The Flemingsberg Science Foundation welcomes Natasha Bank as the new Cluster Manager.

In December last year, the Flemingsberg Science Foundation was granted funding from the European Regional Development Fund to establish itself as a key player in Life Science with the launch of the project “Cluster Engine Life Science Flemingsberg.” Natasha Bank, the foundation’s rising star who will lead the project to success, shares more about herself and her new role.

Natasha, tell us a little about yourself

– I am an entrepreneur at heart and a strategist in mind, and I love helping others realize their visions. My background is broad, spanning areas such as finance, marketing, and business development, with a particular passion for life science. My interest in the field was sparked by a personal experience—when my then-partner was diagnosed with MS, I immersed myself in stem cell research during my master’s studies. That became the starting point for a journey combining research, entrepreneurship, and mentorship,” says Natasha.

Over the years, Natasha has run her own businesses, worked with startups, and supported other entrepreneurs through mentorship. She also has experience leading strategic projects, building networks, and driving innovation, both in the corporate sector and academia.

“Building relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration is something I am truly passionate about.”

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

– I am truly excited to contribute to the development of Flemingsberg as a leading hub for innovation and research. My passion lies in creating strong networks between researchers, businesses, and investors, and in this role, I have the opportunity to do just that. Being part of an environment where I can drive change and foster long-term growth is incredibly inspiring. Building relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration is something I deeply care about.

Natasha speaks passionately about her background in strategic communication, project management, and entrepreneurship, and how she is committed to helping businesses and researchers find the right partnerships and resources to take their innovations to the next level.

“For me, it’s not just about business—it’s about making a difference, contributing to something bigger, and creating an environment where ideas can thrive and grow.”

What are your thoughts on Flemingsberg, both now and in the future?

Natasha describes Flemingsberg as an exciting place with strong ambitions in life science and innovation. She highlights the unique opportunity to create a dynamic and international environment where research and industry collaborate to tackle future challenges.

– I see Flemingsberg as a place with enormous potential—a place where new ideas are born, where startups have the opportunity to grow, and where collaboration between academia and industry can drive groundbreaking innovations. With the ongoing investments and the expertise present here, I am confident that Flemingsberg will become one of Sweden’s most important hubs for research and development.

What do you do in your free time?

– In my free time, I love being active and creative in different ways. Dance is a big part of my life—it’s my way of expressing myself, letting go, and feeling joy. I also love singing, mostly covers of Persian songs, but I have a few of my own as well. I enjoy trying new things and stepping outside my comfort zone. One of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve done was training in Krav Maga, which strengthened me both physically and mentally.”

– I am also deeply engaged in women’s rights, particularly given my background from Iran. I’m passionate about freedom and equality and actively fights for women’s right to live life on their own terms.

The Cluster Engine Life Science Flemingsberg project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and aims to strengthen the growth and establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the life science sector in the Stockholm region. The initiative will officially launch in February 2025.

Contact Natasha
natasha.bank@flemingsbergscience.se
073 777 14 77

A national resource for tomorrow’s treatments – Karolinska ATMP Center is now inaugurated

With a clear message of hope for the future and a powerful spirit of collaboration, the Karolinska ATMP Center in Flemingsberg was inaugurated at the end of August. The center is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital and will serve as a national resource for the production of advanced therapies (ATMPs), where research, clinical trials, and treatments work seamlessly together to deliver groundbreaking therapies to patients.

Meetings That Shape the Future: Flemingsberg Science at Almedalen

In June this year, the foundation took part in the annual Almedalen Week, the world’s largest democratic meeting place for everyone who wants to join the discussions on current societal issues. This year, we had a special focus on Life Science, an area and cluster that has long been a natural part of Flemingsberg, and which is now growing stronger than ever.

Meet us at NLSDays

In the south of Stockholm you’ll find Flemingsberg, home to a vibrant life science cluster that’s rapidly emerging as an attractive location for life science companies. Here, academia, business and society form a dynamic ecosystem, fueling innovation and growth. And with more companies establishing and collaborations further deepening, the opportunity to expand and invest have never been greater. This year, we are therefore participating in NLSDays in Gothenburg, where we will showcase Flemingsberg's unique strengths and invite more stakeholders to become part of our thriving life science environment.

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