Sven-Thore Holm
Founder, IDEON Science Park
CEO, Technology Transfer Foundation
Lund, Sweden

Sven-Thore Holm was in 1982 appointed by the governor of Scania Province in Sweden to organize and head the first Science Park in Scandinavia, Ideon Science Park in Lund. The park has grown during the last two decades and has seen more than 500 companies as tenants. About 70% of the companies have originated from Lund University.

Lund University has nine faculties and holds about 40.000 students. Ideon Science Park has become a role model for science parks in Scandinavia.

In 1994 Mr Holm became the CEO of the Foundation for Technology Transfer in Lund. The Foundation was established by the Swedish Parliament and is responsible for the industrialisation of research in a wide sense in connection with eight universities in the southern provinces Main activities consists of entrepreneurial education,start-up operation, patent and licensing and equity funding. Since the Foundation is running an integrated system knowledge support to traditional SME's is a complementary and essential activity.

Mr Holm is elected on several boards in connection with innovation structures as well different companies in Sweden and Denmark . In 1995 Mr Holm was appointed Knight of the Royal Dutch Orange- Nassau Order for contributions concerning economic development related to Holland.

Sven-Thore Holm born 1946 earned a masters degree in environmental chemistry 1972 at Lund University and headed 1976 - 1982 the industrial airpollution unit at the provincial government of Scania.

Mr Holm is married to Elisabet and has three children. Hunting, fishing and sailing keeps him busy on holidays.

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