On Friday, October 25, a group of twenty participants from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Gothenburg met up at the vibrant Nola Bistro in the newly built GoCo Health Innovation City. 
Following a delightful lunch, we embarked on what would soon be revealed as Amazing Journey at AstraZeneca. Our guide, Mauritz, greeted us at the main entrance and ingeniously used a model of the AstraZeneca site to entertain us with tales of the buildings’ history.
 
Next stop was the blockbuster wall, highlighting key medicines and a device developed by AZ that have significantly impacted modern healthcare. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we heard about  one of the first breast cancer drugs, still widely prescribed today. Its journey faced challenges, including a lack of patent protection and initial abandonment. However, the "Navy protocol", which involved using this specific drug in the treatment of a dog named Navy, led to breakthroughs that paved the way for human trials, illustrating the power of persistence in medical advancements.

We continued our tour, exploring AstraZeneca's research areas: Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Respiratory and Immunology, Oncology, Vaccines and Immune Therapies, and Rare Diseases. Some volunteers attempted to outpace the High Throughput Screening (HTS) process, but the HTS proved faster. We also learned about AstraZeneca's sustainability commitment, symbolized by the suspended a-helix, emphasizing collaboration for societal and planetary well-being. The tour concluded with insights into the drug development process, including the time, cost, and role of failures in fostering medical innovation.
 
After this energising tour, the group returned to GoCo Health Innovation City for an After Work
drink at Vigor & Joy’s lounge. In a friendly atmosphere, we discussed the highlights of the tour and made plans to reconnect during the next event of the Dutch Chamber on Wednesday, December 4. Please join us on this Glögg mingle by registering on our website. 
 
/S.K.T.

Last Wednesday afternoon we gathered, surrounded by fellow art enthusiasts, for an immersive art experience featuring Vincent van Gogh at Artipelag.
It may or may not have been a coincidence to host this exhibition at Artipelag, still,  there is no doubt that the venue’s stunning surroundings enhanced the atmosphere and truly elevated the experience.

Once inside the museum, we were enveloped in a mesmerizing digital display that brought Van Gogh’s masterpieces to life. The seamless integration of classical music and visual art created an ambiance that felt both transcendent and intimate.

Some background information: 
Vincent van Gogh, born on March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands, began painting at age 27 and created over 2,000 works in just over a decade. His bold use of colour and expressive style transformed art around the world.

One of his most famous works, "The Starry Night," painted in June 1889, reflects his emotional turmoil and fascination with the night sky. Created while he was at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the painting features swirling stars and a vibrant, dreamlike sky over a quiet village. Its innovative use of colour and form captures the artist's inner struggles and deep connection to the natural world. Despite his challenges, Van Gogh’s legacy endures, celebrated for its emotional depth and innovation.

After this unique experience, everyone gathered for a short, lively mingle to share their insights and personal takeaways. 
For sure an evening that not only left us inspired, but also renewed our belief in collective potential to think outside the box and bring our visions to life. Let’s harness this creative energy and transform our insights into impactful actions as we continue this journey together!

​/A.S.

Brasserie Ceno at World of Volvo in Gothenburg was the venue for a dinner on 8 October, hosted by the Dutch Chamber Region West. A lovely meal was enjoyed in good company. Familiar and new faces mingled, networked, and shared their experiences of doing business in Sweden.

The iconic building isn’t just an ordinary venue. It is known for its striking architecture, the grand staircase and elegant designed elevator. We can recommend a visit to the World of Volvo exhibition, which showcases iconic vehicles and experiences that paid tribute to the brand's legacy. 

Anna-Lisa Gustavii, who works with UP THERE, EVERYWHERE among other organisations, attended a Dutch Chamber event for the first time. “I’ve heard about the activities you organise in Gothenburg, and tonight I’ve met so many people with connections to the Netherlands. Having spent over 10 years of my life there, I’ve developed a deep love for everything Dutch, so I’ve truly enjoyed the evening. As a marketing professional, I see a lot of potential and opportunities within this network.”

Interested in expanding your professional network? Please join us at one of our future events, such as the company visit to AstraZeneca on 25 October or the Christmas mingle at Travel.se on 4 December. See our event list: https://www.dutchchamber.se/events.html#!event-list.
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/V. P.