New CEO of Mau Holding announced

The goal of the recruitment is to increase the inflow of cases to the holding company. Since its inception, Mau Holding has invested in two companies. The first, Pharmista Technologies, develops reusable pregnancy tests. It was founded by alumni, Alice Mattsson. The second, Sensach AB, develops medical patches for the diagnosis of inflammatory skin diseases, based on research by Professor Johan Engblom and his colleagues at Malmö University.

I want to see more societal impact, where both sustainability and long-term thinking are given frameworks.

Aron Podavka

“This is the right time to strengthen efforts and appoint a CEO who can speed up the operational work, develop the holding company and make investments,” says Charlotte Ahlgren Moritz, chair of Mau Holding’s board.

Podavka has a background in entrepreneurship and innovation; he has a degree in economics, specialising in finance, entrepreneurship and innovation, sustainable development, and Chinese language studies. After graduating, he became CEO of Drivhuset Stockholm, which he developed into a thriving business.

He sees his new role as an opportunity to contribute to an ecosystem where research and entrepreneurship can meet and grow together. He believes Malmö University has an exciting young profile with an interesting geographical location in the Öresund region that contributes to a Nordic and international perspective.

“There is much important research and ideas within the University that can benefit society; I want to see more societal impact, where both sustainability and long-term thinking are given frameworks,” he says, adding:

“It doesn't necessarily have to be a patent or a product, but perhaps it's more about packaging a process and making an impact in other ways.”

He believes it is important not to pre-judge ideas but rather help individuals to move forward by focusing on and empowering their driving force. His passion is to develop innovative business ideas and create value through strategic collaboration, which is in line with the University's vision for long-term sustainable innovation.

“I want to use my experience of coaching and supporting entrepreneurs while working to strengthen and develop Mau Holdings and Malmö University's position, and by extension Sweden as a knowledge nation,” he says.

He is looking forward to working with Mau Holding's portfolio companies, meeting with the faculties and departments and developing the innovation activities. The first thing he wants to do is to gather different people's expectations of Mau Holding to get everyone on board.