A booming sector

Bpifrance has invested 5.5 billion euros in HealthTech since 2021 and has mobilised 2.3 billion euros of public funding through the France 2030 Plan. In 2024, an additional €1.25 billion was committed to support the development of the sector. At the same time, Novo Nordisk posted a turnover of €17.1 billion, consolidating its status as a world leader in diabetology. These figures testify to the vitality of the sector and the growing interest in biotechnology innovations.

A dynamic and innovative biotech ecosystem

The Nordic countries are positioning themselves as world leaders in biotechnology, with a strong commitment to research and development. The region is home to Medicon Valley, one of Europe’s most dynamic biotech clusters, which brings together more than 1,150 specialised companies. Venture capital investments in life sciences reach 800 million euros. Sweden and Denmark devote 3.4% and 3% of their GDP to research and development respectively, making these two countries European benchmarks in this field.

The major pharmaceutical companies are firmly established there. In Sweden, AstraZeneca is pursuing an ambitious national strategy in the field of life sciences. In Denmark, Novo Nordisk and LEO Pharma play a central role in the innovation and development of new healthcare solutions. This ecosystem offers fertile ground for collaborations and investment opportunities for French companies wishing to expand there.

A structured programme to accelerate internationalisation

The Biotech 2025 International Business Programme is aimed at start-ups, SMEs and mid-caps in the sector wishing to establish or strengthen their presence in Scandinavia. The

aim is to enable them to present their innovations to industry leaders, establish contacts with investors and explore the opportunities offered by this market.

Participants will have the opportunity to pitch to major pharmaceutical groups such as AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk, meet specialised investors and forge strategic partnerships with venture capital funds. They will also take part in Nordic Life Science Days (NLSD), the largest biotech congress in Scandinavia, where the industry’s key players meet every year.

Three-phase support

Before the immersion, participants will benefit from a two-day preparatory workshop in Paris. This training time will allow them to meet venture capital funds via the Euroquity platform, to familiarise themselves with the specificities of the Swedish and Danish markets and to refine their pitch through elevator pitch sessions.

The immersion will take place from 12 to 15 October 2025, with the first highlight in Gothenburg. Companies will have the opportunity to present their projects during a pitch session with AstraZeneca, to participate in the Nordic Life Science Days and to meet investors as well as local biotech players. The programme will continue in Copenhagen with a new pitch session in front of Novo Nordisk, followed by a networking cocktail at the French Embassy.

At the end of this immersion, six months of support will be offered to provide personalised follow-up on the opportunities identified. Companies will also have the opportunity to carry out individual prospecting activities to accelerate their establishment in the Nordic market.

A unique opportunity for French companies

The Biotech 2025 International Business Programme represents a strategic opportunity for French companies wishing to establish themselves in a fast-growing market. By integrating this dynamic ecosystem, they will be able to accelerate their international development, establish connections with investors and key partners and benefit from structured support to maximise their business opportunities.

Thanks to this programme, Bpifrance and Business France offer biotech players privileged access to the Scandinavian markets and enables them to position themselves at the heart of innovation in life sciences.