What to Expect
TechBBQ Life Science 2025 built upon the foundation laid over the past two years, where the stage program centered around the theme “Set The Scene”, giving audiences an opportunity to connect with a large part of the Life Science ecosystem in Denmark, featuring diverse insights from both public and private sectors.
Embracing the overall TechBBQ 2025 theme “Build to Matter”, TechBBQ Life Science took a deep dive into “Scaling-Up and Internationalisation.” Speakers explored what it truly takes to scale a Life Science startup, which strategic priorities, resources, and partnerships are critical to accelerate growth, and how to expand into international markets while navigating sector-specific challenges. We also examined how startups can build the right foundation to move from local validation to global impact—and shared lessons from companies that have successfully scaled across borders.
Life Science at TechBBQ is for all startups working with planetary health and human health technologies. We emphasize unity within this growing industry, focusing on common denominators rather than what sets us apart.
This year’s Life Science program offered deep knowledge-sharing from private and public organizations, all ready to give founders the insights needed to take their next step.
Explore highlights from the 2025 Life Science Stage Program below to revisit who spoke, what was new, and the discussions shaping the future of Life Science.
Life Science stage program 2025
27th of August
“Welcome by Novo Nordic Foundation and a small apatizer on what to expect the coming 2 days. 4 selected startups out of the 30 showcases will present their startup to you ranging from Biotech to MedTech to Services.”
Novo Nordisk Fonden – Charlotte Schöller
Peak Emulsions – Nastasia Okulova
Sea Growth – Birgitta Ásgrimsdóttir
NeoCare Nordic – Kristine Kuni Buccoliero
Hemispherian AS – Adam Roberston
Morten Ugelvig Andersen | Host
“AI is accelerating rapid breakthroughs across biotech, pharma, and preventive healthcare, but the real game-changer lies in the infrastructure powering it. In this fireside chat, Pia Hardy, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences Nordics at NVIDIA, joins Matt Cooper, Co-Founder at Exceptional Ventures and angel investor, to explore how advanced computing, simulation tools, and digital twins are reshaping what’s possible in Life Sciences. Discover how startups, corporates, and researchers can unlock new frontiers by building on the right technological foundations.”
Nvidia Healthcare – Pia Wilhelmina Hardy
Exceptional Ventures – Matt Cooper | Moderator
“In this moderated Panel debate by Danish Life Science Cluster; Healthcare Denmark, Danish Chamber of Commerce and Danish Industry look into the importance of the startups thinking international from the beginning. How will it benefit preparing for greatness from the beginning and which initiatives have been initiated that can support them in their journey towards building international relations.”
Dansk Erhverv – Sara Vogt Bøgsted
DI – Lars Bech-Jørgensen
Rigshospitalet – Malene Fischer
Innovation District Copenhagen – Jes Andersen | Moderator
“What if the fastest way to go global is not by starting in the US or UK, but by winning in Germany first? Peer Bentzen, the founder behind Nemlia’s international expansion, believes Germany is the gateway for Nordic life science startups to scale up and compete on the world stage. Drawing from his own experience, he’ll unpack why Germany’s demanding market is the ultimate test for product-market fit, partnerships, and growth strategy and how conquering it can propel you into Europe and beyond.”
Nemlia – Peer Bentzen
Qumea – Hans Erik Henriksen
EY Parthenon – Dr. Susanne Weissbäcker
Roche Pharmaceuticals – Jonas Fiedler Kierkegaard
Switzerland Global Enterprise – Felicitas Gartman | Moderator
“Biotech moves fast — and so should you. In this fireside chat, we’ll explore how a clear strategy, smart funding, the right allies, and bold execution can turn cutting-edge science into potential market-leading solutions.”
Biotope Ventures Fund – Annick Verween | Moderator
PFx Biotech – Ali Osman
“University of Copenhagen and university hospital Rigshospitalet have both introduced innovation into their strategies and are hard at work to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and impact. Meanwhile, cross pollination from the digital sciences and quantum physics is altering the life science game. What is the industry doing to embrace life science innovation boosted by quantum science and artificial intelligence? Learn from our speakers about the growing contribution from academia and clinics, and the ways the industry can get involved.”
University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences – Trine Winterø
DI – Lars Bech-Jørgensen
Rigshospitalet – Malene Fischer
Innovation District Copenhagen – Jes Andersen | Moderator
“Scaling internationally is a defining challenge—and opportunity—for health tech startups. But there’s no one-size-fits-all path. In this panel hosted by Health Tech Hub Copenhagen, we bring together founders who’ve taken different routes to global growth: direct market entry, strategic partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions.
These trailblazing startups will share candid insights from their journeys—what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently. Expect practical lessons on navigating regulatory landscapes, choosing the right partners, aligning with local healthcare systems, and building trust in new markets.
Whether you’re preparing for your first cross-border move or scaling across continents, this session will give you actionable strategies to make international growth a reality.”
