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  • Lloyd Price

Nordic HealthTech: one of the most dynamic and innovative in the world



Exec Summary:


The Scandinavian healthtech sector, also known as the Nordic healthtech sector is one of the most dynamic and innovative in the world. According to Dealroom, the total investment in the Scandinavian healthtech sector in 2022 was $10.6 billion, down from $14.4 billion in 2021.


Despite this drop across all the major Nordic countries - Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Scandinavian healthtech sector is a dynamic and growing industry with a lot of potential for future growth.


The region is home to a number of talented entrepreneurs and researchers, as well as a supportive regulatory environment. As the Nordic countries continue to age and face the challenges of an aging population, the demand for innovative healthcare solutions is likely to increase.


The Scandinavian healthtech sector is well-positioned to capitalise on potential future growth, mainly due to:

  • A strong focus on preventive care: Scandinavian countries have a long history of investing in preventive care, and this focus is reflected in the healthtech sector. There is a growing number of startups developing digital health solutions that can help people to live healthier lives, such as apps that track diet and exercise, and virtual coaching programs.

  • A commitment to innovation: Scandinavian countries are known for their innovative spirit, and this is also true of the healthtech sector. There is a strong culture of collaboration between startups, research institutions, and healthcare providers, which is driving the development of new and disruptive technologies.

  • A supportive regulatory environment: Scandinavian governments are supportive of the healthtech sector and have put in place policies that make it easy for startups to operate and grow. This includes providing access to funding, regulatory support, and talent.

As a result of these factors, the Scandinavian healthtech sector is well-positioned to continue to grow and innovate in the years to come. Some of the potential future innovations in the sector include:

  • The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve diagnosis and treatment: AI is already being used in a number of healthcare applications, such as image analysis and drug discovery. In the future, AI is expected to play an even greater role in healthcare, helping to improve diagnosis and treatment, and freeing up doctors and nurses to focus on more complex tasks.

  • The development of personalized medicine: Personalized medicine is a type of healthcare that takes into account a patient's individual genetic makeup to tailor treatment to their specific needs. This approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of healthcare.

  • The use of telemedicine to provide remote care: Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technology to provide medical care remotely. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it allows patients to receive care from doctors without having to travel to a clinic or hospital. Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for rural areas with limited access to healthcare.

  • The development of new digital health solutions: There is a growing number of startups developing digital health solutions that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. These solutions include apps that track patient health data, virtual coaching programs, and remote monitoring devices.

Engage with the HealthTech Community


HealthTech M&A Newsletter from Nelson Advisors - Market Insights & Analysis for Founders & Investors. Subscribe today! https://lnkd.in/e5hTp_xb


HealthTech M&A Advisory by Founders for Founders, Owners & Investors. Buy Side, Sell Side, Growth and Strategy mandates - Email lloyd@nelsonadvisors.co.uk


HealthTech Thought Leadership from Nelson Advisors - Industry Insights & Analysis for Founders, Owners & Investors. Visit https://www.healthcare.digital



These are just a few of the potential future innovations in the Scandinavian healthtech sector. As the sector continues to grow and evolve, it is likely to have a significant impact on the way healthcare is delivered in the region and around the world.


In addition, some potential future innovations in Nordic healthtech include:

  • Gene editing: Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Nordic startups are already exploring the use of gene editing for diseases such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, and HIV.

  • 3D printing: 3D printing is being used to create a range of medical devices, such as prosthetics, implants, and surgical tools. This technology has the potential to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare in the Nordics.

  • Telehealth: Telehealth is the use of telecommunications technology to provide medical care remotely. This technology has the potential to improve access to healthcare in rural and remote areas of the Nordics.

  • Artificial intelligence: AI is being used to automate a range of tasks in the healthcare sector, such as clinical decision-making, patient monitoring, and drug discovery. This technology has the potential to improve the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare delivery in the Nordics.

  • Blockchain: Blockchain is a secure and transparent way of storing data. This technology has the potential to be used to record patient medical records, track the provenance of medical products, and manage healthcare payments.


Nordic HealthTech: current investment trends


The Nordic countries have a long history of innovation in the healthcare sector, and this is reflected in the current investment trends in Nordic healthtech.

Some of the key investment trends include:

  • Digital health: There is a strong focus on digital health solutions in the Nordics, with startups developing a variety of products and services, such as telehealth platforms, wearable devices, and mobile apps.

  • AI and machine learning: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are also being used in a variety of healthcare applications in the Nordics, such as cancer detection, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.

  • Virtual reality and augmented reality: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being explored for a range of healthcare applications, such as surgery training, pain management, and rehabilitation.

