Innovation & Science
Hagastaden is a hub for business, academia, and society, where research, healthcare, and innovation go hand in hand. Its unique location offers proximity to Stockholm city and is within walking distance of four leading universities—Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm School of Economics, and Stockholm University—as well as one of the world’s top hospitals, Karolinska University Hospital.
With these exceptional conditions, it’s no surprise that innovation, science, and life science are embedded in Hagastaden’s very DNA. The district is home to major development projects in life science, where internationally renowned researchers collaborate closely with universities and businesses, shaping the future of healthcare and technology.
World-Class Science
Hagastaden has emerged as a world-class innovation district, bringing together businesses, research, and education. Today, the district is home to Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, S:t Eriks Eye Hospital, and 175 companies and other organizations within life science. The companies range from startups and small businesses to major global corporations. As Hagastaden continues to grow, there is still room for more.
Karolinska Institutet
Karolinska Institutet (KI) consistently ranks among the world’s top medical universities, based on the impact and excellence of its research. In Sweden, KI is the leading contributor to medical academic research and offers the widest range of medical programs in the country.
Karolinska University Hospital
Ranked as the seventh-best hospital in the world by Newsweek in 2024, Karolinska University Hospital in Solna has been among the top 10 for five consecutive years.
S:t Eriks Eye Hospital
In 2020, S:t Eriks Eye Hospital relocated to a new state-of-the-art facility in Hagastaden, right across from Karolinska University Hospital. As Sweden’s only specialized eye hospital, it integrates eye care, research, and education under one roof. It is also one of Europe’s largest and most comprehensive institutions for ophthalmology and vision science, establishing a new center for advanced eye care.
Where Nobel Laureates Are Chosen
Since 1901, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has been responsible for selecting the recipients of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The assembly consists of 50 professors from Karolinska Institutet, and the research is conducted by its Nobel Committee.
The Nobel Prize honors researchers who have made the most significant discoveries for the benefit of humanity. During Nobel Week in December, Nobel laureates can be found in Hagastaden, where they give lectures, engage in discussions, and participate in inspirational meetings.
What is Life Science?
Life science is the study of life and health, encompassing several fields of science, including biology, mathematics, engineering, and medicine. It also includes companies, universities, and public organizations at the municipal, regional, and national levels that work to improve people’s lives and health through research and innovation.
The life science sector is unique because it spans the entire chain – from basic academic research and startups, through the development of medical technology and pharmaceuticals, to large-scale industrial production for the global market, which is then applied in healthcare. Ultimately, it’s about creating products and services that improve people’s health.
"Life science is the science of life and health, encompassing several scientific fields such as biology, engineering, and medicine."
The Starting Point for Life Science in Hagastaden
In 2007, a joint decision was made to develop Hagastaden into the world’s leading area for life science. An agreement was signed by Stockholm City, Solna City, Region Stockholm (then Stockholm County Council), Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, and representatives from the business sector.
Today, Hagastaden is a world-class innovation district that includes Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, S:t Eriks Eye Hospital, and 175 companies and organizations in the life science sector. More are continuously joining. Hagastaden is a unique initiative that unites society, higher education, and business.
