Last week, Hagastaden welcomed a historic visit from Iceland’s President Halla Tómasdóttir and her spouse Björn Skúlason, alongside HM King Carl XVI Gustaf and HM Queen Silvia of Sweden. Their presence marked a significant moment in the deepening relationship between Sweden and Iceland within health, life science, and innovation.

The state visit highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing today’s shared challenges in healthcare, medical research, and education. Iceland and Sweden, already long-standing partners in this space, used this opportunity to look ahead, towards even closer ties between their innovation ecosystems.

One symbolic step in that direction was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Stockholm Science City and Reykjavik Science City. This agreement is designed to strengthen the bridge between the two districts, enabling greater collaboration, knowledge exchange, and future partnerships.

The visit also offered a vivid illustration of what makes Hagastaden a unique place: a neighbourhood where clinical excellence, academic leadership, and entrepreneurial ambition meet. With research institutes, hospitals, startups, and innovation hubs like The Park Forskaren working side-by-side, Hagastaden is more than a location, it’s a growing ecosystem.

We were proud to witness this milestone moment, and to be part of a community helping shape the future of health innovation in the Nordics and beyond.

This is how we build a healthier, more connected future. This is how we keep Growing Together.