Cancer start-ups met investors

Cancer entrepreneurs caught the attention of investors from the USA when they introduced their innovative ideas at a meeting in the Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator last week.

“I was impressed by the Norwegian healthcare infrastructure and local entrepreneurial talent, which together serve as a catalyst for start-up innovation in the cancer field and wanted to learn more about how others can collaborate with this unique and world-class ecosystem,” commented Sandeep Vardhan, Managing Director at Kalpesh Ventures, one of the investors at the meeting.

The speakers were put to the test to present their companies in under five minutes. Topics ranged from novel drug targets in cancer immunotherapy and clinical decision support tools to machine-learning on colonoscopies and real-world evidence to accelerate drug development.

Taking ideas to market

“Competent investors is often key to success. That knowledgeable US investors invest time and energy in Norwegian cancer innovation and want to learn about the companies in the Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator is a good sign. It is our job to connect start-ups with global investors and life science networks – so that they can succeed with taking their ideas to market,” commented Ketil Widerberg, CEO of Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator.

Maria C. Lundstad Aulie was also at the meeting in her new role as Investment Manager Health and Life Sciences Oslo, Invest in Norway, Innovation Norway.

“I am excited about the interest shown in the Norwegian life science industry. An Alumina group from Colombia University, consisting of nine investors and entrepreneurs with competence and interest in health and life science, recently came to Norway to learn more about our health landscape. I am happy to work together Oslo Cancer Cluster to help follow up on every potential lead that can strengthen our health ecosystem. This visit was also a great start as I just started a new position working with the US market as well as with international investments into the health and life science industry in the bigger Oslo region,” commented Aulie.

The following companies presented:

Andreas Petlund, CEO of Augere Medical.

Christian Jonasson, Research Director of NordicRWE.

Bjarte Håvik, Project Leader at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Ernest Aw, Research Manager and Business Developer of Thelper.

Mark Tyrell, Chief Medical & Executive Officer at Vitae Evidence.