Recently employed as Investment Manager for Life Science at Business Region Göteborg, Iris Öhrn works for making the Göteborg region and specifically the Life Science resources and competences better known abroad. “My work focuses on attracting foreign investments and on promoting collaboration between international investors and Life Science companies and research centers/institutions in the Göteborg region. In a few words, I will work for making our Life Science Industry clearer on the investors´ map," explains Iris Öhrn.

 “A global world demands for a global thinking, therefore it is very important to be active at the international level", says Iris Öhrn. “And by being the contact point within Business Region Göteborg for foreign Life Science investments, I will work closely to national and local Life Science organizations and institutions, such as Invest Sweden and GöteborgBIO. Active collaboration with GöteborgBIO and other partners like GU Holding, Sahlgrenska Science Park or Chalmers Innovation is essential for both understanding the needs and potential of our Life Science industry; and for detecting, creating awareness, and above of all, capitalizing on business opportunities." 
 
Great international experience
When it comes to international contacts, Iris has a broad experience from many countries. Born in Cuba, she studied Biochemistry for five years in Havana University before coming to Sweden in 1999. Once here she got quickly involved in different research projects at Sahlgrenska Academy, mostly related to cardiovascular diseases and the metabolic syndrome. After three years at the Wallenberg Laboratory, Iris moves to Spain, and enrolls in an MBA program in Biotechnology. The program focused on marketing, IP and entrepreneurship, among other matters that are aligned with the specific challenges of Pharma and biotech businesses and organizations.

Her time in Spain was followed by three years in Ireland where she worked for an American biotherapeutics company, assisting the General Manager with IP and business development matters. The company was acquired by Pfizer in 2008 and Iris returned to Göteborg to work for Synergon. “They were early at understanding that Intellectual property, R&D and Business Development most go hand-in-hand", she tells us.

Higher international level
Iris´ background within research, intellectual property and business development, in addition to her experience from living and working abroad, make her an appreciated resource for Business Region Göteborg and our Life Science in Göteborg. “I am really looking forward to being a part of this great opportunity and to be one more in the team working for the sustainable growth and competiveness of the Life science industry in Göteborg" Iris concludes.

 
Photo: Jesper Öhrn