CHaSE 2026: Connecting Academia & the Life Science Sector in Stockholm Region
- 23 Oct 2026, 09:00-17:00
- Aula Medica, Solna - Stockholm
Key Highlights & Sessions
- Switch to Sweden: Tailored career guidance and practical workshops designed to help international talents transition smoothly into the Swedish life science labor market.
- Career Workshop & Panel: Interactive sessions on resume building, networking strategies, and navigating career paths outside traditional research.
- Region Stockholm Collaboration: Direct engagement with regional decision-makers and public health leaders shaping the future of healthcare and life science innovation in the Stockholm region.
Spotlight: Capital of Life
- Explore the Cluster: Learn about the unique strengths, world-class infrastructure, and career offerings that make the Stockholm–Uppsala region a global life science hub.
- Cluster Partners: Meet the key industry, academic, and public sector actors who strengthen regional innovation and growth.
- Supporting Organisations: Connect with the foundational institutions and ecosystem builders supporting life science development across the region.
Program
-
11:00 — 11:20
Capital of Life - Stockholm–Uppsala Life Science Cluster
-
11:30 — 11:40
Switch to Sweden - How to explore a career in Sweden
-
11:40 — 12:00
Panel:
- Pontus Holm – Head of Region Stockholm Life Science and Smart Specialisation
- Natasha Bank – Life Science Ecosystem Builder and Cluster Manager at Stiftelsen Flemingsberg Science
- Sandra Challma – CEO and cofounder of Cognes Medical Solutions
- Mujtaba Hassan – Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, working in the Swedish life science industry.
Speakers
Pontus Holm
Head of Region Stockholm Life Science and Smart Specialisation
Pontus Holm leads the Region Stockholm Programme Office for Life Science and Smart Specialisation, where he drives the implementation of regional strategies and action plans—including the new joint life sciences strategy with Uppsala. He holds a PhD in molecular neurobiology and brings 15 years of experience in system-level policy development and implementation across research and innovation.
Mujtaba Hassan
Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, working in the Swedish life science industry.
Read more
Mujtaba Hassan
Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, working in the Swedish life science industry.
Mujtaba Hassan holds a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and has work experience in various companies in Sweden, currently works as an Associate Research Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He brings over eight years of hands-on expertise in molecular synthesis, purification, and characterization using advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques with deep experience spanning cell-based assays, biophysical screening, and targeted proteomics.
Natasha Bank
Life Science Ecosystem Builder and Cluster Manager at Stiftelsen Flemingsberg Science
Read more
Natasha Bank
Life Science Ecosystem Builder and Cluster Manager at Stiftelsen Flemingsberg Science
Natasha Bank is a life science ecosystem builder driving the growth of Flemingsberg as a premier global innovation hub.
With a background in biomedicine specializing in neuroscience and a Ph.D. in Industrial Economics, Natasha combines scientific depth with serial entrepreneurship. Today, she bridges academia, healthcare, and industry through strategic partnerships, high-impact events, and a vibrant, people-first approach.
Sandra Challma
CEO and cofounder of Cognes Medical Solutions
Sandra Challma is the CEO and Co-founder of Cognes Medical Solutions, where she combines neuropsychology expertise with machine learning to transform early dementia detection. Holding an M.Sc. in Neuropsychology, Sandra brings extensive experience in experimental design, digital biomarkers, and neuroimaging (EEG/MRI). At Cognes, she leads cross-functional teams developing cutting-edge medtech innovations to shorten diagnostic times, optimize healthcare efficiency, and improve outcomes for patients facing neurodegenerative diseases.
Hela Galvis
Project Manager - Switch to Sweden/ Linköping
Hela Galvis is the Project Manager for Switch to Sweden, a national Vinnova initiative led by Linköping Science Park. In this session, Hela provides key insights into the Swedish labor market, high-demand skills in tech and innovation, and actionable guidance for international professionals looking to build a career in Sweden.
Alicia Parvin
Strategist: Growth and Talent Supply - Region Stockholm
Alicia Parvin leads Region Stockholm’s talent attraction efforts as part of the Stockholm region’s regional development agenda. Her work focuses on strengthening the region’s ability to attract and retain talent, enhance its international competitiveness, and connect skills with the needs of a growing and innovative labour market.
