SmiLe Incubator

SmiLe Incubator stands as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship in the world of life sciences and healthcare. With a history dating back to 2003, SmiLe has consistently provided vital support and resources to life science startups, helping them transform their pioneering ideas into successful, market-ready innovations. Through its diverse programs, access to experienced coaches, and collaborative ecosystem, SmiLe nurtures the growth of its incubator and alumni companies, facilitating breakthroughs in areas like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, and digital health. This incubator's dedication to enabling a future of better health is underscored by its impressive portfolio, with startups that have attracted substantial venture capital funding and launched IPOs, showcasing the tangible impact of their work on global healthcare.

By fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and ethical entrepreneurship, SmiLe Incubator continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare, all while remaining at the forefront of life sciences innovation in Lund, Sweden, and beyond.

SmiLe Incubator was founded in 2003 in Lund, Sweden, as a response to the growing need for a specialized incubator focused on life science and healthcare innovation. Its establishment marked the beginning of a dedicated hub for entrepreneurs and innovators in the field of life sciences.

From the outset, SmiLe's primary mission has been to support and empower life science startups, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and infrastructure needed to succeed in the highly competitive and regulated life science sector.

Over the years, SmiLe has strived to create a vibrant ecosystem that fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among startups, experienced professionals, mentors, advisors, and industry experts. This collaborative environment has been instrumental in driving innovation and entrepreneurship within the life science community.

SmiLe Incubator has been instrumental in providing startups with access to a vast network of experts, including coaches with extensive life science business experience. This support has helped startups navigate the complexities of developing and commercializing life science innovations.

SmiLe has been dedicated to accelerating the growth of its incubator companies. Through its various programs, including the Incubator Program, e-Campus, and Bootcamp, SmiLe has offered startups tailored support and resources based on their specific needs and growth stage.

One of SmiLe's notable achievements has been its ability to attract substantial venture capital funding for its startups. The incubator's portfolio companies have collectively raised EUR 717 million in venture capital since 2014, highlighting the attractiveness of their innovations to investors. Furthermore, 21 companies associated with SmiLe have launched successful initial public offerings (IPOs), marking significant milestones in their growth.

In 2023, SmiLe celebrated its 15th anniversary, a testament to its enduring commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship in the life sciences. The anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the incubator's accomplishments and the positive impact it has had on the healthcare and biotechnology industries.

SmiLe Incubator continues to have a profound impact on the life science startup ecosystem. Its history is characterized by the success stories of the companies it has nurtured and the ongoing support it provides to entrepreneurs and innovators who are dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions.

SmiLe Incubator, as a specialized incubator for life science startups, has specific investment criteria that guide their selection process. These criteria are designed to identify and support promising ventures with the potential to make a significant impact in the field of life sciences. Below are the key investment criteria typically associated with SmiLe Incubator:

Life Science Focus: SmiLe primarily focuses on startups operating in the life science sector. This includes areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare technology, and related fields. The startup's core mission should align with improving health and well-being.

Innovation and Technology: Startups should have a unique and innovative technology, product, or service that addresses a specific healthcare or life science-related problem. SmiLe looks for ventures with the potential to disrupt or significantly improve existing solutions.

Scalability: SmiLe is interested in startups that have the potential to scale their operations and reach a broader market. Scalability is a critical factor in achieving a significant impact in the life science industry.

Market Potential: The startup should demonstrate a clear understanding of its target market and a compelling value proposition for customers. SmiLe assesses whether the startup's solution addresses a substantial market need or opportunity.

Experienced and Committed Team: The founding team's expertise and commitment are crucial factors. SmiLe evaluates the team's qualifications, domain knowledge, and dedication to building and growing the business.

Intellectual Property (IP): Startups with strong intellectual property, such as patents or proprietary technology, may have a competitive advantage. SmiLe assesses the startup's IP portfolio and its potential to protect the innovation.

Feasibility and Proof of Concept: SmiLe often looks for startups that have made progress in developing their technology or product. Having a proof of concept or prototype can demonstrate the feasibility of the solution.

Market Traction: Evidence of market traction, such as customer validation, partnerships, or early sales, can strengthen a startup's case for investment.

Alignment with SmiLe's Mission: Startups should align with SmiLe's mission of advancing the future of health. This includes a commitment to improving healthcare, enhancing patient outcomes, and contributing to the life science industry's growth.

Commitment to Growth: SmiLe is interested in startups that are eager to learn, grow, and leverage the resources and support offered by the incubator. Entrepreneurs should be open to mentorship, coaching, and collaboration within SmiLe's community.

