The three co-founders sitting together in a sofa inside.

QureTech Bio develops new first-in-class antibacterial agents to combat infectious diseases and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance. This is done either by a direct antimicrobial effect or by potentiating existing antibiotics and making them more effective without causing resistance. QTB was part of Umeå Biotech Incubator from 2014 to 2024.

Annica Rönnbäck, COO at QTB, for how many years did you work with the incubator team?
“QureTech Bio was part of UBI from 2014 until 2024”.

What happened to your idea in the end?
“QureTech Bio grew from an academic spin-off started by four innovative professors into a biotech company with a strong IP portfolio, a pipeline of new antibacterial agents, and a well-established organization”.

What did you most appreciate about the incubator environment at UBI?
“The support from our business coaches was extremely valuable, and UBI’s extensive network opened doors to investors and partners, which made a big difference to our growth. Financial support in the early stages, access to well-equipped labs, and the supportive community have also really been appreciated”.

What learnings have you taken with you from your journey in the incubator?
“Be open-minded and have patience. Building a strong team is essential”.

What would you say to others wanting to utilize a research idea?
“Reach out to the innovation system in Umeå; early feedback on your idea is incredibly helpful for understanding what steps are necessary to bring it forward”.

Interview made in January 2026.

Read more at QureTech Bio’s web.

UBI Incubation Phase

Alumni

Contact Information

Umeå Biotech Incubator (UBI)<br /> Tvistevägen 48<br /> 907 36 Umeå, Sweden
Fredrik Almqvist
Research director, Co-founder
Sven Bergström
Co-founder
Jörgen Johansson
Co-founder
Annica Rönnbäck
COO
Affiliations
Department of Chemistry, Umeå University
Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University