Susanne Staaf on the digitalization in life science

- The digitalization in life science will most definitely increase the coming years. Genomics, which is what we focus on, is an important part but I also see great potential in other areas, Staaf says.

Offering a digital product has many advantages and enables 1928 Diagnostics to operate on a global market even though they are a small company located in Sweden. However, the limitation of originating from a small country is the lack of large sized risk capital. This often forces start-ups to raise capital abroad, resulting in transferring large parts of the ownership outside Sweden. That might not be a problem for the individual company but for Swedish long term economic growth.

- Perhaps it is more beneficial to start a business in a smaller country. You can quickly get a network of contacts that help you move forward. The threshold to connect to the right person is lower, Staaf explains.

In the beginning, 1928 Diagnostics were able to travel around Sweden, use their contacts and get the first hospitals to test their software. This helped immensely to direct further product development in a way to fit the needs of the end user and was the key to now having the best product on the market.

- Starting off in Europe is beneficial since less complicated reimbursement policies are necessary to have in place for trying out a new product that could benefit the patients. This is in contrary to the US, where hospitals are more organized as businesses, Staaf adds.

The fact that Sweden has a high quality and progressive healthcare system has been very beneficial for 1928 Diagnostics in the early days, Staaf means.

Further, Staaf explains that collaboration is very important for all life science companies. The products are used in a complex environment, and it is important to listen and learn from others. 

- It is also inspiring to interact with other small companies that are in a similar situation as us. Therefore, it is important that we are in a context where we meet these other companies that have the same challenges, Staaf explains.

Staaf further elaborates that she thinks it is important that all team members are given the chance to interact across company boarders, not just CEOs.

- I want everyone in the team to have the chance to meet people outside our organization for learning, inspiration or pure fun, Staaf adds.

Due to Staaf’s view on collaboration having to come naturally, and the fact that it might be easier for a small company to relate and share ideas with other small companies, she is excited to see more small sized innovation companies to move to GoCo Health Innovation City. However, that is not to say she is not inspired and excited to work close to larger companies such as Fujirebio and AstraZeneca.

- I think the mix of both small and large companies here at GoCo is important, but I do love when the smaller companies, similar to our size, moves in Staaf comments.

Regarding GoCo Health Innovation City, Staaf expresses that the professionalism, the high ambitions and the eye for details are what makes the community special and a great place for 1928 Diagnostics.

- This place is created through collaboration, and it has already become a life science hub where both companies and individuals want to be, Staaf says.

For 1928 Diagnostics it has been important to be located at a place such as GoCo Health Innovation City that offers the flexibility between having a private office and working in the co-working space. As a company that will grow, they need the option to upgrade their space, which GoCo offers. Further, Staaf thinks it is important for her and her company to be in a place that provides a greater context and a stimulating environment where all companies, clinics and even housings are connected.

- Everything is happening very quickly with GoCo, and I am convinced that once it is all done this will not only be an amazing and connected life science hub, but also a lively neighborhood, says Staaf.

When asked to describe GoCo Health Innovation City in three words Staaf says: Professionalism, Positive attitude, and High ambitions.

- Everyone who works at GoCo is service-minded and puts a lot of effort into being supportive, personal, and also spread this warmth that inspires people here. This transverses into in all interactions at GoCo, Staaf concludes.