About MVA
Medicon Valley Alliance
Medicon Valley Alliance (MVA) is the official cross-border life science cluster organization for Medicon Valley; the dynamic bi-national region embracing Eastern Denmark and Southern Sweden.
Home to over 330+ members, including universities, hospitals, biotech and pharma companies, CROs, CDMOs, science parks and public sector organizations, MVA serves as the region’s facilitator, catalyst and advocate. MVA drives collaboration, knowledge-sharing and business development through strategic projects, flagship events, thematic networks and advocacy. As the only cross-border cluster organization that Denmark or Sweden have, MVA uniquely facilitates synergies that amplify the region’s global competitiveness and, as such, plays a central role in driving knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation.
By continuously refining our initiatives and adapting to industry needs, we ensure that Medicon Valley remains a magnet for life science advancements, economic growth and improved healthcare outcomes, delivering tangible value to our members and strengthening the region’s attractiveness for investors and talent.
MVA’s Purpose and Strategic Priorities
MVA’s purpose is to “strengthen, position and represent Medicon Valley as the leading, most competitive, innovative and vibrant life science hub in the European Union”.
In doing so, MVA also actively supports the Swedish and Danish national life science strategies and fosters cross-border collaboration, extending its reach ad hoc to other Nordic and European stakeholders where relevant. While committed to Medicon Valley’s continued success, MVA is equally dedicated to supporting the future of not just a competitive Danish and Swedish, but a competitive Nordic life science hub.
Our mission is clear: to ensure that Medicon Valley remains a magnet for world-class talent, breakthrough science and international investment — delivering tangible benefits to our members, society and the economy.
I. Cross-Border Mindset
In a world where collaboration defines success, MVA’s cross-border identity is a key competitive advantage. We work to deepen integration between the Danish and Swedish life science ecosystems, creating greater critical mass and impact.
II. Triple-Helix Collaboration
At the heart of MVA’s work is the belief that the intersection of academia, industry and healthcare is where innovation happens. We drive sustainable collaborations that unlock new solutions for global health challenges.
III. Enhancing Competitiveness
MVA champions Medicon Valley as a global life science leader — a region with the potential to rival major international HubsRecognized in the EU’s Draghi Report as a key innovation hub, Medicon Valley must scale its impact and visibility.
Vision 2028
In the light of the Draghi report on the “Future for EU’s Competitiveness” and its call for unleashing the potential of innovation hubs like Medicon Valley, MVA will do our part in Strengthening Medicon Valley as Europe’s Leading Cross-Border Life Science Hub by fostering cross-border collaboration, world-class R&D, innovation and strong public-private partnerships. Building on MVA’s cross-border identity and triple-helix collaborations, we will work towards making Medicon Valley Europe’s most competitive cross-border life science ecosystem.
By 2028, our vision is to see Medicon Valley recognized not only as Northern Europe’s leading life science hub but also as a global competitor on par with major U.S. hubs — a center of gravity for talent, investment and scientific breakthroughs.
Rooted in our cross-border mindset, driven by triple-helix collaboration and committed to enhancing competitiveness, MVA will continue to serve as the trusted platform where science meets business — building a healthier and more prosperous future.
Click here to download the full strategy.
MVA’s History
MVA was founded in 1997, born from a vision of cross-border collaboration in life sciences between Denmark and Sweden. Informal discussions began as early as 1992, driven by the development of the Øresund Bridge and the opportunities it created for closer integration between the two countries.
Launched as Medicon Valley Academy under the EU Interreg II program, the organization was initiated by Lund and Copenhagen Universities, Region Skåne and Region Capital with strong backing from leading pharmaceutical companies such as Novo Nordisk, Lundbeck and Astra. From the start, the goal was to create a platform for academia, industry and hospitals to meet and collaborate.
By 2000, MVA evolved into a fully-fledged membership organization. As its role expanded from a networking facilitator to a driver of talent attraction and innovation, the name changed to Medicon Valley Alliance — reflecting a broader mission to strengthen the life science ecosystem of Medicon Valley.
Today, MVA is a Swedish-Danish, cross-border, triple-helix organization that continues to champion collaboration and competitiveness — building on a proud legacy to position Medicon Valley as one of Europe’s most vibrant and innovative life science hubs.