Maternity Foundation | Anna Cecilia Frellsen
SelfBack ApS – Søren Kleberg
LIVA Healthcare – Martin Møller Paarse
HTHC – Mafalda Camara | Moderator
“Eight selected Startups within Life Science will do a 2 min pitch followed by a 3 min Q&A in front of judges, with the opportunity to win 10.000 EURO.”lia Frellsen
O2matic ApS – Farzad Saber
TERGY SAGAVA ApS – Daniel Pichler
gMendel – Chris Kyriakidis
DSruptive Subdermals AB – Oskar Moore
Aisel Health – Avigad Oron
Nyctea Technologies – Hanna Tranchell
Anorit Medical ApS – Sotiria Athanasiadou
Molecular Quantum Solutions (MQS) – Mark Jones
“Human & Planetary Health Redemption; Investors perspective to a winning formular”
Novo Holdings – Thomas Grotkjaer
Accelerace/Nome – Christian Waarst
The trade organisations within Life Science in Denmark will pitch their offer to startups.
Medicoindustrien – Mads Koch Hansen
Dansk Biotek – Morten Engsbye
DiaLab – Anders Ruskov
“With investment flows tightening, Denmark’s Life Science sector continues to grow, but staying ahead means working smarter, not just harder. This session examines how public funders, accelerators, and innovation hubs are joining forces to support startups and scaleups. Expect candid insights on current market realities, examples of successful collaboration, and practical advice for founders navigating 2025’s complex investment landscape.”
BII – Trine Bartholdy
EIFO – Mads Lacoppidan
Innovationsfonden – Cecilie Brøkner
DTU Science Park – Steen Donner
HTHC – Jesper Grønbæk
DLSC – Diana Arsovic Nielsen | Moderator
28th of August
“Relation building is essential in the journey of building a company. One of the ways is joining a community. 9 communities will pitch their offering and how they contribute to the Life Science Ecosystem and startups.”
REBBLS – Paloma Andrade Santacoloma
Nome / Accelerace – Christian Waarst
Symbion – Peter Torstensen
Health Tech Hub Copenhagen – Anett Falussy
DTU Science Park – Signe Blad Johnsen
Nucleate – Christoffer Merrild
Alliance for Biosolutions – Anne Lerche
Food & Biocluster – Louise Krogh Johnson
Danish Life Science Cluster – Morten Larsen
“India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets for life science innovation, offering vast opportunities in healthcare, medtech, and sustainable solutions. In this session, our panel brings together startup founders from Linucare / ProtechMe and Merodz, alongside trade and innovation experts, to share real-world experiences on entering and scaling in the Indian market. From navigating regulations and building strategic partnerships to understanding cultural and market dynamics, discover practical insights to help your venture thrive internationally.”
Linucare / ProtechMe – Nicklas Lynge
Merodz – Judi Simonsen
Trade Council – Eske Bo Rosenberg
Århus Universitet – Jeppe Dørup Olesen | Moderator
“The Universities in Denmark will pitch their offer and incubator environment to startups.”
AAU – Jacob Lundberg
SDU – Jannek Solgaard
AU – Morten Holmager
CSE – Yohanna Gustafsson
KU Lighthouse – Maria Gundersen Deslauriers
Open Entrepreneurship – Nynne Budtz Christiansen
“The three pillars for establishing strong AI ventures in life sciences are: proprietary data, accessible computing, and world-class talent. In this session, the panelists will discuss recent developments in the Danish innovation ecosystem that have strengthened Denmark’s position as one of the top European ecosystems for building AI ventures in life science, and share their visions on what the future may bring.”
HTHC – Jesper Grønbæk
DCAI – Nadia Carlsten
Aiomic – Martin Hylleholt Sillesen
BII – Tony Cheng-fu-Chang | Moderator
“Join Hanna Tranchell (Project Manager, Nyctea Technologies) and Pernilla Isberg (Director, AstraZeneca BioVentureHub) as they share how close collaboration with big pharma, access to world-class infrastructure, and a unique open innovation culture enable Nyctea Technologies ’s growth journey. A conversation about trust, community, and the key capabilities needed to scale life science startups in the Nordic ecosystem.”
AstraZeneca BioVentureHub – Pernilla Eva Isberg
Nyctea Technologies – Hanna Tranchell | Moderator
“A perspective on the impact quantum technology can have within the life sciences and how does this differentiate from traditional life science solutions. Do we have the right business models, are start-ups, investors and end-users aligned on strategy?”
Novo Nordisk – Jeppe Guilford Manuel
Algorithmic – Prof. Sabrina Maniscalco
Kvantify – Hans Henrik Knudsen
Novo Holdings – Jeroen Bakker | Moderator
“Artificial Intelligence is transforming research, industry, and society – but unlocking its full potential requires collaboration across disciplines and sectors. In this keynote, Ulrik Nicolai de Lichtenberg, Scientific Director of Projects at the Danish Centre for AI Innovation (Gefion), shares how Denmark is building a world-class AI ecosystem. Learn how Gefion drives cutting-edge projects, fosters cross-sector partnerships, and accelerates the adoption of AI solutions with global impact.”
