A top start-up hub in Europe

Published

Feb 14, 2025

Author

Sofia Linden

A new special report from the business publication Financial Times and research company Statista highlights Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator as one of Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs 2025, for the second year in a row. Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator is a professional work environment for scientists in the cancer innovation field, located on the Radium Hospital Campus.

“Being featured on the Financial Times list is a powerful endorsement of our incubator’s development and ambition. We offer more than office space—a complete platform where start-ups benefit from tailored support, strategic mentorship, and a vast network of industry experts,” comments Ketil Widerberg, CEO of Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator.

Two female scientists working in a laboratory, both wearing white lab coats and blue gloves. One scientist is seated at a biosafety cabinet, handling laboratory equipment and pipettes, while the other, smiling, is seated nearby with lab bottles labeled "H2O" and "Zelluna" on the table in front of her. The laboratory is well-lit with natural light from a large window, and lab equipment, including a Thermo refrigerator, is visible in the background. The atmosphere suggests a collaborative and focused scientific environment. — Academic researchers and private companies work side-by-side in a collaborative atmosphere, with the common goal of improving cancer treatment. Photo: Fartein Rudjord / Oslo Cancer Cluster

A unique laboratory model

A distinctive feature of the Incubator is the laboratory structure that fosters collaboration between researchers, clinicians, start-ups and established companies. The specialised facilities include molecular biology labs, cell biology labs, and research spaces that are furnished with advanced equipment and technology for conducting cutting-edge cancer research. Additionally, they provide shared resources and services, creating an ecosystem where ideas can be rapidly translated into potential therapeutic solutions.

A male scientist wearing a white lab coat and white gloves is examining a transparent container filled with an orange liquid in a laboratory setting. He is holding the container up to eye level with one hand while pointing at it with the other, indicating focused observation or analysis. The background features blurred laboratory shelves stocked with scientific equipment and supplies, and a wall clock is visible, contributing to the professional research environment. — The specialised facilities with the state-of-the-art equipment enable the researchers to develop novel cutting-edge treatments. Photo: Fartein Rudjord / Oslo Cancer Cluster

“By working closely with The Norwegian Radium Hospital, one of the leading cancer hospitals in Scandinavia, our Incubator gains direct access to clinical expertise and state-of-the-art treatment technologies. Moreover, the partnership with the Norwegian Institute of Cancer Research enhances the scientific foundation of our work. This close collaboration also fosters an environment where companies, academic researchers, and clinicians can share ideas, exchange knowledge, and work together towards the common goal of improving cancer treatment,” comments Janne Nestvold, COO of Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator.

“The proximity of these institutions ensures that we remain at the forefront of cancer innovation, leveraging the combined strengths of academia, clinical care, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the incubator. This unique setup positions Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator as a key player in the global cancer research landscape,” adds Nestvold.

A female scientist wearing a white lab coat and blue gloves is working at a laboratory bench. She is holding a pipette and appears to be engaged in an experiment or sample preparation. The lab bench is organized with various scientific tools, including pipette racks, test tubes, and containers. Cabinets with glass doors containing lab supplies are mounted on the wall, and a window in the background allows natural light to illuminate the workspace, providing a view of greenery outside. The overall scene reflects a professional research environment. — Janne Nestvold, Chief Operating Officer of Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator, ensures the close collaboration with the cancer hospital and cancer research institute next door. Photo: Fartein Rudjord / Oslo Cancer Cluster

Developing successful companies

The Incubator also offers an accelerator programme, which supports early-stage start-ups to develop into successful companies on the market. The list of alumni and current start-ups includes promising companies in precision oncology, cell therapy, digital innovations, and cancer diagnostics.

The companies also gain access to an international oncology network, meeting places throughout the year and partnering opportunities with key stakeholders in the cancer field.

“Our efforts to attract international companies enrich our community and help position Norway as a global innovation hub. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to nurturing start-ups in the healthcare and biotech sectors,” says Widerberg.

Ketil Widerberg, CEO of Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator, works actively to attract international key players to the Norwegian cancer innovation milieu. Photo: Fartein Rudjord / Oslo Cancer Cluster

Part of a growing campus

By the end of 2025, Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator expands into a new building section with a strong focus on research and development in cell therapy. The 12 000 sqm John Ugelstad building will include offices and laboratories dedicated for cancer research and house, among other key players, the global life science company Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Norwegian Centre for Advanced Cell Therapy (ACT).

Architectural rendering of a modern multi-story office building with large rectangular windows and a light brown facade, adjacent to other similar structures with white exteriors and red or yellow window frames. The foreground features landscaped green areas with pathways and a bike rack, while the background shows a partly cloudy sky, indicating an urban campus or business complex environment. — John Ugelstad Building will offer more laboratories and office spaces for cancer research by the end of 2025. Illustration: Dark Arkitekter

The Radium Hospital Campus will increase its capacity further in 2030 with Oslo Science Hub, a 40 000 sqm building offering offices, laboratories and biobank facilities, tailored towards international and national key players in cancer research and development.

Architectural rendering of a modern office complex with multiple interconnected buildings featuring large glass windows and light wooden frames. The structures are surrounded by landscaped greenery and trees, with people walking and biking along a wide pedestrian pathway. The open, sunlit plaza at the front includes outdoor seating areas, suggesting a welcoming and collaborative environment. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the contemporary and sustainable design aesthetic. — Oslo Science Hub will transform the Radium Hospital Campus into a micro village with meeting spaces on the street level for researchers, clinicians, patients, visitors and more. Illustration: Nordic Office of Architecture

Want to rent a space in the Incubator or join its accelerator programme? Please get in touch with Janne Nestvold.

Read more:

The complete Financial Time’s list here
John Ugelstad Building
Oslo Science Hub