At The Park, ideas grow into impact — and for AWA, one of Europe’s leading intellectual property firms, being part of that process is essential. We sat down with Fredrik Rahm, Senior Associate in AWA’s chemistry and life science team, to talk about how intellectual property connects academia, startups, and industry — and why The Park has become an important home base for their work.The conversation was led by Ruby, a PhD student at Karolinska Institutet and a community intern at The Park.
From Chemistry to Intellectual Property
“I’m a chemist by training,” Fredrik begins. “I have a PhD in organic chemistry and spent about 20 years in the life science industry — mostly at pharmaceutical companies, where I really grew up professionally.” After initial years in big pharma, Fredrik joined a startup, where he helped build the company’s medicinal chemistry capabilities. That’s where his journey into intellectual property began. “IP landed on my desk, and I became responsible for the patent portfolio. We reached out to AWA for professional support, and eventually I joined them,” he explains. “Now I’m a Senior Associate in the chemistry and life science team.
”Why AWA Chose The Park
For AWA, being at The Park isn’t just about office space — it’s about proximity to innovation.“We work with innovative companies, from early-stage academic research to big pharma, so being in a space like The Park makes a lot of sense,” Fredrik says. “It’s an ecosystem where innovation happens. We want to be present in early discussions, support academic groups, and help them build something that lasts.”The Park’s location near Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska Hospital also makes it a natural fit.“Even though our Stockholm office is nearby, being here makes it easier to meet clients, grab lunch, or host meetings,” he adds. “This is definitely a community we want to continue being part of.”
Working and Growing Within the Community
AWA has a fixed desk membership at The Park, ensuring that someone from their team is always present.“We make sure someone from our team is here at least once a week,” Fredrik explains. “It’s great because even if we only have a couple of meetings, we can still work from here. Having a fixed desk makes it easier to stay focused and present without constantly commuting back and forth.”Their team rotates members based on technical expertise — bringing in specialists in chemistry, software, or AI, depending on the projects they’re supporting.“We’re also exploring how to be more visible — hosting seminars, sharing knowledge, and being thought leaders.”
Community, Visibility, and Support
Fredrik describes the support from The Park team as exceptional.“The support is fantastic. When we have a seminar, it’s easy to get it into the newsletter, LinkedIn, or the events page. The team always puts it into context and makes sure it fits graphically. That’s really helpful in reaching the right audience.”He notes that even informal connections at The Park can have a long-term impact.“I’ve met people from areas I didn’t expect, and that’s valuable. Networking and raising awareness about IP is a win in itself. Even if they don’t come to us directly, it benefits the whole ecosystem.”His goal is to make IP feel more approachable: “Talking to us is free — no strings attached. IP is business. It’s a collaboration. It’s being partners.”
Shared Values: Innovation, Growth, and Openness
Fredrik says AWA’s values align closely with The Park’s.“The building is beautiful, and the brand fits well. It’s about growth, innovation, and a friendly yet professional approach. That aligns with how we want IP to be perceived — not as something intimidating, or as a barrier, but as a vital tool for transforming scientific innovation into companies and products that make a real difference in people’s lives. The Park really stands out in connecting great science, community, and innovation.”Continuous Learning and EngagementBeyond client meetings, Fredrik enjoys the diverse range of events at The Park.“The breadth of events and expertise here is great,” he says. “I attend both The Park’s events and others in the broader community — even ones focused on personal growth, like a seminar on company culture. It’s not always about finding prospects. It’s about learning and being part of the community.”
Looking Ahead
As AWA continues to grow its presence at The Park, Fredrik sees potential for even smoother event planning.“One thing we’ve discussed is making event planning a bit more streamlined — maybe a landing page with packages like ‘Lunch event for 20–30 people’ that include room and catering suggestions. The support is fantastic when I reach out, but having that structure would make things easier.”
Connecting Science, Business, and Community
From his perspective, The Park’s value lies in bridging worlds — academia, startups, and industry.“The Park really is an intersection of great science, entrepreneurship, and creativity,” Fredrik reflects. “And that’s exactly where AWA wants to be — supporting ideas as they grow into something real.”AWA’s presence at The Park strengthens a shared mission: helping innovators protect, develop, and share ideas that move society forward.
About AWA
AWA is a leading European intellectual property firm helping clients protect, enforce, and maximize the value of their ideas. With offices across Europe and Asia, AWA works at the intersection of science, technology, and business — turning innovation into growth.