DCAI – Ulrik Nicolai de Lichtenberg
“Industrial biology, or just biosolutions, is widely promoted to deliver the next global transition – changing our economies from fossil-based to bio-based. However, as all entrepreneurs know, building a global business based on your lab results is no easy feat.
We need a path forward for ambitious entrepreneurs, and that’s what we will deliver in this session by learning from the Danish scaleup, Octarine Bio. This is going to be an insightful talk with three key players – representing the innovator, the investor, and the customer – on how you drive real global impact.”
Octarine Bio – Nethaji Gallage
The Footprint Firm – Jonas Ahm-Lundgren
Samsøe Samsøe – Femme van Gils
Dansk Industri – Mikael Wraae Valsted | Moderator
“Too often seen as a checkbox exercise, regulatory approval is in fact a strategic milestone in a health tech company’s growth journey. In this panel hosted by Health Tech Hub Copenhagen on the Life Science Stage at TechBBQ 2025, we shift the narrative: from regulation as a hurdle to regulation as a launchpad.
With perspectives from a healthcare decision-maker, a CE-marked startup founder, and a health tech-focused investor, we’ll explore how regulatory pathways and evidence generation shape not just market entry—but long-term trust, adoption, and scalability.
We’ll unpack how smart regulatory strategy influences investment decisions, accelerates implementation in real healthcare settings, and creates value for both innovators and health systems. Whether you’re building, backing, or buying health tech, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.”
Evido Health – Taus Holtug
BETA.HEALTH – Rasmus Fält
MIG Capital – Dr. Fei Tian
HTHC – Martin Broch Pedersen
“In just three years, Rahul Singhvi took National Resilience Inc. from a bold idea to a life science unicorn – scaling from zero to 2,000 employees and generating hundreds of millions in revenue. In this unfiltered fireside chat, we’ll dive into the critical pivots, the ups and downs, and the razor-edge decisions that defined the journey. We’ll unpack the raw stories, hard-earned lessons, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to win big in biotech.”
National Resilience – Rahul Singhvi
Envision Consulting ApS – Shakila Shaheen | Moderator
“How are leading US and Nordic VCs thinking about life science and healthcare investing in the Nordics and beyond?
In this cross-Atlantic conversation, partners from Regeneron Ventures (US), Playground VC (US), Mission Bio Capital (US/DK), and Hadean Ventures (NO/EU) will share how they evaluate opportunities, the trends they’re tracking, and the realities of raising and deploying capital across borders. The panel will explore what makes Nordic startups stand out or fall short in the global race for funding, and what founders need to know to position themselves for success on both sides of the pond.”
Mission BioCapital – Robert Blazej
Regeneron Ventures – Jay Markowitz
Playground VC – Peter Barrett
Hadean Ventures – Lene Gerlach
ICDK Boston – Jørn Emborg
Why should your startup join?
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new markets, forge valuable partnerships, and attract necessary investment to scale up and achieve success
What to Expect from Life Science Without Borders at TechBBQ?
Life Science Without Borders is TechBBQ’s largest dedicated area, exclusively focused on the life science industry. It covers all verticals within planetary health and human health technologies. Showcasing 30 exhibiting startups from across the life science ecosystem, it offers comprehensive insights into the field. We feature startups at all stages, from early ventures to those well into their journey, creating valuable learning opportunities. Our curation embraces a wide range of verticals, including drug development, diagnostics, food, new materials, energy, biotech, medtech, healthtech, therapeutics, health services, biosolutions, pharmaceuticals, and more—reflecting the entire ecosystem.
This year, we hosted a dedicated stage with up to 15 hours of content tailored to help founders strengthen their knowledge of life science and scale their startups. In the heart of the area, surrounded by showcasing startups, we created a lounge space where life science speakers gathered after their sessions, enabling in-depth discussions between attendees and showcasing startups.
Life Science Without Borders 2025 recap
Relive the Life Science Stage Experience!
Explore our 2024 Life Science Project Report
Read along as we share the reasons and pre-project considerations that shaped our journey. Discover the concrete initiatives we developed and the outcomes we achieved. The report is available as a downloadable PDF.
What did the participants say?
This project is funded by:
FAQ
TechBBQ Summit is one of Europe’s largest startup events where entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals come together to network, pitch ideas, and showcase products.
There will be a dedicated area focused on life science, with up to 30 exhibitors, a stage with speakers from around the world, pitch competitions, matchmaking, and opportunities to build new relationships across industries and organisations.
TechBBQ Summit 2025 will take place on August 27th and 28th in Copenhagen.
Over 10000 attendees from 70 different countries are expected at the summit in 2025.
Only startups directly involved in life science may attend as a life science startup, and we recommend that each startup have no more than 2 representatives. Please note that TechBBQ has the final say in whether or not a startup can participate.
It is free for startups to exhibit at TechBBQ. Guest attendance follows the regular ticket prices.
If you want to sign up, need more information or have any questions about participation or registration, feel free to contact Jan Thordsen, project manager and lead of Life Science Without Borders, at jan@techbbq.org.
Have any further questions?
For media inquiries, please contact our project lead, Jan jan@techbbq.org. You can also access our press kit for materials, including our logo, relevant images, and previous articles