Medicon Village

Executive summary

What we do

At Medicon Village, our focus is on the future—the products, methodologies, and services that have yet to be developed. We thrive on the vibrancy of life science and the dedication of the 2,800 individuals from 180 companies and organizations within Medicon Village. Together, we work tirelessly to foster growth and progress in the field of life science.

Why we do it

Medicon Village is fully owned by the non-profit “Mats Paulsson’s Foundation for Research, Innovation, and Societal Development,” which aims to support new projects focused on crucial research and innovation for the betterment of people’s lives. This sustainable ownership model ensures that any returns on capital and surplus generated from Medicon Village’s activities are reinvested into research through donations.

How we do it

Medicon Village acts as a catalyst for research and development, fostering a Triple Helix ecosystem. We continually refine our environment to facilitate interactions among researchers, entrepreneurs, and facilitators, enabling the transformation of ideas and concepts into new companies, products, and services. Located in Lund, the city of innovation, and within Medicon Valley, one of Europe’s strongest life science clusters, we benefit from a thriving network of expertise and resources.

We are committed to expanding our facilities, adding more office and laboratory spaces, as well as accommodations, open areas, and roads, in an ongoing expansion of the area.

Our approach is guided by sustainability. This is evident in our unique energy solution, the world’s first ectogrid™ built by E.ON at Medicon Village, which efficiently harnesses excess energy generated on-site. Our 5th generation district heat and cold (5GDHC) grid utilizes thermal energy exchange between buildings with varying needs, resulting in a 60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional district heating systems. Sustainability is a key consideration in all aspects of our work, and we aim to receive verification of our sustainability reporting in 2023.

Who we are

With our industry experience and deep understanding of the field, we are well-equipped to support the growth of our science park to meet the needs of our members and the broader life science sector. We drive initiatives, act as catalysts for projects, and represent the industry in regional, national, and international forums. Our ambitious goals make us a valuable partner for thriving research and businesses.

History

In March 2010, AstraZeneca, the global biopharmaceutical company, announced the closure of its research facilities in Lund and their relocation to Gothenburg (Mölndal). This decision resulted in a significant loss of jobs and left 80,000 m² of prime real estate unoccupied.

Under the leadership of former politician Allan Larsson, representatives from the Skåne Research and Innovation Council (FIRS) devised a plan to transform the former research center in Lund into a model for a cooperative regional life science project. Entrepreneur Mats Paulsson lent his support to the idea and established a non-profit foundation to become the owner of what is now known as Medicon Village.

Milestones, so far:

  • 2011: Formation of “Mats Paulsson’s Foundation for Research, Innovation and Societal Development.”
  • January 2012: AstraZeneca hands over the keys to Medicon Village to the foundation. The facilities are opened, providing world-class offices, laboratories, and meeting spaces. By the end of the year, around 70 organizations with 570 staff members had moved in.
  • March 2012: SmiLe Incubator relocates to Medicon Village, utilizing and supporting equipment, lab space, and former senior AstraZeneca specialists eager to start their own CROs (Contract Research Organizations).
  • 2013: Lund University moves 200 cancer researchers to Medicon Village.
  • End of 2013: The number of people working at Medicon Village exceeds the count when AstraZeneca vacated the premises.
  • January 2017: Medicon Village celebrates its 5-year anniversary with over 120 member organizations and more than 1,600 employees on-site.
  • End of 2019: Inauguration of The Spark, Medicon Village’s new main building, celebrated with over 2,000 members working in the village.
  • Fall of 2020: Opening of the Peritus Clinic, offering cutting-edge cancer care.
  • January 2022: Construction begins on a new building, providing 12,500 sqm of space, including laboratories.
  • April 2022: Inauguration of the newly restored Inspira building with a new restaurant and café operator. In September, additional conference facilities, office space, and a gym run by Nordic Wellness are added to the Inspira offerings.
  • September 2022: Inauguration of a brand new parking garage by the municipal LKP, containing 600 parking lots, including 20 disabled parking spaces and 60 charging points.

Future

The future of Medicon Village is promising, as evidenced by a growing waiting list for new tenants and the ongoing construction of a new laboratory building. These developments, coupled with initiatives to enhance support for talent attraction, financing, and internationalization, as well as sustainable facility management, indicate that Medicon Village will continue to grow in significance.