Gyros
Uppsala, Sweden
Founded: 2000
www.gyros.com

Why It’s Fierce: The company’s products streamline laboratory testing, allowing researchers to generate more scientific information from smaller biological samples. Two-year-old Gyros has attracted an impressive list of former Pharmacia executives and backing from some of Europe’s leading venture capitalists. The venture capital bust is bad in America. It’s even worse in Europe. We think Gyros is a survivor.

What to look for in 2003: Gyros’ strong finances and industry contacts will help the company gain traction this year as its competitors wither on the vine.