Christian’s research education and continued research interest stems from translational lab work within cancer immunology. This led to his establishing research facilities and networks within this area. He has been involved in more than 50 clinical trials and has headed research, including clinical trial units focusing on translational clinical trials, at Sørlandet Hospital and Akershus University Hospital.

He has always been intrigued by the Biotech industry and has experience from Big Pharma (Roche).

Marte's clinical practice and research interests converge upon symptom management, where pain is central. She built her PhD project from the ground up, creating a national network of radiation oncologists which expanded her pilot to a multicenter study investigating the effects of palliative radiotherapy of prostate and rectal cancers throughout Norway.

Since 2020, she has been Medical Head of Research at the Center for Cancer Treatment at Sørlandet Hospital.

Stig works primarily with commercialization of R&D and growth companies in various parts of the technology segment (incl. SW, SW/HW, Deep Tech, Health Tech and Biotech/Life Science).

He assists startups and mature companies at various stages of their development, and continuously works with technology investors, business angel funds and venture funds, as well as their portfolio-companies. Stig holds formal competence from the MIT Sloan School of Management and NTNU (Institute for Industrial Economics), and practical experience related to entrepreneurship, business modelling, innovation and strategy.

Gunnar Evensen is currently Board member and investor in a number of technology companies. He has a degree in business administration and has worked as a top executive in Norwegian business and industry for many years.

Arne Hjertholm has extensive experience in financial due diligence processes, international transactions, mergers and cross boarder taxation issues.

Saurabh Mishra`s areas of expertise include corporate finance, valuation and financial strategy. He assists AKIGAI in financial corporate governance, valuation and critical strategic decisions.

Saurabh earned his MBA from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, a bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vinoba Bhave University, India and has a Junior Diploma in Hindustani Classical Music (Vocal; AKIGAI`s first musician) from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. When Saurabh is not involved in any professional initiatives, he can be found experimenting with recipes due to his passion for gastronomy.

After obtaining his medical degree he started working as clinical research associate. In 34 years he developed to an experienced commercial senior Vice President with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceutical industry. He has skilled leadership in life sciences and experience in marketing and business development in areas of cardiovascular, oncology and neurology.

After his retirement he was offered the opportunity to support AKIGAI in their ambition to bring effective treatment to patients suffering from unbearable pain. “I am thrilled that they enable me to contribute to their plans and to realize their dream to relieve the neuropathic pain of their patients.”

Paula Bousquet is a meticulous scientist with experience within drug development, both as a scientist and on the leadership level from both industry and public sector. Most importantly, she has extensive methodological experience from public and private drug development initiatives targeting the EGFR.