This session will describe alternative ways by which industry can support the creation of sustainable ecosystems targeting the future of Life Science innovation. By combining SMEs and start-ups with different industry partners in a Private Public Partnership model, AstraZeneca BioVentureHub has created a new type of collaboration model to support the growth of more mature start-ups. Join this session to understand how that all plays out in practice.

Dr Björsne joined AstraZeneca in 1995 and has held a series of managerial positions within Cardiovascular Research Management. Dr Björsne moved to the Strategic Planning & Business Development organization in 2006 where he has been leading the Cardiovascular Business Development team involved in the search, evaluation and transaction of M&As and licensing deals. In 2014 Dr Björsne implemented AZ BioVentureHub – a novel approach to open innovation which has received multiple international rewards. BioVentureHub allows Biotechs and academic groups cross different industry segments to work in close proximity to the skills and capabilities that resides within big pharma. Dr Bjorsne is a member of the Advisory Board of RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) and also holds a board seat in UN Global Compact Sweden. Dr Björsne graduated at the University of Lund in 1989 and took his post graduate studies at Stockholm University where he did his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry. Dr Bjorsne holds an MBA from Henley Management College in UK.