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In a recent episode of the BayInCo podcast “Be All You Can Be”, Maria Forss, CEO and President of BICO Group, shared insights into the company’s mission, growth, and role in shaping the lab of the future. She also reflects on her leadership style and how it influences the company’s culture of innovation and empowerment.

From startup to strategic partner

Founded in 2016 in Gothenburg, BICO has grown from a bold startup into a global biotech group with sales in over 65 countries, about 600 employees, and more than 48,000 instruments installed worldwide. Its mission is clear: to enable life science organizations to accelerate discovery, improve efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for patients.

Supporting Drug Development 

Drug development is complex, costly, and slow, often taking over a decade with a 90% failure rate. BICO doesn’t develop drugs, but it plays a vital role in helping those who do. Through intelligent lab automation that improves data reliability and reduces manual labor, BICO enables pharma companies to innovate faster, test smarter, and scale more efficiently.

From advanced lab software and single-cell genomics to bioprinting, BICO’s solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of researchers. By enabling earlier testing and more accurate modeling, BICO helps reduce time to market and supports the shift toward personalized medicine.

“Our technologies are designed to reduce time to market and increase the probability of success, especially in a field where 90% of compounds fail.  It’s not just about speed, it’s about quality, reproducibility, and giving scientists the insights they need to make better decisions.”

Global Reach, Local Impact

Though BICO operates globally, its headquarters remain in Gothenburg, a city that is quickly becoming a life science hub. Alongside major players like AstraZeneca, Getinge and Mölnlycke, BICO is helping put the region on the map for biotech innovation. Its presence attracts talent, investment, and collaboration, reinforcing Sweden’s role in shaping the future of healthcare.

To support its mission, BICO has built centers of excellence in Sweden, Germany, and the U.S., strategically located to bring together top minds in engineering and life sciences. These hubs foster cross-functional innovation and ensure that BICO remains agile and forward-looking.

Leadership that enables others

Maria’s leadership style mirrors the company she leads: strategic, grounded, and deeply committed to empowering others. With over 30 years in global life sciences, she brings both scientific passion and business clarity to the role. 

“I’ve always believed in grit,” she said. “It’s the combination of passion, perseverance, and resilience that drives real progress.”

Her leadership fosters a culture where teams understand their purpose, take ownership, and grow together.

Looking ahead

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, BICO is ready to meet the challenge. With a clear strategy, scalable technologies, and a deep understanding of scientific workflows, the company is positioning itself to become the go-to lab automation partner for life science organizations worldwide.

Whether it’s accelerating development timelines, advancing personalized medicine, or enabling more ethical research practices, BICO is helping shape the lab of the future.

Learn more on bayinco.se