratory, RISE, Science Village Scandinavia, Center for X-rays in Swedish Materials Science (a collaborative venture between KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Linköping University), and Lund University. MAXESS is a national initiative to increase the use of advanced synchrotron light and spallation sources by industry in its development processes.
www.maxess.se

ABOUT SMILE INCUBATOR:
SmiLe supports life science startup companies by providing expert advice, business development, education and well-equipped laboratories. Since its inception, a total of over 100 companies are former or current participants in the incubator program, and 18 of these companies have been listed on trading venues. SmiLe is a non-profit organization that receives basic funding from Region Skåne, Lund Municipality, Lund University and Medicon Village.
www.smileincubator.life

 

CONTACT
Project:
Fredrik Melander
Head of RnD Relations @ Science Village Scandinavia AB
fredrik.melander@sciencevillage.com / +46 (0)724 50 24 00

SmiLe Incubator:
Ebba Fåhraeus, CEO SmiLe Incubator
ebba@smileincubator.life/ +46 (0)734 00 04 33 

MAX IV:
Magnus W. Larsson, Head of Industrial Relations,
magnus.larsson@maxiv.se / +46 (0)725 54 63 09

ESS:
Julia Öberg, Press Officer
julia.oberg@ess.eu / +46 (0)721 79 23 11

 

 

 

 

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