Based at Sahlgrenska Science Park in Gothenburg, CO-AX Accelerator is a tailored program designed to support health-tech startups from early-stage ideas to market-ready solutions. The program combines hands-on mentorship, expert-led workshops, and access to a strong network of industry partners, investors, and healthcare providers.
Who can apply to this program?
CO-AX Accelerator is designed for ambitious founders and teams working on innovations in health, medtech, life science, or related sectors. Whether refining concepts, building prototypes, or preparing to scale, the program offers the structure, expertise, and network to accelerate your journey.
What are the benefits?
Participants in the CO-AX Accelerator benefit from:
Tailored business and product development support from experienced industry mentors
Guidance on regulatory pathways and compliance for health and life science innovation
Connections to investors, healthcare providers, and global partners
A collaborative and inspiring community at the heart of Gothenburg’s life science ecosystem
Program Details & How to Apply
Application timeline: Jan 12 - Mar 15
You apply to the program
We review them after the application period is closed
We will contact you (if selected) to a live pitch (on location or digital) on Mar 18
Shortly (a couple of days) after the pitch, you will be notified regarding acceptance to the program, and to the Intro Day on April 16.
"Being part of CO-AX at Sahlgrenska Science Park has been a very valuable strategic advantage for VERIGRAFT. The tailored support and deep understanding of the international health tech landscape have helped us sharpen our focus, strengthen our network, and accelerate our path toward clinical and commercial success." Petter Björquist, CEO, VERIGRAFT
A Proven Track Record
Alumni of CO-AX Accelerator have gone on to secure funding, launch products, and expand internationally. From digital health solutions to advanced medical devices, the program has helped startups turn bold ideas into impactful, real-world solutions.
"What truly sets Sahlgrenska Science Park apart is how they tailor their support to our specific needs. It is never a one-size-fits-all approach. They have opened doors to the broader innovation ecosystem and connected us with valuable opportunities we would not have found on our own. On top of that, the team is consistently friendly, helpful, and highly professional. It is always a pleasure working with them." Tilda Back, Founder and CEO, Konvoj (Alumni)
Recognized as a Leading Incubator in Sweden
CO-AX Accelerator has been ranked among the top incubators in Sweden in Vinnova’s national excellence incubator program, earning the "Excellent Incubator" quality stamp and securing SEK 22 million in funding over four years.
A Word from the CO-AX Team
"Our mission is to give founders the tools, networks, and confidence they need to bring their solutions to market faster and with greater impact. Every cohort is a unique group of innovators, and we tailor our support to their specific journeys. We are excited to welcome applications and meet the health-tech leaders of tomorrow." Emma Hallenberg, Director of CO-AX Accelerator
If you are ready to take your health-tech innovation to the next level, we invite you to apply and join a community dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare.
Frequently asked questions
Does CO-AX invest and take equity in the company?
No, we will not invest or take equity in our portfolio companies.
Does CO-AX need to be included on the board of the company?
No, but we offer, and encourage, our portfolio companies to co-opt their business coach to the board, for oversight and coaching. All of our coaches have had education on corporate governance for Swedish companies.
For how long does a startup remain in the accelerator?
This differs a lot. We do not have a fixed programme that runs out its course, and we let startups and scaleups stay for as long as they need and as long as we think that we can contribute to their success. In the health tech sector, things tend to take a bit longer, so companies can stay with us longer than the average for other incubators.
What’s the cost of participation?
We have a monthly fee of 1000 SEK (VAT?) for participation, billed on a quarterly basis. This is to partly cover use of our facilities, and internal events, and to provide a small amount of monetary skin in the game for the startup.
Do we need to send in a pitch deck with the application?
You’re not required to, but it strengthens your possibility of being fairly judged and accepted for the first round (i.e. getting the opportunity to do a live pitch in front of our group of business coaches). If you have a pitch deck, email it to co-ax@sahlgrenskasciencepark.se along with applying via the form that is linked from the website.
What happens after you apply the program?
We review the applications in the next week after it is closed, and we will contact you if you have moved further on to the pitch which is on Mar 18. Notice will be given shortly after that, and the intro day for all new is April 16.