  • Wearables and sensors: Wearable devices and sensors are being used to collect data on a range of health metrics, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep patterns. This data can be used to monitor patient health, track progress, and identify potential problems early on.

  • Precision medicine: Precision medicine is a field of medicine that uses patient's genetic information to tailor treatment to their individual needs. This approach is being explored in the Nordics for a range of diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

These are just some of the key investment trends in Nordic healthtech. As the region continues to innovate in the healthcare sector, we can expect to see even more new and exciting technologies emerge in the years to come.


In terms of the specific amounts of investment, the Nordic healthtech sector saw a record year in 2021, with over €4 billion in funding raised. This was a 40% increase from the previous year. The majority of this funding went to early-stage startups, with Series A and Series B rounds also seeing significant growth.


The largest investments in 2021 were made in companies developing digital health solutions, such as telehealth platforms and wearable devices. AI and machine learning companies also received a significant amount of funding, as did companies developing virtual reality and augmented reality solutions for healthcare applications.


The Nordic healthtech sector is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by a number of factors, including:

  • The aging population: The Nordic countries have some of the oldest populations in the world, which is creating a growing demand for healthcare services.

  • The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases: Chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, are becoming more common in the Nordic countries. This is creating a need for new and innovative treatments and prevention methods.

  • The rise of digital health: Digital health solutions are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a more convenient and affordable way to access healthcare services.

  • The growing availability of venture capital: The Nordic countries have a strong venture capital ecosystem, which is providing funding for early-stage healthtech startups.

Overall, the Nordic healthtech sector is a dynamic and growing industry with a lot of potential for future growth. The region is home to a number of talented entrepreneurs and researchers, as well as a supportive regulatory environment.


As the Nordic countries continue to age and face the challenges of an aging population, the demand for innovative healthcare solutions is likely to increase. This is good news for the Nordic healthtech sector, which is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth.



Nordic HealthTech: potential future innovation


The Nordic healthtech sector is constantly innovating, and there are a number of potential future innovations that could have a major impact on the healthcare industry. Some of these potential innovations include:

  • Gene editing: Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Nordic startups are already exploring the use of gene editing for diseases such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, and HIV.

  • 3D printing: 3D printing is being used to create a range of medical devices, such as prosthetics, implants, and surgical tools. This technology has the potential to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare in the Nordics.

  • Telehealth: Telehealth is the use of telecommunications technology to provide medical care remotely. This technology has the potential to improve access to healthcare in rural and remote areas of the Nordics.

  • Artificial intelligence: AI is being used to automate a range of tasks in the healthcare sector, such as clinical decision-making, patient monitoring, and drug discovery. This technology has the potential to improve the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare delivery in the Nordics.

  • Blockchain: Blockchain is a secure and transparent way of storing data. This technology has the potential to be used to record patient medical records, track the provenance of medical products, and manage healthcare payments.

These are just a few of the potential future innovations in Nordic healthtech. As the region continues to innovate in the healthcare sector, we can expect to see even more new and exciting technologies emerge in the years to come.


Here are some additional potential future innovations in Nordic healthtech:

  • Virtual reality and augmented reality: VR and AR are being explored for a range of healthcare applications, such as surgery training, pain management, and rehabilitation.

  • Wearables and sensors: Wearable devices and sensors are being used to collect data on a range of health metrics, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep patterns. This data can be used to monitor patient health, track progress, and identify potential problems early on.

  • Precision medicine: Precision medicine is a field of medicine that uses patient's genetic information to tailor treatment to their individual needs. This approach is being explored in the Nordics for a range of diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

  • Mental health apps: There is a growing demand for mental health apps that can provide support and treatment for people with a range of mental health conditions. Nordic startups are developing a number of these apps, which use a variety of techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises.

  • Telemedicine for chronic diseases: Telemedicine can be used to provide remote monitoring and support for people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. This can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for hospital visits.

These are just a few of the potential future innovations in Nordic healthtech. As the region continues to innovate in the healthcare sector, we can expect to see even more new and exciting technologies emerge in the years to come.


Engage with the HealthTech Community


HealthTech M&A Newsletter from Nelson Advisors - Market Insights & Analysis for Founders & Investors. Subscribe today! https://lnkd.in/e5hTp_xb


HealthTech M&A Advisory by Founders for Founders, Owners & Investors. Buy Side, Sell Side, Growth and Strategy mandates - Email lloyd@nelsonadvisors.co.uk


HealthTech Thought Leadership from Nelson Advisors - Industry Insights & Analysis for Founders, Owners & Investors. Visit https://www.healthcare.digital






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