They are building the impact company of the future with genetic diversity at its core
With support from organizations such as Formas and Vinnova, Stockholm University alumna Helena Isolde Sundsgård is building a global platform to strengthen genetic variation among both wild and domestic animals. The venture is backed by scientific expertise from Professor Linda Laikre at Stockholm University. The goal: to safeguard the genetic future of animals and build a world-leading tech company with genuine societal impact.
Genetic diversity is crucial for the survival of animals in the face of climate change and emerging diseases. Yet for a long time, there has been a lack of tools to translate research on genetic diversity into practice – particularly for livestock and companion animals. Entrepreneur Helena Isolde Sundsgård intends to change this with her company AnimalOOO, supported by research from Professor Linda Laikre, Department of Zoology, Stockholm University.
“There’s been research on genetic variation for decades, but it’s been difficult to create real change. Through entrepreneurship we can reach out – and make a real difference,” says Linda Laikre.
Her research journey began with the wolf. Already in the 1980s, she started analysing the effects of inbreeding in wild animals, with a particular focus on Sweden’s wolf population.
“It used to be said that 10–20 individuals were enough for a stable population. We showed that wolves are just as sensitive to inbreeding as other wild animals,” says Linda Laikre.
The research led to the development of methods to secure genetic variation, methods which are now being scaled up with the help of technology and software. In collaboration with PhD students, Laikre has also carried out extensive surveys of Swedish domestic breeds. Twelve dog breeds for which Sweden has special conservation responsibility have been analyzed – with results showing that the Gotland hound was the best managed genetically, despite being the breed with the fewest individuals.
Aiming to build the next major tech company
For Helena Isolde Sundsgård, there has always been a strong drive to build technology that makes life easier for animal lovers, breeders, and competitors.
“I knew early on that I wanted to work with animals, and I later realized that technology was the tool needed to make a real global change across the animal industry. When I went on to study ethology and population genetics at Stockholm University and met Linda, everything fell into place. I realized her research could become the foundation for something bigger,” she says.
Together, the duo are now developing a digital system that enables real-time analysis of kinship, inbreeding levels, and genetic diversity – across all species, as long as pedigree data is available. The system is already being tested with breed associations and customers.
“We want everyone, from breeders to public authorities, to be able to understand and act on genetic data. This could revolutionize how we work with animal husbandry globally,” says Helena Isolde Sundsgård.
The system is species-independent, research-based, and scalable. The aim is to support sustainable animal husbandry and conservation efforts, reduce genetic diseases, and provide tools for biodiversity reporting to the EU and other international bodies.
“Often there’s no clear overview, but with our tool, breed associations, authorities, and breeders can make informed decisions. This is technology that makes research accessible,” says Helena Isolde.
The development takes place in close dialogue with breed associations, Stockholm University’s Innovation Office, and funders such as Formas and Vinnova. The system is currently being tested by pilot customers and validated scientifically by Laikre’s research group.
Societal impact and tech go hand in hand
What makes the project even more unique is that it is driven by two women, from the worlds of research and tech, both deeply rooted in the animal sector. Today, only 0.5% of all investment capital goes to female-led companies.
“This is women-led from both the research and the business side – and that’s almost never the case. It’s a powerful combination, because we know both what the science requires and what reality looks like,” says Helena Isolde.
She continues:
“There’s an old perception that making money is the opposite of doing good. But our foundation is impact: the more we grow, the more benefit we can create. And more people want to be part of such companies – as customers, investors, or partners.”
Helena Isolde encourages others to take the leap with their ideas:
“I’ve had countless rejections and been told ‘you don’t understand tech’, but you have to dare anyway. The worst that can happen is failure – and that’s okay. It’s been a very tough journey to get here, but now we see the huge global interest.”
For Linda Laikre, the role of researcher-as-innovator is still relatively rare in Sweden:
“For a long time, applied research was seen as ‘second class’. And genetic diversity wasn’t even mentioned. I’ve shared Helena Isolde’s attitude – to keep going, despite the resistance.”
A future where everyone wins
Helena Isolde Sundsgård sees a shift coming, driven by impact-focused companies:
“No one loses from genetic diversity – but everyone loses if we fail to act. The benefits – higher reproduction rates, fewer diseases, lower veterinary costs, and greater animal wellbeing – are invaluable, while the downsides simply don’t exist. The future is about taking responsibility for genetic diversity in both wild and domestic species. Everyone wins from healthy, sustainable animals.”
She concludes:
“We want to create a reality where research is applied and improves life for both animals and people. This is only the beginning.”
Are you a researcher at Stockholm University?
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Written by: Madeleine Bäckman
Last updated: October 6, 2025
Source: The Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services