Published: 28 February 2025
Text: Anne-Marie Korseberg Stokke
Photo: Aleap
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The program's main goal is to transform raw materials from great science into the next generation of science-driven companies. It will provide participants with the tools and confidence to make good decisions on the path to commercially viable products.
"Menon points out that Norway lags behind the other Nordic countries, in terms of the number of start-ups and scale-ups. Norway is also not established as a major biotechnology nation. We want to contribute to more commercialization of research, as well as giving startup companies a 'push' in the right direction, says Mariann Dønnum, Business Advisor at Aleap.
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Aleap is the largest incubator for health startups in the Nordics. Through the unique Aleap model, ambitious entrepreneurs receive help to build successful growth companies, providing them with world-class expertise, networks, and financing.
The new national accelerator program is called 'The Forge', meaning 'to create something strong and lasting', and is a collaboration with Digital Life Norway.
"At Aleap, we work daily with relatively mature companies that already have a product and a good understanding of the market. Instead of rejecting companies that have not yet reached that stage, we have for several years organized the 'Aleap Boot Camp' for research projects and early-stage companies. The idea is to get them to a level where they are ready for our incubator. Now, we are very pleased to collaborate with Digital Life Norway on a similar program. It gives us access to their national network," says Shane West, Head of Advisory at Aleap.
The program is aimed at researchers within biotechnology at Norwegian universities or startup companies in the 'pre-commercial phase', meaning those who have not yet spun out from the university or have not completed their first investment round.
"We are looking for projects or companies with ambitions and motivation for commercialization of research. They should have a team in place, or at least a plan for how the team will be built," says West.
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"We are looking for projects or companies with ambitions and motivation for commercialization of research."
Shane WestA good idea is obviously important, but to secure a place in The Forge, you should be able to explain how you will succeed.
"If the idea is to cure cancer or the common cold, we would like to see data that support the idea and indicate that it is possible to achieve. We are also looking for an understanding of how the idea fits the market. If there are similar solutions or products already, you should have something that adds new value."
The companies participating in the program will have access to expertise, knowledge, and networks to help them on the path to commercialization.
"Because this is a national accelerator program, participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with the most exciting research and commercialization projects from across the country," says Dønnum.
For all startups, it is important to know the market, potential obstacles, regulatory issues, and who will pay for their product.
"We aim to provide world-class training, regardless of whether they belong to a large biotechnology environment or a smaller institution without the capacity to offer their own accelerator program. After six months, the goal is for the company to have built all the documentation needed to go out and attract investors," concludes West.
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Artificial intelligence is making its way into the healthcare sector and can help solve the complex scheduling of shifts. The Aleap company Synplan offers an innovative solution that not only makes the job easier, but also improves working conditions and saves resources. It is now being tested at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the US.
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