It's important to note that while these criteria provide a general framework, the specific investment criteria and process may evolve over time, and SmiLe Incubator may consider additional factors when evaluating startups for their programs and potential investment. Entrepreneurs interested in joining SmiLe's incubator programs should reach out to the organization directly for the most up-to-date information on their investment criteria and application process.

SmiLe Incubator, as a non-profit business incubator specializing in life science startups, is guided by a set of core values that underpin its mission to foster innovation and enable a future of better health. These core values are integral to the organization's ethos and shape its approach to supporting passionate life science innovators. Let's delve into SmiLe Incubator's core values:

1. Impactful: SmiLe Incubator places a strong emphasis on creating a meaningful impact within the life science industry and the broader healthcare ecosystem. By nurturing and empowering startups, SmiLe aims to catalyze real-world solutions that improve health outcomes. Whether it's through innovative therapies, medical devices, or digital health solutions, SmiLe's commitment to being impactful drives its support for startups that can make a difference in patients' lives.

2. Professional: Maintaining professionalism is a cornerstone of SmiLe Incubator's operations. This commitment ensures that startups in their programs receive the highest quality coaching, access to state-of-the-art laboratories, and opportunities to connect with industry partners and investors. The professional approach also extends to creating a conducive environment for startups to thrive and develop their innovations with rigour and excellence.

3. Inclusive: Inclusivity is at the heart of SmiLe Incubator's values. By fostering an inclusive community, SmiLe ensures that entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and perspectives have equal access to its resources and support. This inclusivity not only enriches the pool of talent and ideas but also promotes collaboration and the cross-pollination of innovative concepts within the life sciences.

4. Friendly: The friendly and approachable nature of SmiLe Incubator sets it apart as a welcoming and supportive environment for startups. The friendliness of the organization extends to its interactions with entrepreneurs, partners, and the broader life science community. This welcoming atmosphere encourages open dialogue, creative thinking, and the forging of lasting connections that contribute to the success of the startups it nurtures.

“SmiLe Incubator is dedicated to enabling a future of better health by nurturing, empowering, and accelerating life science startups and entrepreneurs. Our mission is to facilitate the development and commercialization of innovative healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes, enhance well-being, and advance the global life science industry.”

SmiLe Incubator is guided by a clear and compelling mission that drives its activities and shapes its impact in the world of life sciences and healthcare innovation. The incubator's mission is centred on enabling a future of better health through its support for life science startups and entrepreneurs.

SmiLe Incubator boasts an impressive and diverse portfolio of startups that span various sectors within the life sciences and healthcare innovation landscape. This dynamic portfolio reflects SmiLe's commitment to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and advancing the field of life sciences. Here is an overview of some of the startups in SmiLe Incubator's portfolio:

• Medicines for Acute Systemic Inflammatory Diseases: This startup likely focuses on the development of pharmaceuticals or therapies to address acute systemic inflammatory diseases, which can be life-threatening conditions.
• Cancer Immunotherapies Based on Cell Reprogramming: This company is likely pioneering innovative approaches to cancer treatment, leveraging cell reprogramming techniques to boost the immune system's ability to combat cancer.
• "Check-in Buddy" for the Elderly: This startup may offer a digital or technology-driven solution to support and monitor the well-being of elderly individuals, providing companionship and assistance.
• Cell Factories for Dairy Processing: This company could be involved in bioengineering and biotechnology, creating specialized cell factories to enhance dairy product manufacturing processes.
• Automated Microscopy Image Acquisition and Analysis: This startup is likely focused on automating and improving the analysis of microscopy images, which is critical for various scientific and medical applications.
• Implants of Magnesium Alloys: This company may be developing biocompatible implants made from magnesium alloys, potentially for use in medical devices and orthopaedic applications.
• Digital Service for Patients: This startup could be providing digital healthcare services, potentially allowing patients to access healthcare information and resources online.
• Digital Communication Tool for Titrating Medicine: This company might be working on a digital tool to assist in titrating (adjusting) medication dosages for patients, ensuring precise and personalized treatment.
• Medical Device to Reduce Pain During Vein Operations: This startup may have created a medical device aimed at improving patient comfort during vein-related medical procedures.
• Cloud-Based Solutions for Genomics Data: This company likely offers cloud-based data solutions for genomics research, simplifying the storage and analysis of genetic data.
• Reusable, User-Friendly, and Sustainable Pregnancy Test: This startup may have developed an eco-friendly and reusable pregnancy test, providing a more sustainable option for healthcare diagnostics.